The chimney crown or chimney wash as its popularly known is a large slap that covers the top of your chimney. According to chimney repair professionals, the unit plays a vital role in protecting the chimney from tough weather conditions.

When they are properly installed, they extend over the walls of the chimney creating a kerf that directs water onto the roof—away from the chimney.

Types of chimney crowns

There are many types of chimney crowns that you can install in your home. Some of the most common are:

Cement crown: This is the most common type of chimney crown that you will find in most homes. You install the unit on top of the finished chimney masonry and slope it upwards to aid in water run-off.

The attractive thing about the unit is that it’s affordable and easy to install. The unfortunate thing is that it doesn’t last for a long time—it often lasts between 1-5 years.

Concrete crown: You install this unit on top of a finished masonry and you fill it with concrete. To make it more durable, it’s common for chimney contractors to add steel to the construction. When installing the unit, you should note that it tends to be a little bit expensive.

The cool thing is that it can last for a long time (usually 20-30 years) depending on the quality of concrete used, design, and installation.

Cut stone crown: Chimney experts refer to it as the most durable crown that you can install in your home. The chimney company you hire simply cuts and sets the stone on top of the finished chimney to act as crown.

While this crown is durable, it’s main flaw is that it tends to be expensive to install, thus you should be ready to part with a substantial amount.

Chimney crown damage

Just like the other parts of the chimney, the crown also tends to get damaged. The damage often comes about due to tough weather elements or improper installation.

While the unit can develop a wide range of damage, the most common one is the development of cracks or holes that allow water into the flue and firebox.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about the chimney crown. To get the most from it you should ensure that it’s installed by a chimney professional. You also should regularly take a look at it when undertaking chimney inspection MD.