Chimney Crown Repair & Rebuild Services Near Me: Skiatook & Tulsa Trust Comfort Class
Dealing with a leaky, water-damaged masonry chimney? It could be an issue with your chimney crown. This cement top sits over your chimney stack and can crack, crumble, and allow water to pool and enter the chimney – and home. With our professional, reasonably priced crown repair and rebuild services, there’s no need to let things go that far.
What Causes Chimney Crown Damage & Leaks?
Even a small hairline crack in a crown can eventually lead to hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars in water damage. What causes the damage to begin in the first place?
Typically, crown damage is a result of the freeze/thaw process, which happens when moisture gets absorbed into the crown materials, then expands and contracts during temperature shifts. This expansion and contraction leads to cracks, decay, and deterioration. And if repairs aren’t made promptly, the damage will only worsen with exposure to more moisture from the next rain.
But sometimes, crowns fail for another reason: poor design…
What Are the Qualities of a Good Chimney Crown?
How do you know if your crown was poorly designed? Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your crown at least 3 inches thick at its thinnest point?
- Does your crown have a drip edge that extends at least 2 inches past your chimney stack?
- Is your crown slightly sloped downward on each side?
- Was your crown built from a concrete mix?
If you answered “No” to any of the questions above, your crown could probably use a rebuild.
Why? A long-lasting crown needs to be made of quality concrete (not mortar) and should be of the right thickness so that water doesn’t wear through. Likewise, it should be slightly sloped and should have a drip edge to ensure that water rolls off of the crown and away from the masonry chimney stack and flashing.
If the crown isn’t made to these specifications, chimney leaks are somewhat inevitable. But don’t worry – if you need a new crown built near you, you can rest assured the team at Comfort Class will do the job quickly, professionally, and at a reasonable price. We stand behind our work and guarantee a job well done.
Can a Damaged Crown Be Repaired?
Wondering if chimney crown damages will always call for a full rebuild? Not necessarily.
Oftentimes, chimney crown cracks can be addressed with the right tools, training, and products. And, no worries, if your crown just has some minor cracks and isn’t in need of a full rebuild, we can take care of that for you, too. We can repair and waterproof it with CrownCoat – a product trusted by experienced chimney professionals everywhere.
What is CrownCoat and how does it work to repair chimney crowns?
CrownCoat is a brushable sealant that seals small cracks and provides a waterproof membrane across the entire crown area. This product remains permanently flexible, cures quickly (we’re talking 2-4 hours), and protects the crown against leaks for up to 15 years – that’s a long time to not have to worry! And since it’s environmentally friendly, you won’t have to worry about your carbon footprint, either.
Are There Any Symptoms Inside the Home That Indicate Chimney Crown Issues?
Yes – and it’s always good to keep an open eye for issues. While chimney crown damage starts outside, the effects can eventually become noticeable inside your home, so watch out for:
- Water stains on your walls or ceiling. A cracked or deteriorating crown allows water to seep down the chimney, leading to discoloration or stains on nearby walls and ceilings.
- Musty odors or mold growth. Excess moisture from leaks can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to develop inside your chimney and home.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper. If water is getting into your walls, you may notice bubbling, warping, or peeling paint and wallpaper.
- Damp or crumbling masonry materials. Water from a damaged chimney crown can travel down to the firebox, causing bricks or mortar joints to weaken and crumble.
- Rust on the damper or other metal parts. If moisture is consistently entering through a damaged crown, metal parts inside the chimney, like the damper, can start to rust or corrode.
- Cold downdrafts or higher energy bills. A compromised chimney system can affect airflow, making your home be draftier and less energy efficient.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to schedule a chimney inspection as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Comfort Class would be happy to do some chimney troubleshooting to find the issue.
How Can an Unrepaired Chimney Crown Lead to a Chimney Collapse?
Yes, if neglected for too long, a damaged or neglected chimney crown can set off a chain reaction of structural deterioration. When cracks in the chimney crown allow water to seep into the bricks and mortar below, repeated freeze/thaw cycles cause them to expand and break apart. Over time, this leads to significant structural weakening.
In addition, if water seeps past the crown and into the flue liner, it can cause cracks, making the chimney unsafe to use and accelerating its overall deterioration. As the masonry weakens, the chimney may start to shift, lean, or pull away from the house. This not only makes the chimney unstable, but also poses a serious safety hazard.
Long story short, if certain chimney issues go unaddressed for too long, the chimney may become too unstable to support its own weight, leading to a partial or complete collapse – which can damage your roof, walls, and even pose risks to anyone nearby.
Regular chimney inspections and timely chimney crown repairs are essential to preventing costly and dangerous structural failures. If you suspect damage, it’s best to act quickly before minor issues turn into major hazards.
Long-Lasting Chimney Leak Repairs Starts With an Inspection
Is your chimney crown the culprit behind your chimney leak or interior water damage? Schedule a chimney inspection with Comfort Class today. We’ll take a look and let you know just what needs to be done to put a stop to the leak and prevent future water damage.
Why do we recommend inspections? Because we want to make sure we’re providing you with an effective and long-lasting solution – not just a quick fix. Call or fill out our online appointment request form to get started.
A common cause of chimney leaks is damaged chimney flashing. Count on us for flashing repair or installation services.