| $ Chimney Crown Repair: $150 - $500 | $ $ Chimney Crown Replacement: $1K - $3K |
Chimneys can be a crucial element in a house, especially during the winter, or in regions where it’s cold during most of the year.
An important part of any chimney is the crown, which can be cracked or damaged depending on various factors.
In the next few sections, we’ll talk about some of the most relevant facts about chimney crowns and the approximate cost of repairing one.
Table of Contents
What Is the Function of a Chimney?
A chimney’s main goal is to remove smoke and gases from the air, such as carbon dioxide while keeping you warm.
In a chimney, warm air rises and goes out of the chimney.
This is also known as the stack effect.
What Is a Chimney Crown?
A chimney crown is a plate that is on the top opening of the chimney, which helps to keep moisture, snow, and rain off the chimney.
In this way, smoke and fumes can easily vent, protecting and preventing damage to the structure of the chimney.
What Materials are Used in Chimney Crowns?
The most common materials used to create chimney crowns are concrete, stone, and metal.
It’s important to highlight that bricks and mortar are not efficient materials to make chimney crowns because they are not as resistant as the other materials previously mentioned.
After making the chimney crown, a waterproof sealant is usually added to further help prevent damage.
Why Does a Chimney Crown Crack or Damage?
There are various reasons why a chimney crown could crack or be damaged.
In most cases, it’s a consequence of the passage of time and the weather conditions it had to endure.
Another possible cause is the shrinkage of the concrete, which also occurs when it ages.
The natural movements of a house (settling) and changes in the ground can also affect chimney crowns.
Finally, if the chimney crown was poorly constructed or if other more vulnerable materials were used to make it, the crown will deteriorate and crack more quickly.
It’s important to regularly check the chimney crown since it’s a part that we very rarely get to see because of its location.
What Is the Difference Between a Chimney Crown and a Chimney Cap?
These two parts of a chimney tend to be confused, with people believing they are the same thing.
It is true that these two elements of a chimney are located in the same area, but one actually goes on top of the other.
A chimney cap is installed on top of the crown, and its purpose is to prevent animals from getting inside the chimney or nesting on the top.
It also helps to keep water out of the flue and sparks from escaping the area.
Chimney caps are commonly made of galvanized and stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
Even though not all chimneys have a cap, it is highly recommended to install one.
What Are the Signs of a Damaged Chimney Crown?
There are a few signs that could tell you if your chimney crown is damaged, such as clear cracks in it, damage to the interior walls because of water, loose bricks and flue tiles at the bottom of the chimney, and a rusted firebox.
How Much Does a Chimney Crown Repair Cost?
The total cost of repairing a chimney crown is going to depend on the type of damage it has, the materials used, and if you hire a professional or if you do it yourself.
In general, repairing a chimney crown might cost from $150 to $500.
If the damage is extended and the chimney crown must be replaced, then it could cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
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