How Long Should a Chimney Crown Last?

How long should a chimney crown last? Many Indianapolis homes have a sought-after fireplace and chimney. Chimneys are their own small structures, and they can add an appealing visual element to the outside of your home. Keeping your chimney strong and beautiful for many years is important for the value of your home. Understandably, many homeowners do not know the ins and outs of their chimney. As a Indianapolis homeowner, it’s important to know the basic components of your chimney and how long they each last. 

In this post, we’ll dive into the chimney crown and how long it should last. Here’s what you need to know about your chimney crown. 

What’s a Chimney Crown?

The chimney crown sits on top of the chimney like the crown of a king or queen. However, the chimney crown is not for decoration, it’s a large slab that’s used to cover your chimney and protect it. The chimney crown is often made of concrete, and it protects your chimney from water and helps preserve the masonry as well. 

The best chimney crowns are built with a slight dome, they are not completely flat. Domed chimney crowns allow water to flow off rather than sitting and building up directly on the crown. The crown also has a lip or overhang that ensures moisture will not flow straight from the crown onto the chimney masonry. 

Chimney Crown Lifespan

High-quality chimney crowns are able to last anywhere from 50-75 years. However, a poorly constructed crown could break down in less than 20 years and will cost far more to rebuild than a correctly constructed crown. It’s important to know the approximate age of your chimney crown and its overall condition. The experts at the Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis are here for all of your chimney needs, and we are happy to help you with your chimney crown. 

Signs of Chimney Crown Damage

Chimney crowns are very important for the chimney, as they help prevent water entry and damage. However, the location of the crown puts it at high risk for weather damage. Additionally, crowns are commonly installed incorrectly, leaving them susceptible to damage and a shorter lifespan. 

A damaged chimney crown is a serious problem. As soon as your crown sustains damage, it can let moisture and water into your chimney, causing serious damage. That’s why it’s so important to address any chimney crown repairs as soon as possible. Here are the top signs of chimney crown damage to look out for:

• Visible cracks in your chimney crown. Even small cracks must be fixed or filled to prevent water entry. 
• Chimney tiles at the bottom of your chimney. Falling flue tiles signify chimney damage that may stem from problems with the crown. 
• Rusted firebox or damper. Rust is a sign of moisture entering your chimney, and the crown is often to blame. 
• Water damage to interior walls. When water gets in through your chimney, it can damage your interior walls as well. 
• Crumbling mortar joints. Damaged, moist, or crumbling mortar joints are a sign that moisture has entered your chimney.
• Spalling bricks. When bricks come loose, it’s a sign of serious damage. If the source of water damage and the spalling bricks are not handled quickly, it could lead to chimney replacement. 

Chimney Crown Replacement Options

There are different types of repair options for broken chimney crowns. Some options for chimney crown repair include:

• Sealants: If your crown only has minor cracks, you may be able to repair it with a sealant. A chimney expert can apply a waterproof sealant to seal the cracks and prevent damange. A bond patching material can also be used to deal with larger cracks. Sealants applied by a skilled professional can add up to 15 years to the lifespan of your chimney. 
• Rebuilding: If your crown has significant wear and tear, it may need some rebuilding. A chimney and masonry expert can determine the best approach for partial rebuilding. 
• Replacement: Severe chimney crown damage or very old chimney crowns will eventually require replacement. Only trust an experienced professional with your chimney crown replacement. 

The Best Chimney Crown Replacement Service in Indianapolis 

The types of repairs your chimney crown will require to depend on the extent of damage and age of the crown. Catching any issues early and addressing them quickly can preserve your chimney crown and dramatically extend its life. However, knowing the age and condition of your crown is not always easy, as it’s not easily accessible. Leave the chimney crown assessment and replacement to the experts at the Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis. 

We will examine your entire chimney, including the crown, for any signs of damage. You can count on our dedicated team for all of your chimney maintenance and repair needs. To learn more about our chimney crown replacement services or to schedule an assessment today, contact Brick + Ember Outfitters Indianapolis at 317-500-1250 or OFFICE@BRICKANDEMBER.COM.