The Cracked Crown... Chimney Issues

The Cracked Crown- Cle Elum and Chelan Home Inspection

When performing a home inspection if the home has a masonry chimney it is very important that the home inspector evaluates the condition of the chimney crown.

The chimney crown is the area that is around the top of the chimney. This is not to be confused with the chimney cap. A chimney cap is an attachment that is added to the top of the flue pipe.

                                                

The chimney crown tops the masonry walls of the chimney and is best if it is wider than the masonry area. The crown is a solid covering that stops moisture from filtering down through the brick or stone work in your chimney. It protects the mortar that holds everything together.

You want to ensure that the chimney crown is in good shape and is not allowing moisture to seep into the chimney structure below.


There are chimney crown sealants that can be able applied to a chimney crown that still has structural integrity, but just needs to be waterproofed.

Here are a few examples of crown cracks that will need to be sealed.

                         

If the crown has larger cracks they will need to be filled prior to applying a chimney crown sealants. The sealant s will form a waterproof membrane from the elements such as rain, snow and ice that can cause structural damage to the chimney.

A cracked crown that just need a sealant applied may cost a few hundred dollars. But if the problem lingers it can cause masonry damage and a cracked flue which the repair cost may be in the thousands.

Here are a few examples of crown failure that is cause of structural loss of the brick and masonry materials. 

    

    

If the flue happens to become cracked or damaged, along with the additional repair costs involved this can become a very serious fire hazard.

If your chimney crown is showing its age, it may be time to be replaced before it becomes too late.  

These structures usually do not get inspected as often as they should and hiring a professional home inspector or mason to inspect the chimney periodically can save you money and ensure safe operation of your fireplace or other fuel appliances.

"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur..."

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…      

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

www.ncwhomeinspections.com