Your chimney is a workhorse. It directs smoke and contaminants out of your home, while simultaneously preventing the entry of water and animals. In order for it to do its job properly, the chimney must have a structurally sound crown. Unfortunately, in many homes in Tennessee, the chimney crown is lacking altogether or is constructed improperly. If your chimney needs a new crown or crown repairs, you can rely on the professionals at Roof MD. We are a leader in high-quality roof and chimney repairs in the Germantown area. Our family owned and operated company can even work with your insurance company to save you time and money!.
Understanding the Role of Chimney Crowns
Chimney crowns are often confused as being the same as chimney caps. In fact, they are two completely different components, and every chimney should have both of them. Whereas the cap is made of metal and is situated above the chimney, the crown is located directly on top of the chimney. It is a slab that is typically constructed from concrete or stone, although some crowns are metal. Note that chimney crowns should never be made with brick and mortar, as this will not provide proper weatherproofing for the chimney.
The purpose of the chimney crown is to protect the rest of the chimney from the damaging effects of the weather. The chimney crown has a sloped surface and it overhangs the underlying chimney. These two features allow water to be redirected to the roof below, rather than to the structure of the chimney itself. In this manner, the crown prevents rainwater from damaging the bricks and mortar of the chimney.
Signs of Chimney Crown Damage
As tough and durable as the chimney crown is, it’s still susceptible to sustaining damage over time from the effects of the weather. A crown can develop cracks and holes, providing an entry way for rainwater. If the temperature dips below freezing, the contraction and expansion of the water can force the cracks to become larger. Eventually, the chimney itself can sustain water damage as the crown fails.
Since the signs of chimney crown damage can only be seen from on top of the roof, it’s always a good idea to have your chimney professionally maintained and regularly inspected. At Roof MD, our experts routinely check chimney crowns for signs of damage. We’ll let you know promptly if yours requires repairs.
If you have noticed any signs of a damaged chimney crown, call us immediately before any further damage is done. You can reach Roof MD in Germantown, TN at (901) 305-9136. Our professionals will thoroughly assess the situation before explaining your options for fixing it. With more than 60 years of combined experience, our team has the in-depth knowledge needed to ensure that the chimney crown gets repaired correctly the first time.