Proper, reinforced-concrete crowns — built with an overhang and drip edge — to replace failure-prone mortar washes.
The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of a masonry chimney, and it does more work than almost any other part of the system — it's the primary barrier keeping water out of the chimney structure. Unfortunately, many chimneys are built with a mortar wash instead of a true crown: a thin, hand-formed layer of mortar with no reinforcement, no bond break, and no expansion joint. It's one of the most common causes of water damage and deterioration we see, because it's porous, it cracks as it expands and contracts, and it directs water straight down the face of the brick instead of away from it.
What We Install
- Proper, reinforced-concrete crowns that overhang the chimney with a drip edge, directing water away from the brick face
- Bond breaks and expansion joints to prevent cracking as the crown and flue tiles move independently
- Crown repair and resealing for crowns that are cracking but not yet failed
- Full crown replacement where the existing mortar wash has deteriorated beyond repair
- A full-coverage cap as an alternative or supplement to a rebuilt crown, where appropriate
Signs of Crown Failure
- Cracking or spalling brick near the top of the chimney
- A flat, mortar-like finish at the top with no visible overhang — a sign of a mortar wash rather than a true crown
- Water stains or dampness inside the chimney chase or attic
- Visible cracks running across the crown itself
The 21st Century Chimney Sweep Approach
Because a mortar wash and a proper crown can look similar from the ground, this is exactly the kind of issue our detailed inspections are built to catch. We'll show you what we find and explain why a reinforced crown, built correctly, protects your entire chimney for decades rather than seasons.
Not sure if your chimney has a real crown or a mortar wash? We'll check — call or email us: (785) 841-0123,
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