Dangers of a Cracked Crown in The Winter

As winter settles in, many people rely on their chimneys to keep their homes warm and cozy. The chimney plays a vital role in maintaining comfort and warmth in your homer, and every part of your chimney contributes to that role. But what happens when that chimney is compromised by a damaged or cracked chimney crown?

What Is The Chimney Crown?

The chimney crown is located at the very top of your chimney, and its purpose is to protect the rest of the chimney’s structure from the elements including rain, snow, ice, and debris. When the crown is cracked, it can lead to a variety of problems, especially during the winter months. 

Although it may not be the most visible part of your chimney, it’s important to pay attention to any signs it may be damaged and schedule inspections with the pros to ensure it’s in good shape. 

The Dangers of a Cracked Chimney Crown

Water and Snow Damage

Water is the enemy of your chimney. A cracked crown allows water to seep into the chimney structure, which is already bad new, but during winter this issue can become far worse with the introduction of the freezing and thawing process on your brick and mortar. When water on your chimney freezes it expands, causing even more damage to the chimney’s masonry. Over time, this can weaken the chimney and lead to expensive repairs or rebuilds.

Chimney Fire Risks

As water infiltrates your chimney from the cracked crown, it can make its way to the flue liner causing rust and deterioration of the liner itself. If the liner is damaged, it can cause issues with the liners ability to contain the heat from your fireplace, leading to a serious fire hazard.

Structural Damage

As we discussed above, a damaged chimney crown allows water to make its way into the structure of your chimney leading to deterioration in the brick and mortar. 

A cracked chimney crown may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, the damage can spread. As water gets in it can have detrimental effects on the masonry, leading to structural issues that become more and more expensive to repair.

What Can You Do to Prevent Damage?

If you suspect that your chimney crown is cracked, don’t wait.  Have your chimney inspected by a professional as soon as possible. A chimney expert can assess the condition of your crown, complete any necessary repairs, and ensure that all of your chimney parts are working properly.

Preventative Measures You Can Take

Prevention is the best medicine, and that goes for our chimney as well! Waterproofing is one of the best ways to prevent severe water damage to your chimney masonry. With waterproofing services from the pros, you can add an extra layer or protection and peace of mind to your chimney throughout the year. 

Call in the Pros at Felgemacher Chimney and Masonry

A cracked chimney crown might seem like a minor issue, but it can have major consequences. By addressing a cracked crown early, you can avoid expensive repairs, improve your chimney’s efficiency, and, most importantly, keep your home and family safe. 

Don’t put your home at risk. Keep up with your annual chimney inspections and maintenance to ensure your chimney is safer and more efficient. Give us a call to schedule your inspection, cleaning, repair, or maintenance today!