Repair and restoration
Chimney crown repair and rebuilding
The crown is the slab across the top of a masonry chimney. Cracked and crumbling crowns are one of the most common problems we run into. We repair them, and rebuild them when they are too far gone to patch.
How it works
We look at the crown up close
Cracks, crumbling edges, and how the crown meets the flue tiles and the brick below it.
We tell you repair or rebuild
Cracks in a crown that's otherwise solid can often be sealed. A crown that's breaking apart has to be rebuilt.
You get a written quote
The work, the materials and the price in writing.
We do the work
For a rebuild, the old crown comes off down to sound brick and a new one is formed across the top of the chimney.
What the crown does
The crown sheds rain and snowmelt off the top of the chimney and away from the brick. Once it cracks, water runs down into the chimney instead of off it.
What you might see from the ground
Cracks across the top, crumbling edges, moss or lichen growing on it, or gaps where it meets the flue tiles. A pair of binoculars from the yard shows more than you'd expect.
Repair or rebuild
A crown repair fixes cracks and worn areas in the slab. A crown rebuild means removing the old crown and building a new one across the top of the chimney. We'll tell you which one yours needs and why.
What goes into the price
Every chimney is different, so this work is priced after we have looked at yours.
- Repair or rebuild, and the size of the chimney top.
- How many flues come up through the crown.
- Whether a cap or flue covers go on at the same time.
Before and after
Before 
After Before: Weathered, rust-stained crown. After: New mortar crown, cap back on.
Before 
After Before: Stained, weathered crown and no cap. After: Crown coated and sealed.
Before 
After Before: Lichen on the crown and rusted flashing. After: Coated crown, flue covers and new flashing.
Questions
More in questions and answers.
How do repair quotes work?
Repairs start with an inspection. We show you what we found, go over the options, and send you a written quote. Nothing starts until you've approved the quote.
Do you always recommend the biggest repair?
No. Sometimes a chimney needs a major repair. Other times a smaller targeted repair can solve the problem and save the homeowner significant money. Knowing the difference comes from experience.
Can you give me an estimate from pictures?
Yes. Send us pictures of your chimney and we can give you a rough idea of what the work involves. Any estimate from pictures is preliminary and is not a final price until we visit the property and inspect the job in person.
Related services
Chimney caps and chase covers
Rusted chase covers replaced with ones that fit, and caps in standard and custom sizes.
Quoted after an inspection
Masonry repair and tuckpointing
Crumbling brick, failed mortar joints, tuckpointing and partial rebuilds, matched to the house.
Quoted after an inspection
Chimney waterproofing
Water repellent for chimney masonry, applied once the joints and crown are sound.
Quoted after an inspection
Book an inspection or cleaning
Pick a day and a 3-hour arrival window online. If you'd rather talk it through, call (248) 266-9991.