Chimneys deteriorate from the top down and the crown (also called a "wash" or "splay") is usually the first part of a chimney to require repair. A bad crown that's neglected will invariably lead to far more costly chimney repairs. Here's how:

1. Most chimney crowns develop hairline cracks within a week of construction.

2. In this geographic area, water repeatedly enters the cracks, freezes and thaws. After 15-20-years the hairline cracks will grow into deep fissures.

3. Water migrates through these fissures and the same freeze-thaw action attacks the underlying masonry. The mortar that binds the bricks or stones develops cracks and gaps and now the sides of the chimney need to be re-pointed.

4. The freeze-thaw damage will advance to the point where the underlying mortar no longer bonds the bricks or stones. Now, the homeowner will have to spend a lot of money rebuilding the top 2, 3, 4 or more feet of the chimney...or begin wearing a hard hat in his own yard.

The above scenario highlights the need for regular chimney inspections because few homeowners have the means to inspect their chimney top. And the progression of damage we've outlined above is very common. The majority of the masonry chimneys we inspect are in either the second or third stage of deterioration described above. Fewer chimneys are in the fourth stage, but this advanced deterioration is still fairly common in older homes. Very few chimneys are in the initial "hairline crack stage" because most newly constructed homes in this area do not have masonry chimneys.

While it's sometimes necessary to totally rebuild a bad crown, we're usually able to economically repair it and prevent further chimney damage with CrownCoat brushable sealant. CrownCoat is a flexible waterproof coating that prevents water from seeping into the masonry below. It is specially formulated to withstand the severe thermal and weather conditions that confront chimneys and carries a 15-year warranty.

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