The top of a chimney is called the chimney cap or crown. Made of concrete, the chimney cap prevents rain, snow,etc.
from getting into your chimney. However, if you notice cracks at the top of your chimney, it means you have to fix them.
If you do not fix your cracked chimney cap or crown, snow, rain, and animals may get into your chimney.
When water gets into the chimney, it weakens the mortar and you may notice stains on your ceiling. In this article, you are going to learn how to repair the top of a chimney and the right tools for the job.
Required Tools/Materials
You need the following tools and materials to fix the top of your chimney.
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Extension ladder
- Cement
- Wheelbarrow
- Hoe
- Bucket
- Bonding agent
- Trowel
- Brush
- Protective gloves
Instructions
Follow the easy steps below to fix your chimney cap or crown.
Step 1: Clean the Area
Use an extension ladder to climb to the roof where your chimney is located. Locate the chimney cap or crown and use a brush to clean loose particles in the area.
Step 2: Remove the Cap
After cleaning, the next step is to remove the chimney cap using a hammer and chisel. However, make sure you don’t damage other parts of the chimney when removing the cap or crown. After removing the crown, gather the broken pieces in a bucket.
Step 3: Create a Mixture for the Crown
To create a crown mixture, pour cement into a wheelbarrow and add water. Mix it with a hoe until the mixture becomes stiff. When the mixture has become as thick as you want it to be, pour a bonding agent into it.
Step 4: Apply the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a bucket and carry it up the extension ladder. Apply the mixture using a trowel at the exact place where the crown is supposed to be. Make sure you spread the mixture till it covers the entire flue and crown area.
However, you need to do it quickly if not, the mixture will become hardened. In addition, use the trowel to mix the mixture from time to time before applying. This is to keep bubbles out of the mixture and ensure it remains thick.
Step 5: Smoothen it
When applying the mixture, leave about 2 inches between the crown and flue so it can stick up. After you have applied the mixture, use a trowel to smoothen the flue, so it forms a pyramid shape. Smoothen the chimney crown from the top, close to the flue and down to the bottom of the cap, and away from the flue.
If you do this properly, it will prevent water from getting into your chimney. So, make sure you smooth it well and in an even manner. Once it looks good, it means you have done it well.
Conclusion
The purpose of a chimney cap is to prevent water, pests, and animals from getting to your chimney and blocking the flue. However, your chimney cap can crack if it is badly constructed or because of expansion and contraction. If the top of your chimney is faulty, you will find water and debris in your fireplace. But that’s not all.
It may cause your chimney cap to become rusty or pull off on its own. By following the instructions in this article, you will find out that repairing the top of a chimney is easy. You can do it yourself without requiring extra help. If you need a company to help out, make it certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.