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Chimney Crown Repair & Replacement in New Jersey
AM Chimney Sweep repairs, resurfaces and rebuilds chimney crowns for homeowners throughout New Jersey. The crown is the slab across the top of a masonry chimney, around the flue. Its job is to shed rain and snowmelt away from the chimney. When it cracks, water gets into the masonry below, and freeze-thaw cycles make the damage worse each winter.
Why crowns crack
- Freeze-thaw cycles widen small cracks winter after winter
- Many older crowns were built as a thin mortar layer rather than a properly formed crown, and crack sooner
- A crown with no overhang lets water run straight down the sides of the chimney
- Age and weather wear even a well-built crown over time
What the crown does: A well-built crown covers the top of the chimney so water cannot soak straight into the brick, slopes away from the flue, and extends past the sides of the chimney so water drips clear of the brick face. Tip: If a roofer or home inspector flagged your chimney crown, mention it when you book. We inspect the crown, flue and cap together before starting any repair.
What happens during a crown job
- Inspect the chimney top to confirm the crown is the problem
- Check the flue, cap and upper masonry
- Repair, resurface or rebuild the crown as needed
- Let the repair cure
- Address the cap at the same time if it is missing or damaged
Tip: Crown work is backed by our five-year workmanship warranty. See completed projects in Our Work, including a crown repair and new cap in Montclair and a crown repair and cap in East Brunswick.
Signs of crown damage
- Visible cracks on the top of the chimney, often spotted by roofers or home inspectors
- Pieces of concrete or mortar on the roof or in the gutters
- Water in the firebox, a rusted damper or water stains near the chimney
- White staining (efflorescence) on the upper courses of brick
Safety note: If a crown cracks, water gets into the masonry below, and freeze-thaw cycles make the damage worse each winter, so it is worth having it checked before problems spread.
Related guides
- Parts of a chimney explained
- Flashing repair and roof leaks
- Chimney waterproofing and water-damaged masonry
Where we do this work
Local guides: Clifton and Bridgewater, or see all North Jersey towns. See how coastal exposure can affect chimney tops on our Jersey Shore page.
Questions
What causes a chimney crown to crack?
Freeze-thaw cycles widen small cracks winter after winter, and many older crowns were built as a thin mortar layer rather than a properly formed crown, so they crack sooner.
How do I know if my crown needs repair?
Look for cracks on top of the chimney, pieces of concrete or mortar on the roof or in the gutters, water in the firebox or stains near the chimney, or white staining on the upper courses of brick.
Do you repair or replace the crown?
We inspect the crown first, then repair, resurface or rebuild it as needed, depending on how much damage there is.
Is chimney crown repair covered by a warranty?
Yes. Crown work is backed by our five-year workmanship warranty.
What does a damaged crown mean for my chimney?
A cracked crown lets water soak into the masonry below it, and freeze-thaw cycles make the damage worse each winter, so it is worth having it checked before problems spread.
Related services
Is your chimney crown cracked?
Book online, or call and tell us what you are seeing.