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by Mike O'Mara | Jun 27, 2019 | Chimney Crown
Located at the top of your chimney is something called the chimney crown, and it plays a big role in keeping your masonry safer and better protected. Crowns should be made from a strong, cement-based mixture to ensure they stand the test of time, but unfortunately, many were originally constructed using a mortar mix which is prone to crack and break down.
Because of this, working with the right team from the very start is a must when it comes to keeping your crown in good shape for the long haul. Learn more below about what these parts do, why they are important, and why you should trust in the certified crew here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps to help you every step of the way. Our crown repair and rebuilding services will ensure you are always taken care of, no matter what!
Preventing Water Damage
The reason crowns are so important to chimney health is due to their ability to protect your masonry from water damage. An appropriately built crown will extend slightly past the edge of your chimney, and it will slant downward. These aspects ensure rainwater is directed away from the chimney masonry.
Because your brickwork is so absorbent, keeping water away is a must. Without a chimney crown, decay is inevitable. Avoid decay and deterioration by having our sweeps come in to check things over. We can examine your crown and determine whether or not repairs are necessary
Is Your Crown Suffering?
If you have been noticing leaks throughout your chimney or if your brickwork and mortar is breaking down and crumbling, there is a good chance that a faulty crown is to blame. Fortunately, our team members are qualified to fix it up right with a product called CrownCoat. CrownCoat works to fill in cracks and gaps so that your crown won’t continue breaking down. Trust us – once we are through, your chimney will be looking and functioning better than ever!
Now, from time to time we come across crowns that have faced so much damage that basic repair work is not an effective solution. In these cases, we will recommend a rebuild. This may seem a bit daunting, but never fear because our crew is equipped to handle it. You will have a well-functioning chimney crown in no time.
Don’t Wait… Call Today!
The holidays are well behind us, and it will be quite some time before they come back around again, so call us in now while your burning season is still on hold. Not only can we check on your crown, but we can inspect your entire structure to determine whether or not you may need further maintenance.
If you do need work completed, we would be happy to help you every step of the way! Reach out today, and we can get started.
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 12, 2018 | Chimney Crown
If you’re a fireplace owner, then you know how important your chimney crown is. The crown sits at the top of your chimney, and its main purpose is to guide water out and away from the sides of your masonry. It slopes downwards and extends slightly past the edge of your chimney, keeping all that excess moisture far away from the sensitive brickwork and mortar that can easily absorb it.
Clearly, the chimney crown does a lot of work, year round, for your system, which is why it is vital to keep it well-protected. The CSIA certified team of experts here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps have everything you need to keep your crown in the best shape possible, no matter the weather outside.
If you’re having issues, please call us in right away, so we can get everything addressed before your burning season really takes off. We’ll have you up and running again in no time!
Addressing Issues Before They Get Worse
One way we tackle cracks and crumbling is with CrownCoat. CrownCoat plays an important role, allowing sweeps to patch up minor cracking before it worsens and starts causing you a lot of trouble. This product saves many homeowners from experiencing more extensive damage, and it minimizes the chances of having to rebuild the entire chimney crown, which is a lot more costly and time-consuming.
This product is flexible, cures in a few hours, and it comes with a 15-year warranty, so you don’t need to stress about further issues any time soon. It’s also environmentally friendly, and it’s easy to apply, ensuring our sweeps can get the job done fast. When you combine experienced, knowledgeable technicians like ours with great products like CrownCoat, you won’t have to worry about a thing!
Importance Of Waterproofing
Another great quality about CrownCoat is its waterproofing agents that ensure no excess moisture will be granted access to the previously affected area. A spot that was once vulnerable will quickly transform into a strong and durable section of your crown, sure to give you high-quality protection for years to come.
In fact, we feel that waterproofing qualities are so important that we strongly advised our customers to invest in waterproofing services for their entire masonry structure. If you haven’t had your chimney waterproofed, then this is likely a key reason why things started to break down in the first place. Our experts can address cracks, holes, and other deterioration quickly, before they get worse, then waterproof your system, so that moisture can’t work its way in any longer.
Fall Is Nearing, So Call Now
Most homeowners utilize their fireplace a lot more once the holiday seasons start coming back around, so ensure you’re all set and ready to go by getting our sweeps in as soon as you can. We’ll take a thorough look at everything, so you can rest easier knowing your system is safer for regular use come fall. This isn’t the time to procrastinate – give us a call now.
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 28, 2018 | Chimney Leaks
Is a leaky chimney causing you stress? With the holiday season a few months away, you’re likely anxious to resolve any structural issues and water damage as soon as possible. Fortunately, the team here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps has solutions for you. There are several ways to tackle leaky chimney issues, and we have a few solutions to help your chimney be leak free!
We Install Chimney Caps
A big reason for excess water throughout their fireplace and chimney is the absence of a chimney cap. If you don’t have a cap or if your current cap is broken, professional assistance is necessary for preventing leaks in the future. Chimney caps cover the flue opening, so water cannot get into your chimney to destroy your liner and the rest of your system. They’re also great for keeping out birds and excess debris. If you’re ready to ensure a good-looking and better-functioning chimney cap, call in our experts now!
We Repair Chimney Crowns
The chimney crown is located at the top of your system, and it extends past the edge of the chimney. It works to divert water away from the masonry. When it comes to protecting the absorbent brickwork, the chimney crown plays a key role! Unfortunately, crowns tend to break down over time, especially if they are not properly constructed. It’s very important to get a professional crew to repair your chimney crown! Some crowns need simple repair work, while others require an entire rebuild. We’re happy to help.
We Provide Top-Of-The-Line Waterproofing Services
Once we’ve completed any repair and reconstruction work, we strongly suggest you to invest in our waterproofing services. Some homeowners turn to store-bought paints and sealers, but they can actually wind up doing more damage in the long run.
It’s vital that your chimney can still breathe out vapors while hosting this protective coat, and many waterproofing options don’t allow for this. They tend to block moisture from entering, but any water already in the masonry can’t escape. This will cause your structure to suffer. We use sealers that are completely vapor permeable, so you won’t be left with a damaged structure. Call on our team at 619-338-8116 now!
by Mike O'Mara | Mar 22, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
Is your chimney crown is appearing a bit of out shape? If so, then it may be time to have it looked at. There is no doubt that scheduling repairs sooner, rather than later, is always the best route to take. In addition, you’ll want to get any issues addressed before they get worse.
Learn more about chimney crowns below, then browse our site for more information about our repair services. At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we can set you up right!
What Does A Chimney Crown Do?
The chimney crown sits on top of your chimney and slants downward, so that water is easily directed away from the brickwork. When it comes to stopping water damage, a chimney crown plays a vital role in keeping things dry!
Also, keep in mind that your crown should hang over the top of your chimney a bit. This is so water is effectively kept away from the chimney itself. Ensuring that the proper measurements are instilled and that the crown is built from strong material will make all the difference when it comes to keeping water away from your masonry.
How Harmful Is Moisture To My Chimney?
Taking the proper precautions against excess moisture is important. Too much water leads to rot, rust, deterioration, cracks, holes, stains, decay, and more. That’s a lot of repair fees coming your way!
On top of this, too many unaddressed issues lead to bigger problems, like settlements and collapses. Both of these will cause a lot of damage to your home. Also, could easily injure your loved ones residing there. Minimize your risk of harm by inspecting your chimney crown today!
Can Weststar Chimney Help?
You bet we can! Weststar Chimney Sweeps has been in business since 1999, so we definitely know our way around your fireplace and chimney. We have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and our staff is CSIA trained and certified. Everyone employed with us works hard to stay as up-to-date as possible on all chimney regulations and policies. Plus, it’s obvious to everyone that we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, just look at our Yelp reviews!
Repairing your crown won’t be a problem for us. We have solutions for small repairs and big ones, so no matter what state your crown is in, we can get things back to where they need to be! If all else fails, we can rebuild your chimney crown so that it stands strong for years to come.
For more information, take a look around our site to see all the many things we can offer you. Then, give us a call to schedule your appointment or simply fill out our online forum, and we will contact you soon!
Thanks for choosing us – you won’t regret it!
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 29, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
Protecting your chimney from water penetration is key, and you should make sure that your preventive measures, like your chimney cap and your chimney crown, are in good condition. When you have cracks in your chimney crown, water can get into your chimney, which can lead to extensive damage that will make your chimney unsafe to use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. Repairing cracks in your chimney crown is important to keep your chimney working efficiently and safely. Weststar Chimney Sweeps provides chimney crown repair services if your crown has been cracked. We would like to tell you more about this essential repair service.
How does my chimney crown become cracked?
Since your chimney crown is located on top of your chimney, it is constantly exposed to the elements of weather. Constructed from mortar, the crown can suffer from erosion damage over time, which leads to cracks. Neglecting these cracks worsens the damage and allows the cracks to get even bigger. Water can easily get into your chimney through these cracks, which leads to more damage to your chimney and home. This is why it is so important to have your chimney crown repaired as soon as possible.
How can Weststar Chimney Sweeps repair my chimney crown?
Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians begin with an inspection of your chimney crown to assess the damage. If we find hairline cracks, we can fill these in with mortar and then apply a coat of CrownCoat sealant that will provide a watertight seal. This will restore the integrity of your crown and protect it from future water penetration damage. If we find more extensive damage to your chimney crown, your crown most likely will need to be replaced. We can construct a new crown for your chimney to protect it from water leaks. You can trust us to build you a new crown that will keep your chimney from suffering from extensive water penetration damage.
If your chimney crown has been cracked, don’t procrastinate having it repaired. Contact us at Weststar Chimney Sweeps to schedule an appointment with our expert chimney technicians today.