Chimney Crown Repair in Seattle
The chimney crown is the concrete slab that seals the top of a masonry chimney. Rain, freeze-thaw cycles and settling can crack it and let water into the brick below. We repair cracked crowns or replace them with a durable new crown.
- WA L&I SEATTCP743MH
Signs to look for
- Visible surface cracks
Hairline cracks or larger cracks on top of the crown.
- Spalling or crumbling
Pieces breaking off the surface of the crown.
- Water stains in the attic or ceiling
Moisture near the chimney can come from a failed crown.
- No overhang at the edge
A crown should shed water away from the brick.
How we do it
- 1
Check the crown and surroundings
We look at the crown, the flue tile and the top courses of brick.
- 2
Repair or remove
Small cracks can be repaired and sealed. A badly damaged crown is removed.
- 3
Form and pour a new crown
For replacement, we build a form with an overhang and pour a new crown.
- 4
Seal and check
We seal the crown and check that water runs away from the brick.
Before and after
Why it matters in Seattle
In Seattle, a crown sits wet through much of the year. Moss and constant moisture speed up cracking, so a small crack is worth fixing early.
Related services
Where we work
We serve Seattle and nearby neighborhoods. See the areas we serve.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked crown be repaired or does it need replacing?
Small cracks can often be repaired with a crown sealant. Wide cracks or crumbling mean replacement.
What is a crown overhang?
The crown should extend past the brick so that water drips off instead of running down the chimney.
Why does a crown fail?
Water, freeze-thaw cycles and the movement of the chimney all wear a crown down over the years.