Chimney Crown Repairs & Crown Coat Services
Jack Pixley Sweeps’ founder Jack Pixley learned a lot during the time he studied chimney sweeping in Germany. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, chimneys are constructed with ultimate attention to detail, and the sweeps are highly trained. It was in Germany that Pixley learned that protecting the top of a masonry chimney with a proper concrete crown and wash with an overhang and drip ledge can extend the life of a chimney to about 100 years. After his time in Germany in 1984 (when he witnessed quality construction that was almost unbelievable by U.S. standards), he began to incorporate what he had seen with information provided him by the Brick Institute of America.
Over the years, watching closely to see how the chimney crowns he crafted fared, Pixley learned just how important each component is to the construction of a watertight, durable, and well-made crown. For instance, the drip ledge—which the majority of masons do not install on a chimney crown—offers immense protection to the chimney brick. He also learned to use only the highest quality bricks so that a chimney can better stand up to our region’s brutal freeze-thaw cycles. Having passed on his experience and expertise to the technicians at Jack Pixley Sweeps, Jack Pixley designed his business to provide you with the best possible chimney and masonry care services.
Why Do I Need A Quality Crown?
Chimney crowns are vital for several reasons including:
- They keep rain out – The chimney crown prevents rain from entering the chimney and causing damper and firebox rust that leads to expensive repairs. When professionally designed with a drip ledge, the crown encourages water to move away from the masonry of the chimney and run off of the roof.
- They stop birds & animals – The chimney crown acts as a defense against animal intrusion, encouraging them to look elsewhere for a home.
If your chimney crown is cracked or was improperly designed, it will allow water to enter the chimney itself as well as the surrounding masonry. Once water has a way in, it will cause all sorts of destruction and degradation. If you think your crown may have cracks or flaws, it is imperative that you have repairs made as soon as possible.
Why We Use CrownCoat
We use CrownCoat, which is a flexible waterproof sealant that goes over the entire chimney wash or crown, on crowns that are starting to deteriorate or have minor cracks and flaws. When properly applied, this preventative application stops water from penetrating the crown and carries a 15-year warranty. CrownCoat is a cost-effective way to stop or prevent water intrusion and further breakdown of the concrete, especially on washes and crowns with minor cracks and deterioration. Ask your technician if CrownCoat is right for your chimney!
Give Us A Call Today!
If you’re in need of crown repairs or CrownCoat, give us a call at 763-422-0481 or click here to schedule your appointment online. We’d love to help you preserve the masonry of your chimney system!
If you think your fireplace needs a “facelift,” discuss your ideas with our masonry repair experts…you’ll be amazed at the difference a redo of the front of your fireplace can make!
