Chimney Crown Repair & Rebuild
Protect your chimney from the top down—whether you need a full rebuild or a professional-grade seal.
The chimney crown is your chimney’s first defense against water intrusion. It sits at the very top of your masonry chimney, covering the bricks and sealing off the space around the flue tile. A properly built crown is sloped to shed water away from the flue and masonry and includes a drip edge to keep rain from running down the sides of the chimney.
Unfortunately, many crowns are either built incorrectly or deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to sun, rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. Left unaddressed, crown damage allows water to seep into the chimney structure—causing cracked bricks, rusted components, ceiling stains, and expensive repairs.
At Northwest Chimney, we offer two professional solutions depending on the condition of your crown: CrownCoat sealing for minor damage and full crown rebuilds for advanced deterioration.
CrownCoat Repair
For crowns with minor surface cracks or aging materials
When a crown is still structurally sound but shows signs of weathering or small cracks, we recommend treating it with CrownCoat, a high-performance elastomeric sealant designed to protect and extend the life of your chimney crown.
Our process includes:
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Cleaning and prepping the crown surface
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Filling hairline cracks if needed
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Applying a thick, even layer of CrownCoat by ChimneySaver
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Creating a flexible, waterproof barrier that resists UV rays and temperature changes
CrownCoat is ideal for preventing further damage and provides up to 15 years of protection when applied correctly. It’s a cost-effective way to preserve a crown before major repairs are needed.
Chimney Crown Rebuild
A properly built crown is the first line of defense against chimney leaks and structural damage.
If your crown is beyond the point of sealing—such as when it’s missing sections, built with the wrong materials, or allows standing water—a full rebuild is the right solution.
Our crown rebuild process includes:
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Removing the damaged crown completely
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Prepping the chimney top for a strong bond
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Forming a new crown using high-strength, weather-resistant materials
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Creating a proper slope and overhang (drip edge) to direct water away
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Sealing around the flue tile to allow for expansion without cracking.
A properly rebuilt crown helps prevent thousands in future repairs by keeping water out of your chimney system and protecting the brickwork below.
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Why does my chimney need cleaning?The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected annually and cleaned as needed. Even if your fireplace looks clean, creosote—a flammable residue from burning wood—can build up inside the chimney and lead to dangerous chimney fires. Regular chimney sweeping also helps prevent blockages from debris, improves how your fireplace burns, and extends the life of your system.
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What to Expect from a Professional Chimney or Wood Stove CleaningWhen you schedule a visit with Northwest Chimney, one of our CSIA-certified technicians will inspect your fireplace or wood stove to determine whether a full cleaning or just an inspection is needed. If cleaning is required, we’ll begin by laying protective material in front of the fireplace to keep your home clean. Our technician will then use specialized tools to remove soot and ash and may also inspect the chimney from the roof.
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What are signs that my chimney needs to be cleaned?Common signs include: A strong smoky smell even when not in use Black soot or creosote buildup around the fireplace Poor draft or smoke entering the room Visible debris falling into the firebox