SCHEDULE YOUR CHIMNEY SWEEP!
Stop water damage before it spreads. We repair cracked chimney crowns in Cincinnati homes using advanced waterproof materials to prevent costly structural damage, dangerous mold growth, and expensive emergency repairs—protecting your home and your family's health.
The chimney crown is your chimney's first line of defense against water damage—a concrete cap that sits at the very top, designed to shed water away from the chimney opening and prevent it from entering your home's structure.
But here's the problem: Most chimney crowns are built wrong from the start. Contractors use regular concrete instead of proper crown mix, skip essential expansion joints, and create crowns that are too thin or poorly sloped. The result? Water infiltration that can cost you thousands in repairs.
When your crown fails, water doesn't just damage your chimney—it spreads throughout your home's structure, creating mold, rotting wood framing, rusting metal components, and compromising your family's health and safety.
In Cincinnati's climate, where freeze-thaw cycles repeat all winter long, even tiny cracks become major problems fast. Water freezes, expands, and turns small cracks into gaping holes that let in massive amounts of water with every storm.
A damaged chimney crown doesn't just cause "minor leaks"—it triggers a cascade of expensive problems that get worse every day you wait.
The Destruction Timeline:
Week 1-2: Water enters through crown cracks
Month 1: Rust begins on damper, fireplace components
Month 2-3: Mold starts growing in hidden areas
Month 6: Wood rot begins in attic framing
Year 1: Structural damage becomes visible
Year 2+: Major repairs needed, potential health hazards
Cincinnati's Climate Makes It Worse: Our freeze-thaw cycles accelerate this damage. Each winter, water freezes and expands in crown cracks, making them larger. Each spring brings heavy rains that pour through these enlarged openings. By summer, Cincinnati's humidity creates perfect conditions for mold growth.
Understanding your crown material helps you recognize when failure is imminent and why professional repair is essential.
Used in 80% of installations but completely wrong for chimney crowns. Regular concrete lacks flexibility and waterproofing, leading to immediate cracking and water penetration.
More durable than poured concrete but still prone to cracking at joints and connection points, especially when improperly installed without adequate sealing.
The worst option—mortar is porous and weak, requiring constant maintenance and frequent replacement. Often found on older Cincinnati homes.
Common in historic Cincinnati homes, these materials look attractive but are prone to deterioration and require specialized repair techniques to maintain water resistance.
Keep an eye out for these key signs that your chimney crown needs attention:
Cracks or chips in the crown (water entering)
White stains on chimney (mineral deposits)
Rust stains around chimney (corroding metal)
Musty smell near fireplace (mold starting)
Water stains on ceilings or walls
Mold or mildew growth
Fireplace damper won’t open or close properly
Pieces of concrete falling off chimney base
Active leaks during rain
Visible mold growth
Sagging or cracked ceiling near chimney
A well-repaired chimney crown can save you money and protect your home.
Stops leaks and prevents water damage to your chimney and surrounding structures.
Repairs extend the life of your chimney, saving you from costly replacements.
Prevents water from seeping into your chimney, which could compromise its structural integrity.
A properly functioning chimney enhances your home’s value and safety.
We follow a thorough process to ensure your chimney crown is safe and protected:
STEP 1
We inspect your chimney crown for cracks and damage.
STEP 2
We explain the extent of the damage and discuss repair options.
STEP 3
We use specialized materials like CrownSeal or reapply concrete to restore the crown’s protective function.
STEP 4
We perform a final inspection to confirm that your chimney crown is fully repaired and sealed.
Book Your Free Estimate Now
With over 20 years of experience, we’re trusted in Cincinnati for chimney repairs. We educate our clients, ensuring they only receive the repairs they truly need.
Chimneys Restored
Chimneys Waterproofed
Leaks Fixed
Satisfaction Guarantee
Here's what our customers have to say about their experience with ChimneyWorks and the quality service we provide.
The chimney crown is essential for protecting your chimney from water damage. It directs water away from the flue, preventing moisture from entering and causing rust, mold, and deterioration over time. A damaged crown can lead to costly repairs if left untreated.
Damage to a chimney crown can result from improper materials, lack of expansion joints, or wear over time. Freeze/thaw cycles can worsen small cracks, causing them to expand and allow water to seep in, which accelerates damage.
While DIY repairs might seem like a quick fix, improper repair can lead to further damage and additional costs. It’s important to hire professionals who have the expertise and proper materials to ensure the repair is done safely and effectively.
The time required for chimney crown repair depends on the extent of the damage. Most repairs can be completed in a single day, while more severe cases may require additional time for proper sealing and curing.
Regular inspections and maintenance are key to preventing crown damage. A well-maintained chimney crown, along with waterproofing treatments like CrownSeal, can protect your chimney from water damage and extend its lifespan.
Don’t let a damaged crown jeopardize your chimney’s integrity. Contact ChimneyWorks for a thorough inspection and professional repair.
Subscribe for the latest news. Stay updated on the latest trends.
For 20 years, Chimney Works has served the Cincinnati/NKY area with chimney sweeping, chimney inspection, chimney repairs, and fireplace sales and service.
NAVIGATION
LEARN
GET IN TOUCH
EMAIL US
OFFICE ADDRESS
2450 Civic Center Dr
Cincinnati, OH 45231
Open M-F from 9:00-5:00
© Chimney Works & Rocky Mountain Stoves. All rights reserved.
Designed by Weblink.