Cold weather is here. It’s time for Jack Frost, wool socks, hot chocolate, and cozy evenings by the fire place. If you are looking forward to your first fire underneath the hearth, it’s time to start preparing now. At least once a year, if not more, it’s vital to inspect your chimney and ensure that everything is working properly. One important piece to examine is the crown of the chimney. The crown is the top most part of the chimney. This cap is installed to protect the bricks and materials that are next to the flue. It can protect the house from water damage due to leakage within the chimney. However, as temperatures climb and drop throughout the year, it’s normal for small cracks to appear. This can also happen as the fireplace is used. If the crown seems to be in need of fixing, don’t delay. These cracks can eventually grow and cause more serious issues. Here’s how to repair a chimney crown in Marietta. First, it’s important to establish whether or not the crown needs to replace completely, or simply just repaired. If the cracks seem minor, it’s probable that it can be repaired. However, the best way to establish what needs to be done is to hire a professional to come and inspect your chimney. If you are looking at a simple repair, an elastomeric product can be applied to ensure that it flexes as your chimney crown expands and retracts. To begin the repair, use a wire brush to completely clean the surface of the crown and the area around it. This will help to remove and loose debris and particles that could interfere with the repair. It will also remove any mold that could be growing. Once the area is clean, apply duct tape around the perimeter of the flue. It should lay about an inch or so above the crown. Next, apply duct tape around the base of the crown as well. This will make the repair look cleaner in the end. Next, use caulking to fill any cracks that might be present along the crown. You can use either exterior silicone caulk or acrylic caulk. Then, allow the caulking to dry fully. After the cracks have all been filled, paint a layer of an elastomeric chimney repair product over the surface of the crown. It isn’t necessary to make the first coat very thick. Allow it to set at last 5 minutes. Then, apply a second coat. The second coat should be much heavier. Be aware that if this is being done in the summer, the hot weather may cause the product to set much more quickly. If this happens it will be difficult to smooth it out. If you find that the product becomes uneven, simply use a spray bottle to mist the surface with water. Once you have applied two coats and are satisfied with the consistency, remove the tape. You should be left with a clean line and a repaired chimney crown. Be sure to clean your tools adequately so they aren’t ruined by the product. Your chimney crown should be protected from cracks after this type of repair. However, it is still necessary to do inspections from time to time. As a rule of thumb, examine your chimney at least twice a year to ensure that everything is in working order. If you still have concerns when it comes to how to repair a chimney crown in Marietta, leave it to the professionals. By calling in an expert to perform the repair, you are ensuring that the job will be done quickly and correctly. Then, you can get back to enjoying the fire next to your loved ones.
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