Chimney Cleaning and Crown Repair

[Mitch Newton]

Next Saturday I'm getting both my chimneys cleaned. One is an open FP in the living room and the other one is a stainless steel liner for my basement WBST. I want to let them do it first so I can observe since last year was my first year with the WBST. Then next year I'll do myself. I know my cement crown is cracked and needs sealed and or re-poured. They will give me estimates for that. I have had some concrete experience in the past but not on chimney crowns. My questions are can the crown just be sealed with the appropriate epoxy/mortar. Or should it be re-poured totally? Has anyone had experience with maybe metal crown alternatives? I've patched it in the past but that only lasts about two years. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Guys!

 

[blujacket]

Hey Mitch. I replaced my crown when I had my stove installed. I have a friend, thankfully, that does concrete work. It wasn't hard after helping him do it. I do recommend this product that my installer used on my new crown.

(broken link removed to http://chimneysaver.com/item/3-crown-products/16-crowncoat.html)

 

[webby3650]

Crown coat is a great product as long as the cracks aren't too big! I was trying to decide if I was gonna do a stainless cover, a crown coat or just pour a new concrete crown. Mine was mortar like most and that is just no good. Most masons just slope some mortar up there and that's no correct, it should be cement. And there has to be an expansion joint between the flue and the crown. If you don't have an expansion joint or an overhang I would consider just pouring a new crown. Mine is 6'x almost 3', it cost me $45.

 

[begreen]

Why such a big wide chimney for just one pipe? Visual effect or was there another pipe in there at one point? The single pipe looks lonely on the big crown.

 

[webby3650]

It's a fireplace. Only only flue in it.

 

[clemsonfor]

I want to redo mine as well. Once I get better signal I want to check that out!

 

[fireview2788]

When we moved in 3 years ago we had the fireplace inspected (pre-stove) and had to have the crown repaired. It came with a 5 year warranty but it has to be inspected every year so I have him clean the pipe at the same time. I will eventually look into doing it myself after 5 years.

fv

 

[clemsonfor]

I would think you could find something at Lowe's or HD that would do the same thing. Maybe one of those flat roof coatings?

 

[mellow]

DO NOT USE FLAT ROOF COATING!

As have been stated in previous threads on this topic the Chimney Saver is the best product for this job unless you want to tear it apart and redo it with concrete.

 

[clemsonfor]

Where do u buy it?

 

[mellow]

Online, Rockford carries it, most of the other chimney supply places as well or ebay.