Should I seal this gap?

[Regency139]

Hey everyone, longtime lurker and newer member of the forum. Quick question regarding the top of my chimney. I had a liner and cap installed last year for my wood burning insert. I noticed while doing some minor repair work to the chimney that there is a small gap around the bottom plate of the cap. My question is whether or not I should seal the gap up or if I should just leave it alone. I have been sealing some hairline cracks in the chimney block and I have some extra mortar to play with.


Thanks in advance

 

[DAKSY]

I'd remove the cap & refinish the entire "mud cap" or chimney crown, then re-install the cap.
That way you couild make sure there is no way for rain or snow to get in next to the flue tiles - if there ARE any...
Water getting in between the flue tiles & main body of the chimney can freeze & expand & lead to more cracks & leakage problems...

 

[LLigetfa]

You'd have to break the seal every time you take off the cap to clean/inspect.

 

[BrotherBart]

You'd have to break the seal every time you take off the cap to clean/inspect.

It looks like one of those that you take two screws out and it opens on a hinge.

 

[Regency139]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The cap is actually on a hinge and the base plate doesnt need to be removed. I was just curious what others thought. Removing the plate, making the crown flush, then reinstalling it sounds like a good option. Thanks again

 

[BrotherBart]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The cap is actually on a hinge and the base plate doesnt need to be removed. I was just curious what others thought. Removing the plate, making the crown flush, then reinstalling it sounds like a good option. Thanks again

Shooting a bead of plain old silicone caulk around the base will do just fine.