Fix Cracked Chimney Crown

Metal Chimney Flue Cap ........................ amzn.to/37bsOxr
Brushable Chimney Crown Repair ......... amzn.to/35inaaL
Masonry Chimney Water Repellent ....... amzn.to/2ptPBmZ
Climbing Harness .................................... amzn.to/2XmXw26
Climbing Rope ......................................... amzn.to/2qfRFQ8
The chimney at our house was in bad shape. We had birds getting in through the flue, the crown was cracked into pieces, and the bricks were breaking off.
All Parts: • Chimney Repair - Cap, ...
In PART 1: • Install Chimney Cap
The first thing i did was install 2 metal caps to prevent any animals from getting inside the chimney. This wasn't too hard, just 4 screws to attach it to the clay chimney.
This video is PART 2: • Fix Cracked Chimney Crown
The second thing was to fix the chimney crown. I used a brushable masonry cement. It worked great. Easy to apply with a brush and will hopefully be flexible enough to not crack during the winter months. I used 90% of the 1 gallon bucket to apply 2 coats on a 3'x5' area. I just brushed it on and really forced it into the cracks and any joints.
In PART 3: • Waterproof Chimney Sealer
The third thing was to waterproof everything. Hopefully preventing any more water from getting behind the bricks and cause any more damage. I used a sprayer to wet down everything i could reach up near the top of the chimney. I covered the crown and all of the bricks. Really focusing on areas where bricks were broken or where i could see water being able to get in.
Disclosure Note: The above links are Amazon Affiliate links. There is NO additional cost to you, however I get paid a small percentage from Amazon if you purchase after clicking on the link.

[@DaveWirth]

Metal Chimney Flue Cap ........................ amzn.to/37bsOxr Brushable Chimney Crown Repair ......... amzn.to/35inaaL Masonry Chimney Water Repellent ....... amzn.to/2ptPBmZ Climbing Harness .................................... amzn.to/2XmXw26 Climbing Rope ......................................... amzn.to/2qfRFQ8

[@nerfmadeeasy]

I'm in Michigan too, starting a similar project too at some time. Following your bathroom remodel for the same reason. Keep it up because you're definitely helping out the public.

[@Jamie_5150]

Thanks for the video. Going to start mine soon

[@akaredcrossbow]

Great video! I like to use a trowel to apply and spread the product on the crown and mist some water on the product and then use the brush. It goes a bit faster. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@bootnreboot7456]

perfect video, i'm going to start working on installing a new full ss chimney cap, I didn't even know this kind of product is out there so I'll now be able to protect my weathering concrete cap too...thank you!

[@michaelj.k.9408]

Just rebuild the crown using topping mix, or apply another layer on top

[@benton-benton]

I wish I could get on roof and do the crown coat. It looks like fun. Thanks for your video! I enjoyed it.

[@paulhare662]

Just did my cap in a similar manner. I used Drylok hyd. cement in the hairline cracks and coated the cap and top course of brick with Drylok white block paint, the powdered kind. I'll check back in 10 years or so to let you know how it worked.

[@sirnatanielson]

3 years. How's it holding up?

[@paulhare662]

@@sirnatanielson So far so good.

[@michaelgreen3224]

Just curious how does this look today? Also would it have been beneficial tk use hydraulic cement in the big cracks? Thanks in advance. Great video.

[@DaveWirth]

I haven't been up there in a year, but last time i checked it still looked ok. Yes, this probably wasn't the best method, just a "band-aid" until it need to be completely redone.

[@mansakonko7777]

Love how you left a gap under the concrete to allow water ingression along with crumbling bricks.

[@DaveWirth]

The damage was already done. My goal was to prolong the life as much as i can before it needs to be rebuilt. The crown cap was to prevent any more water from getting in and freezing, which i thought worked pretty well.

[@mansakonko7777]

@@DaveWirth Fair comment and if thats what the customer wants...

[@daveogorman9636]

@@mansakonko7777 He is the customer, it's his own home and it is a temporary fix. Pretty easy to figure that out.

[@csamai]

Any updates on the durability / lasting nature of this fix?

[@DaveWirth]

After 2 years it still looks pretty good. But it's more of a preventative measure, then a fix. I was just trying to get a few more years out of the cap, and prevent any more water getting in behind the brick and freezing. But it seems to work fine so far.

[@csamai]

@@DaveWirth Thank you for the update. ;)

[@jamesearlray931]

you could use a new liner

[@CK-qu1kn]

Do not use this. Call a mason…

[@bellinghammond]

"it should not 'reflect' the existing cracks in the cap" What?

[@DaveWirth]

If i had used just typical concrete the cracks from the existing crown would reflect or happen in the same place as the new crown. The more flexible cement will hopefully prevent the same cracks from occurring.

[@bellinghammond]

@@DaveWirth "Recur"

[@f1wilk]

how much does it cost to have a contractor come out and fix a single crack on the crown? small job, rest of chimney fine.

[@DaveWirth]

Not sure. But like a lot of things - i would guess that there's a large cost for them to just come out and setup. Fixing just 1 crack or multiple cracks doesn't matter. The fact that they have to come out, climb on the roof with multiple ladders... The amount of crack fill material is a minor part of the cost they would bill. I have no idea for the cost, but i would think at least like $300.

[@f1wilk]

@@DaveWirth right on thanks

[@billmonroe8826]

That should have been replaced. You just did a temporary bandaid! four years later, it's probably back to leaking by now.

[@efrentroncoso6471]

There are so many things wrong with this crown repair video it’s not even worth mentioning.

[@OneShotPaddy]

all the damaged bricks should have been removed and basically rebuilt and new crown..you did nothing but waste your time and the customer's money..

[@michaelj.k.9408]

I can't help but agree, water still gonna get in that thing