Chimney crown cracks and water damage
Why it happens here
Homes near the Cuyahoga River sit in damp air year-round. That moisture freezes and thaws in winter, which cracks the chimney crown and spalls the brick. A cracked crown lets water into the flue.
Our approach
We repair chimney crown cracks with mortar and apply waterproofing to the brick. On Riverside Drive, we recommend waterproofing every three years because the river moisture is relentless.