Cracked chimney crowns on 1990s homes
Why it happens here
The original mortar crowns in Sterling Acres were not designed to last 30 years. Freeze-thaw cycles in Cuyahoga County open hairline cracks, which let water in. Once water gets into the masonry, it expands when it freezes and causes spalling brick.
Our approach
We repair crowns with a flexible mortar mix that handles freeze-thaw movement. We also apply a waterproof sealant to the brick. This is a fraction of the cost of rebuilding the top of the chimney.