Cracked chimney crowns from freeze-thaw cycles
Why it happens here
Snow sits on flat crowns for weeks in Cold Springs. Water gets into hairline cracks, freezes overnight, and widens them. Repeat that cycle through a winter and a crown that looked fine in October is split open by March. It is the single most common source of chimney leaks we find here.
Our approach
We pour new crowns with proper slope and overhang so water sheds instead of pooling. We use chimney crown mix rated for freeze-thaw and seal the bond at the flue. On crowns that are still sound, we apply a waterproof coating to extend their life.