Chimney Crown Repairs
There are many levels and options for chimney crown repairs. The deciding factor is how much damage the crown is exhibiting. The bigger the cracks or damage the more labor intensive the repairs. To protect a crown and/or repair hairline cracks then CrownCoat is a good option. If there is more damage – wider cracks or a lot of cracks, then CrownSeal is a better option since it can be applied thicker than CrownCoat. For slightly uneven surfaces, larger cracks or when a thicker repair is desired then CrownSaver is the best choice. If the crown is past the point of repair, the Ahrens Crown Forms make crown replacement the best solution.
CrownCoat is applied with a 3" or 4"paint brush so the surface must be relatively smooth with minimal damage. It's premixed and ready to use. It forms a lasting waterproof membrane and is a great product for prevention of deterioration or when hairline cracks are present. Apply a thin coat with a paint brush and follow with a heavier top coat. Cures completely in 2-4 hours and covers 40-square feet per gallon. It has the appearance of a light concrete but mortar dyes can be used. Sales brochures are available. CrownCoat has a 15-year warranty. Cold Weather CrownCoat has a 10-year warranty.
From the homeowner's point of view CrownCoat will brighten their old dirty stained crown, seal up small cracks, prevent or eliminate leaks and protect like a rubber umbrella coating. This will increase the life of the chimney with a minimum investment, all for less than the price of replacing the crown. And they won't have to worry about it for 10 or 15 years.
CrownSeal is applied with a trowel and is used when larger cracks are present. It's a premixed elastomeric coating that forms a flexible waterproof membrane. Drying time is 6 hours and curing time is about 24 hours. Coverage is approximately 14 – 18 square feet at 1/8" thickness per gallon. Appearance is that of a natural concrete color. Mortar dyes may be used. It has a ten-year warranty and sales brochures are available.
From the homeowner's point of view CrownSeal will brighten their old dirty stained crown, seal up bigger cracks, eliminate leaks and protect like a rubber umbrella type coating. This will increase the life of the chimney with a minimum investment all for less than the price of replacing the crown. And they don't have to worry about it for ten years.
CrownSaver is for those crowns that may be a little heavier damaged such as uneven surfaces, large cracks, etc. It is a blend of polymer modified hydraulic cements and powdered water repellents. To apply, first cover the crown with FormFoil which forms a bond break. It is a sticky, rubber backed, aluminum foil flashing (sold separately). Then mix one scoop of CrownSaver with three scoops of clean, fine, mason's sand and water. Trowel over the FormFoil at about a 1/2" thickness (1/4" to 2" thickness maximum). Sold in 28-pound pails, coverage averages about 30 square feet at 1/2" thickness for a 5-gallon container. Sales brochures are available and it includes a ten-year warranty.
From the homeowner's point of view CrownSaver will brighten their old dirty stained crown, seal up big cracks, repair the surface, eliminate leaks and protect like a regular cement type crown – more of a permanent fixture than the rubbery type products. This will increase the life of the chimney with a minimum investment all for less than the price of replacing the crown. In their mind, they won't have to worry about this for ten years.
Ahrens Crown Forms are lightweight Styrofoam forms that are easy to work with, yet when assembled, are strong enough to withstand the weight of a crown. These forms include a built-in drip edge and a 2" overhang. They also offer two styles: Top Rib or Victorian. When you order a style, each box includes six 5' 4" long forms, a miter box, support wires and instructions. Use the 12" Styro-Form Support Triangles for every installation where they will fit. If the 12" forms are too large, then use the 8" Support Triangles, each sold in a box of 4. Be sure to order the appropriate Support Triangles, 15' Ratchet Strap and Concrete Release Agent, all sold separately.
From the homeowner's point of view they are making an aesthetic investment in their chimney. This fancy new crown will be the best looking one in the neighborhood, giving their home more curb appeal than their neighbors. After all, their chimney is a focal point and lets everyone know they are wealthy enough to have a fireplace/fireplaces. The crown style will match the aesthetics of the home, making it look newer, with a minimum investment.
If you are not currently offering chimney crown repairs then you are missing out on a very important service for your customers that is also profitable. For more information on crown repair please contact us by clicking here or call us at one of the following locations: Albany, NY 877-722-7230; Atlanta, GA 866-450-3111 or Chicago, IL 800-722-7230.
