Most chimney problems start at the top. Without a quality chimney cap and a properly built chimney crown, rain, snow, and wildlife attack your system from above. Water seeps into hairline cracks, freezes, and expands—blowing apart mortar joints and brick faces in the process. Birds and small animals bring nesting materials that block airflow. Sparks land on your roof. Before long, the damage moves down the flue and into your attic and ceilings.
At Glastonbury Chimney Experts, we install stainless steel chimney caps and build long-lasting concrete crowns engineered for Connecticut’s freeze–thaw climate. Whether your crown has cracked, your cap has blown off, or you’re upgrading a builder-grade top, we provide proven solutions that stop leaks, improve draft protection, and extend the life of your chimney.
The chimney cap is a vented metal cover that fits over the flue opening. Its job is to keep out rain, snow, animals, and embers while allowing smoke and gases to exit freely. Good caps include a spark arrestor mesh, a solid lid with overhang, and secure attachment that resists wind.
The chimney crown is the concrete (or cast) slab at the very top of a masonry chimney that sheds water away from the flue and down the exterior faces. A proper crown has a drip edge, a sloped surface, and a bond break around the flue tile so thermal movement does not crack the slab. Mortar wash “crowns” (just smeared mortar) are not true crowns and fail quickly.
Glastonbury’s weather means constant moisture and temperature swings. Water is masonry’s #1 enemy, and an unprotected top lets it in. Proper caps and crowns reduce water absorption, stop animal intrusion, and prevent embers from leaving the flue in windy conditions. The result: fewer leaks, less creosote formation from cold, wet flues, and longer service life for your liner and brickwork.
We follow best practices for both performance and longevity:
Not every crown needs full replacement. If the structure is largely intact and only shows hairline cracking, a high-quality crown coating may be appropriate. This elastomeric membrane bridges small cracks and creates a continuous water-shedding surface. When the crown is severely cracked, too thin, or poured without an overhang, a complete rebuild is the smart long-term choice. We’ll present both options with photos and clear pricing.
Many modern homes in Glastonbury feature factory-built fireplaces enclosed by a framed “chase” with a sheet-metal cover on top. If your cover is rusting, flat, or oil-canning in the sun, it’s a leak waiting to happen. We replace thin covers with sloped stainless-steel chase tops that include cross breaks for stiffness and welded collars sealed to the flue. The result is a sleek, watertight finish that lasts.
Birds and small mammals are attracted to the warmth and shelter of chimneys. Our caps use properly sized mesh to exclude local species without restricting airflow. If wildlife has already entered, we coordinate humane removal and then install the cap to prevent re-entry—no more surprises in the flue.
We provide chimney cap and crown replacement throughout Glastonbury, CT—including South Glastonbury, Addison, Eastbury, Buckingham, and Hopewell—and neighboring Hartford County towns. From historic brick chimneys to modern factory-built chases, our solutions are customized to your home’s design and exposure.
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