CROWNS

 Crowns are a  vital part of the chimney. A chimney crown is the cement that covers the top of the chimney. A wash crown is a simple troweled finish with a tapered edge and a pitch on top to shed the water away from the flues. A cast crown is a bit more intaled. It consists of concrete instead of cement and has wire and/or rebar reinforcement. It has a formed 2 inch overhang and is poured in place. The forms are then vibrated to ensure a smooth finish when the forms are removed. Typically the crown is 4 inches thick, the same thickness as a common sidewalk. Although the cast crown is more expensive, it should last a lifetime. A precast crown is the same type as the cast crow but it is made off site and can be purchased from the masonry yard. With this type you do not have to return a day or two later to remove the forms saving you money in labor costs. With precast you can order a wide variety of very intricate crowns but you are limited to certain sizes and the chimney has to be built to those exact specifications. The cast crowns are formed to the size of the chimney so they can be any size or shape desired.