Bergen County, New Jersey
Chimney Crown, Cap and Sweep Service in Wyckoff, NJ
Wyckoff's housing is mostly detached, owner-occupied and built in the 1960s. For houses that age, the crown is often where a chimney first loses its protection.
Wyckoff, in Bergen County, is about 87% detached houses and 93% owner-occupied, according to the Census. The median home was built in 1965, and about 18% of homes predate 1950.
Houses from the 1960s are old enough that the cement at the top of the chimney has had decades of rain and freezing. That is why we begin the conversation there.
The crown is also one of the more affordable parts to repair, if it is caught before water has got into the brick.
What we look at
The top of a chimney, piece by piece
Crown
A sloped cement or masonry cap over the top courses. It sheds water away from the flue and the brick. When it cracks, water goes in.
Flue tile top
Clay tile extending above the crown, sealed to it. Gaps here let water straight down.
Cap
A metal cover with mesh that keeps out rain and animals. It can rust or loosen.
Upper brick
The courses just below the crown are the first to show water damage.
Learn
Why a cracked crown matters
A crown is not decoration. Its job is to shed water away from the flue and masonry below. Fine hairline cracks are common and may only need sealing, but wider cracks, missing pieces and crowns that have separated from the brick let water in. Water in the masonry then freezes and thaws, loosening mortar and brick from the inside.
Repair choices range from sealing small cracks to rebuilding the crown properly. Our crown repair page covers the options, and the guide to cracked chimney crowns explains how to tell a cosmetic crack from a structural one. Our crown work includes East Windsor and Delran.
A crown that sheds water protects everything under it. A cracked one lets water in.
Checklist
What you can see from the ground
- Binoculars: is the cap in place and straight?
- Is there a visible gap between crown and flue tile?
- Are there white stains or dark streaks below the crown?
- Are there pieces of cement in the yard or gutters?
Symptoms
Crown and cap symptoms
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline cracks on top | Normal aging, sometimes more | Inspect and seal if needed |
| Wide cracks or loose pieces | Water has been getting in | Crown repair or rebuild |
| Rust streaks from a metal cap | Cap corrosion | Cap check or replacement |
| Damp patch inside near the chimney | Water via top or flashing | Top and roof-line check |
Housing profile
What the housing mix means in Wyckoff
Wyckoff is mostly detached and owner-occupied, built in the 1960s on average. Houses of that vintage have had decades of freeze and thaw, so the crown and top of the chimney are where a ground-level look pays off first.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a crown be repaired, or does it need replacing?
It depends on how far the damage has gone. Small cracks can be sealed, while a crown that has failed is usually rebuilt.
Do I need a cap too?
Most chimneys benefit from one. It keeps rain and animals out of the flue.
Is a crown crack an emergency?
Usually no, but water damage compounds, so it is worth having looked at before winter.
Service areas
Other areas we serve
Chimney Academy
Guides that go with this page
Questions about your chimney in Wyckoff?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.