Chimney Services · La Grange, IL
Chimney Caps & Crowns in La Grange, IL
The cap and crown are your chimney's roof. A good cap keeps rain, animals, and downdrafts out of the flue; a sound crown sheds water off the top of the masonry. Together they prevent the water damage that causes most chimney repairs. We install, replace, and repair both.
Overview
Small parts, big protection
The chimney cap is the metal cover with a mesh screen that sits over the flue opening. It keeps rain and snow out of the flue, blocks birds, squirrels, and raccoons from nesting inside, stops burning embers from landing on your roof, and helps prevent downdrafts. The crown is the concrete or mortar slab at the very top of the chimney that slopes water away from the masonry. When either fails, water pours straight into your chimney system — and water is the number-one cause of chimney deterioration in our climate.
What We Do
Cap & crown services
New cap installation
Correctly sized stainless or copper caps with animal-proof mesh, built to survive Midwest weather.
Cap replacement
Replace rusted, dented, blown-off, or undersized caps that are letting water or animals in.
Crown repair & rebuild
Seal cracked crowns or rebuild failed ones with a proper overhang and slope to shed water.
Waterproofing
Breathable sealant on the crown and masonry adds years of freeze-thaw protection.
Warning Signs
Signs your cap or crown needs attention
- Rain, dripping, or a musty smell coming from the fireplace
- Animals, birds, or nesting sounds in the chimney
- A missing, rusted, crooked, or damaged cap
- Visible cracks or crumbling in the concrete crown at the top
- Debris or water pooling in the firebox after storms
Related Services
FAQ
Common questions
What does a chimney cap do?
A chimney cap covers the flue opening to keep out rain, snow, animals, and debris, block downdrafts, and stop sparks from reaching your roof. It's an inexpensive part that prevents expensive water and animal damage.
My chimney doesn't have a cap — is that a problem?
Yes. An open flue lets water, birds, and squirrels straight into your chimney, which leads to blockages, nesting, rust, and liner damage. A cap is one of the highest-value, lowest-cost protections you can add.
What is a chimney crown?
The crown is the sloped concrete slab at the top of the chimney around the flue. It sheds rain off the masonry. When it cracks, water gets into the brick and mortar and accelerates freeze-thaw damage.
Can a cracked crown be repaired, or does it need replacing?
It depends on the extent. Minor cracks can be sealed with a flexible crown coating; a badly deteriorated crown should be rebuilt with a proper overhang. We'll show you photos and recommend the honest option.
How do I keep animals out of my chimney?
A properly fitted cap with animal-resistant mesh is the answer. If animals are already inside, we'll clear the flue first, then cap it so they can't return.
How much do caps and crowns cost?
Caps and crown work vary by chimney size and condition. We give the price up front after a look — call (708) 432-5330 or see our pricing page for what affects cost.
Protect your chimney from the top down.
Book a cap and crown check with Chimney Sweep Brothers — stop water damage before it starts.
Call (708) 432-5330