Chimney Crowns & Caps
Poured 3.5" concrete crowns with drip edge — built to outlast the mortar washes failing on Cleveland chimneys.
Our Chimney Crowns & Caps Work
Chimney Flashing & Cap Installation
Chimney Cap Installation — Close-Up
Chimney Cap Installation — Completed
Chimney Inspection — Cap Assessment
Chimney Damage — Before Repair
Severe Chimney Deterioration
About This Service
The chimney crown is the single most important line of defense against water damage — and it is the most commonly failed component on Cleveland chimneys. Five Star pours every crown to a full 3.5-inch thickness with a built-in drip edge that channels water away from the brick face below. This is the standard set by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and it is the only crown design that holds up to Cleveland's freeze-thaw cycles.
Why Mortar Washes Fail — and What We Do Instead
Example: Failed Mortar Wash — Cleveland, OH
Across Cleveland's west side, the majority of older chimneys were finished with a thin mortar wash — a skim coat of mixed mortar troweled over the top of the chimney. These washes are typically less than an inch thick, have no drip edge, and are not bonded to the flue tile.
Within a few winters they crack, separate, and allow water to pool directly against the brick and liner. Once water gets under a failed wash, it accelerates brick spalling, erodes mortar joints, and can crack the flue liner — as shown in the photo.
A properly poured concrete crown eliminates all of these failure points. Our crowns are formed and poured in place, sloped to shed water, and extend past the brick face so the drip edge keeps runoff away from the masonry entirely. Combined with a stainless steel cap, this is the only crown system that provides genuine long-term protection.
Chimney caps prevent rain, debris, birds, and animals from entering the flue. Five Star installs stainless steel caps sized to the exact flue dimensions — not generic off-the-shelf units that leave gaps. Every cap installation includes an inspection of the crown condition, and we will always tell you honestly whether your existing crown can be sealed and extended or needs to be fully replaced.
Common Signs You Need This Service
- Water dripping into the firebox during or after rain
- Cracked, chipped, or missing chimney crown (the concrete slab at the top)
- Animals — birds, squirrels, or raccoons — nesting inside the flue
- Downdraft or strong odors coming from the fireplace when not in use
- No cap visible when looking up at the chimney from outside
Our Custom Poured Crowns
Completed Crown & Cap — Rocky River
Poured Crown with Drip Edge & Cap
Crown & Cap — Neighborhood View
Drip Edge Detail — Cloudy Sky
Crown & Cap on Slate Roof
Full House — Crown & Cap Installed
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a chimney crown and a chimney cap?
How much does a chimney cap cost in Cleveland's west side?
How do I know if my chimney crown is cracked?
Can animals get into my chimney without a cap?
How long does a chimney crown last in Cleveland's west side?
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Chimney Crowns & Caps Reviews
Real feedback from Cleveland-area homeowners
"Five Star did our chimney cap and crown replacement. They sent photos from the roof so we could see the damage before they started. Very transparent and professional. The new cap looks great and no more water issues."
Karen P.
North Olmsted, OH — Chimney Crowns & Caps
"Five Star completely rebuilt our chimney and it looks incredible. The crew was professional, showed up on time every day, and cleaned up perfectly. You can tell these guys take pride in their work. Highly recommend for any chimney work in the Cleveland area."
Sarah M.
Parma, OH — Chimney Rebuilding
"Had severe chimney flashing leaks that two other companies couldn't fix. Five Star came out, diagnosed the problem immediately, and had it repaired in one day. No more leaks. These guys know masonry inside and out."
Tom R.
Lakewood, OH — Chimney Flashing
"We needed tuckpointing on our 1920s colonial and Five Star matched the mortar color perfectly. You can't even tell where the new work starts. Michael was great to work with — honest, fair pricing, and outstanding craftsmanship."
Jennifer K.
Rocky River, OH — Tuckpointing
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