The cap and crown are your chimney’s first line of defense against the weather. The crown is the sloped concrete or masonry top that sheds rain away from the flue, and the cap is the metal cover with mesh sides that sits over the flue opening. Together they keep water, animals, and burning embers out. When either fails, water pours into the chimney and quietly destroys it from the inside. Indigo Chimney Sweep installs and repairs both across Joliet.
Chimney caps
A good stainless-steel or copper cap does three jobs at once: it keeps rain out of the flue, its mesh screen blocks birds, squirrels, and raccoons from nesting inside, and it stops sparks from landing on your roof. If your chimney has no cap — or a rusted, damaged one — you are almost certainly getting water and often wildlife inside the flue. We size caps to your specific flue and install them to withstand Illinois wind.
Chimney crowns
The crown takes the full force of rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles, so it is one of the first parts of a chimney to crack. Once it does, water seeps into the masonry below and accelerates brick and mortar damage. Depending on the condition, we either seal and patch hairline cracks with a flexible crown coating or recast a failed crown entirely. Addressing the crown early is one of the cheapest ways to avoid an expensive rebuild later.
Signs of a problem
- Animal noises, nesting material, or a musty smell coming from the fireplace.
- Water dripping or rust stains inside the firebox.
- Visible cracks on the concrete top of the chimney.
- Pieces of concrete or brick in the gutters or on the ground.
A cap and a sound crown work hand in hand with a good liner to keep your chimney dry and safe. Not sure what shape yours is in? A quick inspection gives you the answer. We serve Joliet, Crest Hill, Lockport, Frankfort, and nearby towns.
Keep water and animals out for good. Call (815) 296-9565 or book online.
Frequently asked questions
What does a chimney cap do?
A cap keeps rain out of the flue, blocks birds and animals from nesting inside, and stops sparks from escaping onto the roof. It is an inexpensive part that prevents costly water and pest damage.
What is the difference between a cap and a crown?
The crown is the sloped masonry or concrete top that covers the whole chimney and sheds water, while the cap is the metal cover that fits over the flue opening itself. Most chimneys need both.
How do I know if my crown is cracked?
From the ground you may see chunks of concrete on the roof or in the gutters. A closer inspection reveals hairline or wide cracks on the flat top of the chimney, which let water into the masonry.
Can a cracked crown be repaired or does it need replacing?
Minor cracks can be sealed with a flexible crown coating. A crown that is badly broken or crumbling should be recast. An inspection determines which approach is appropriate.
There is an animal in my chimney — can a cap help?
Once any animal has safely left, a capped, screened cover prevents birds, squirrels, and raccoons from returning. We can advise on humane removal before installing the cap.
What material is best for a chimney cap?
Stainless steel and copper are the most durable choices because they resist rust and stand up to Illinois weather. Galvanized caps are cheaper but corrode faster.
Will a cap stop downdrafts?
A cap alone will not cure every draft problem, but certain cap designs help reduce wind-driven downdrafts. We can recommend the right style after seeing your chimney and roofline.
How much do caps and crown repairs cost?
It depends on flue size and crown condition. We give a price up front after inspecting — see our pricing page or call (815) 296-9565.
Reviewed by Jamie Reed, operations manager at Indigo Chimney Sweep — 17 years in the trade, serving Joliet and the surrounding Will County communities.