The cap and crown are what keep rain, animals, and downdrafts out of your chimney — and when either fails, water damage starts immediately. Elite Sweepers installs chimney caps and repairs or rebuilds crowns across Homer Glen and the Southwest suburbs, protecting the most vulnerable part of your chimney at the lowest cost.
The chimney cap: your first line of defense
A chimney cap sits over the flue opening and does three jobs at once: it keeps rain out of the flue, blocks birds, squirrels, and raccoons from nesting inside, and its spark arrestor stops burning embers from landing on your roof. A missing or rusted cap is one of the most common — and most preventable — sources of chimney trouble.
The chimney crown and why it fails
The crown is the sloped concrete slab at the very top of the chimney that sheds water away from the flue and masonry. Chicago-area freeze-thaw cycles crack crowns over time, and once water gets under it, the damage accelerates. Small cracks can be sealed; a badly deteriorated crown needs rebuilding before it lets water destroy the brickwork below.
Signs you need cap or crown work
- You hear or see animals in the chimney, or find nesting debris.
- Rain comes down the flue, or you notice moisture in the firebox.
- The cap is rusted, dented, or missing entirely.
- The crown is cracked, crumbling, or has chunks missing.
- Water stains appear on the ceiling or wall near the chimney.
Cap and crown work across the Southwest suburbs
We install caps and repair crowns in Homer Glen, Orland Park, Lockport, Lemont, Mokena, Frankfort, and nearby towns. These are among the highest-value, lowest-cost jobs we do — a small investment that prevents thousands in future water damage. You get an up-front price before we start.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a chimney cap?
A cap keeps out rain, animals, and debris and stops embers from reaching your roof. Without one, water and nesting animals cause damage and blockages that cost far more than the cap.
What is the difference between a cap and a crown?
The cap is the metal cover over the flue opening; the crown is the concrete slab at the top of the masonry that sheds water. Both keep water out, and both are essential.
Can a cracked crown be repaired?
Minor cracks can be sealed with a flexible crown coating. A severely deteriorated crown needs to be rebuilt, because a failing crown lets water into the whole chimney structure.
How do animals get into a chimney?
Through an open or damaged flue with no cap. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons nest inside for warmth. A properly fitted cap with mesh keeps them out for good.
How long does a chimney cap last?
A quality stainless or copper cap can last decades. Cheaper galvanized caps rust out faster. We install caps built to handle Chicago-area weather.
Will a cap stop downdrafts?
A cap helps with rain and animals; persistent downdrafts may also need a specialized cap or a look at flue sizing and height. We can diagnose the cause during an inspection.
Do you waterproof crowns?
Yes. After repairing a crown we can apply a breathable sealant that sheds water while letting trapped moisture escape, extending the crown’s life.
How much do caps and crowns cost?
A cap is one of the most affordable chimney upgrades; crown repair varies with the damage. We quote an up-front price; see our pricing page for starting rates.
Protect your chimney from water
Up-front pricing, careful work, and a real person on the phone — 7 days a week, 7 AM to 7 PM.
Call (708) 432-3977