Chimney Cap vs Chimney Crown: What Is the Difference?
Caps and crowns protect the top of your chimney differently. Here is what each does.
Reviewed by [TBD], chimney and fireplace professional with 20+ years of field experience.
Short Answer
The crown is the sloped concrete or mortar surface at the very top of the chimney that sheds water off the chimney structure. The cap is the covered screen that sits above the flue opening and keeps rain, animals, and debris out of the flue.
What the Crown Does
- Directs water away from the flue and chimney sides
- Seals the top of the chimney structure
- Prevents water from entering the masonry from above
What the Cap Does
- Covers the flue opening against rain and debris
- Keeps birds, squirrels, and raccoons out
- Reduces downdrafts when properly selected
Why Both Matter
A missing cap invites water, animals, and debris directly into the flue. A cracked crown lets water into the chimney structure, where freeze-thaw cycles accelerate damage. Both are relatively inexpensive to fix compared to the repairs they prevent.
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