The importance of chimney caps and crowns has been highlighted by one firm, which warned that if these are not up to the required standard they can compromise the whole structure.
Denver-based Certainty Home Inspections claims that spalling is something commonly seen in chimneys and refers to the deterioration of stone or masonry as a result of water absorption.
"Missing caps, cracked crowns and improper flashings are some common causes of moisture entry on chimneys which can result in the spalling of the masonry/stone surface," the company says.
To combat this, couples can apply a breathable sealant which will offer all of the protection the chimney needs and stop spalling from ruining the whole system.
Howard Rowell, from the Royal Chimney Service in Milwaukee, told
the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently that homeowners need to
watch out for micro fracturing in their chimneys during
particularly cold winters, as repairing this can involve rebuilding
work with new bricks.