What is this called

[Chris Kanyuck]

There is a picture on the left bottom of this page where the top of the chimney has fallen in. I have seen this several times but I do not know what the proper name is for this part of a chimney. Can someone tell me what this part of a chimney is called?

[Ted Menelly]

There is a picture on the left bottom of this page where the top of the chimney has fallen in. I have seen this several times but I do not know what the proper name is for this part of a chimney. Can someone tell me what this part of a chimney is called?

Chimney cap

[John Arnold]

or chimney crown.

[Steve Lottatore]

Have always known it to be called a 'mortar crown'


Steve Lottatore
Bilt-Rite Property Inspections & Consutling, LLC

[Brandon Whitmore]

I would hesitate to call it a mortar crown, since mortar is not really supposed to be used for that purpose. Concrete with steel re- enforcement is one proper way...........

My vote is for chimney crown.

[Jerry Peck]

There is a picture on the left bottom of this page where the top of the chimney has fallen in. I have seen this several times but I do not know what the proper name is for this part of a chimney. Can someone tell me what this part of a chimney is called?


Chimney cap


or chimney crown.


Have always known it to be called a 'mortar crown'


I would hesitate to call it a mortar crown, since mortar is not really supposed to be used for that purpose.

"since mortar is not really supposed to be use" - but looks like it was used. ;)

In the case in the photo, then, is it a "mortar crown", supposed to be or not? :)

I know, the question was for the correct term, and the correct term for a correct item (the photo shows an incorrect item) would be:


Chimney cap


or chimney crown.

What does Bob H. call it? :D

In looking at the IRC, even it calls it ... sort of calls it ... Mortar Cap.

[Mike Schulz]

I have only seen a couple of concrete crowns/caps that where installed overhanging the brick with a kerf. Just about all of them have a mortar crown and stop at the edge of the brick. Masons use the same mix as with laying the bricks.

[Gunnar Alquist]

Like others, I call it a "crown" or a "chimney crown" and have heard it called a "crown wash". I got a good diagram from somewhere. Might be that someone from this site posted it or I could have downloaded it from the Brick Institute. I can't remember. If I got it from this site, I'm sure that I will be reminded.

[Mike Schulz]

Here is another!

[Ted Menelly]

It is a chimney cap that is crowned. It seals or caps the entire chimney of that sheds water over the edges of the chimney because it is crowned. Just so you know I call it both but essentially crowned or not it caps the chimney that is why I call it a cap most of the time.

[Jim Robinson]

For some reason I was told it was called a wash cap, so that's what I've been calling it. Regional differences, I suppose.