How to Repair Terracotta Chimney Crowns

Epoxy Repair

• 1

  Pick up any broken pieces found on the roof or around the chimney and determine how each piece fits into the broken crown.

• 2

  Place the chimney crown and any broken pieces on a flat work surface and visually inspect it to identify all cracks and holes.

• 3

  Open any cracks in the crown with your hand and place a thin wood shim in each crack to hold them open while you work.

• 4

  Apply waterproof silicone caulk to both sides of each crack but avoid the area around the shim. Squeeze caulk slowly from the tube to avoid applying too much.

• 5

  Remove the shims and apply a small amount of caulk in the areas where you inserted the shims.

• 6

  Wrap a brass or copper wire around the top and bottom of the crown. Hold the wire taut. Twist the wire ends with a pair of pliers until the cracks in the crown close up completely.

• 7

  Apply caulk to the edges of any broken pieces of the crown. Place these pieces on the crown and hold them there for a few minutes so the caulk can form a bond.

• 8

  Wait for the caulk to dry per the manufacturer's directions.

• 9

  Apply epoxy putty over the repaired cracks and in any small holes in the crown. Epoxy putty is a sticky, clay-like material that comes in various colors, including terracotta.

Wire Repair

• 10

  Place the chimney crown and any broken pieces on a flat work surface and visually inspect it to identify all cracks and holes. Also, determine how each broken piece fits into the crown.

• 11

  Drill 1/2-inch holes on either side of the cracks with an 1/8-inch masonry drill bit. Place the holes on either side of the center of short cracks or 2-1/2 to 4 inches apart across the length of long cracks.

• 12

  Thread a piece of brass or copper wire through holes drilled opposite one another. Pull the wire taut and tighten it with a pair of pliers until the crack closes.

• 13

  Cut away any excess wire with a pair of wire cutters.

• 14

  Repeat the wiring process with all of the cracks and drilled holes. You can also use wire to attach broken pieces of terracotta to the crown by drilling a hole in the crown and shard then connecting them with wire