Level 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterTrusted Chimney Cap & Crown for Arlington Heights Homeowners
A properly fitted chimney cap and crown in Arlington Heights typically costs $280 to $1,850 depending on whether you’re sealing surface cracks or replacing a full concrete crown and multi-flue cap. Most inspections take under an hour, and we quote the exact price in writing before any work starts. Call (331) 202-2419 to book.
We’ve inspected and swept more than 38,000 chimneys since 2009, and the cap and crown failures we find in Arlington Heights follow a clear pattern. The freeze-thaw cycles that hit Cook County hard every February and March force water into hairline concrete cracks, then expand them. By the time a homeowner notices water stains on the ceiling near the fireplace, the crown has often been compromised for two or three seasons. In neighborhoods like Scarsdale and Hasbrook, where many homes were built during the 1960s and 1970s construction boom, we’re still finding original poured-concrete crowns with no overhang and no drip edge - designs that fail predictably.
Level Two Chimney Arlington Heights operates under the Haven Standard, which means every cap and crown job starts with a camera-scan inspection down the flue and ends with a documented photo record. Corrine Halstead established this practice in 2009, and it became Clause 4 of the Haven Standard because caps and crowns don’t fail in isolation - when water gets past the crown, it damages the flue liner, smoke chamber, and firebox below. We find what’s actually broken before we quote a price, and we put that price in writing before any technician starts work. That’s Haven Standard Clause 1: have it in writing.
What Our Chimney Cap & Crown Service Includes
Cap Installation
Cap installation protects the flue from rain, animal intrusion, and wind-driven debris. In Arlington Heights, we install caps on single-flue and multi-flue chimneys using stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper depending on the exposure and the homeowner’s preference. Our technicians measure the flue tile or liner opening on site, then source the cap through our Haven buying network from suppliers like Gelco and Olympia Chimney to keep pricing honest. Every installation includes a check of the flue condition beneath the cap - we don’t cover a problem we haven’t documented.
Cap Replacement
Cap replacement becomes necessary when the mesh siding rusts through, the lid detaches in high winds, or the original cap was never properly sized and blows off every winter. We see this often in Arlington Heights near Lake Arlington, where wind exposure across open parkland accelerates corrosion on lower-grade galvanized caps. We remove the failed unit, inspect the flue top for spalling or liner damage the old cap may have concealed, and install a replacement with proper tension screws or masonry anchors. The written scope specifies the cap gauge, mesh size, and whether a wind-beater top is recommended for your location.
Crown Repair
Crown repair addresses cracks, spalling, and edge deterioration before water reaches the brick courses below. A sound crown should overhang the brick by at least two inches with a drip edge underneath; we find many Arlington Heights crowns that terminate flush with the wall, directing water straight down the masonry face. Our repair process involves cleaning the crown surface, routing cracks to sound concrete, and filling with a flexible crown sealant rated for freeze-thaw cycling. For crowns with minor surface degradation but intact structural thickness, this repair can add 10 to 15 years of service life.
Crown Coating
Crown coating is a preventive application for crowns showing early-stage wear - fine cracking, slight surface erosion, or loss of the original slope. We use HeatShield CrownCoat or equivalent elastomeric formulations that remain flexible below zero degrees Fahrenheit, which matters in Arlington Heights where January temperatures regularly drop into single digits. The coating is brushed or troweled over a clean, dry crown surface and cures to a waterproof membrane that bridges hairline cracks as they develop. This is not a repair for crowns with through-cracks or structural delamination; our inspection determines which approach applies.
Multi-Flue Cap
Multi-flue caps cover two or more flue terminals with a single hood, which is essential when the flues are close together or when a chase pan has failed on a factory-built chimney. In Arlington Heights townhomes and condos near Rand Road, we install multi-flue caps to replace deteriorated chase covers that have allowed water into the chase cavity, rusting the fireplace insert or damaging surrounding drywall. These caps are measured and fabricated to the specific flue spacing and chase dimensions, with screened sides for ventilation and a lid pitched to shed water. We document the flue-to-cap clearance on every installation to confirm compliance with manufacturer requirements.
Custom Cap
Custom caps solve fit problems for oversized flues, decorative chimney pots, or heritage masonry where standard sizes won’t seat properly. We’ve fabricated custom copper and stainless caps for Arlington Heights homes in the Historic District near Vail Avenue, where preservation guidelines favor materials that weather naturally. The process involves field measurement, material selection, and often coordination with a local metal shop in our Haven supplier network. The result is a cap that fits without caulk or improvisation, with a written warranty on both materials and installation.
What happens when you call
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A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
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You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
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A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
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You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Brands We Service for Chimney Cap & Crown
We source cap and crown materials through the Haven buying network from DuraFlex, HeatShield, Gelco, and Olympia Chimney, with procurement relationships built since 2009 to keep customer prices honest. DuraFlex provides stainless steel caps and liners we use on high-heat applications and condensing appliance vents; their 304 and 316 alloy gauges hold up to the salt-laden winter air that drifts in from the tollway corridor. HeatShield’s crown repair and coating products are our standard for concrete restoration - the CrownCoat formulation has been in our inventory since 2012, and we’ve tracked its performance through enough Arlington Heights winters to know when it will work and when the crown needs replacement instead.
Gelco and Olympia Chimney supply the bulk of our standard and multi-flue caps, with catalog sizes that fit most residential flue dimensions and custom capabilities when needed. We’ve installed hundreds of Gelco units in Arlington Heights and the northwest suburbs, including Chimney Cap & Crown in Palatine, and we stock common sizes for faster turnaround on replacement calls. Whether you have a Gelco cap that needs re-anchoring after a windstorm, an Olympia multi-flue system on your townhome, or any other make currently on your chimney, we can inspect it, source parts for it, and quote a written price before any work begins.
Before
AfterSigns You Need Chimney Cap & Crown Right Now
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall near the fireplace. These indicate the crown or cap has been leaking long enough to saturate the framing. In Arlington Heights ranch homes with the chimney running through the center of the roof, the stain may appear several feet from the fireplace itself. We trace the leak path with a camera inspection and moisture meter to distinguish crown failure from flashing problems.
- Visible cracks or missing chunks on the crown surface. Concrete crowns crack from thermal cycling and freeze-thaw stress; once the crack reaches the reinforcing mesh or allows water into the brick below, deterioration accelerates. We classify crown damage by depth, pattern, and whether the crack is active (widening seasonally) or stable, which determines whether repair or replacement is the appropriate recommendation.
- Rust stains on the exterior brick below the cap or crown. Rust means water is carrying dissolved minerals or metal particles down the chimney face, which stains masonry and indicates chronic moisture intrusion. The source may be a missing cap, a cracked crown, or deteriorated mortar joints at the chimney top - our inspection identifies which.
- Debris, nests, or animal sounds in the flue. A missing or damaged cap is an open invitation to squirrels, raccoons, and starlings, which nest in flues and block ventilation. In Arlington Heights, we remove nests most frequently in early spring and late fall; the blockage creates a carbon monoxide hazard and can ignite if the fireplace is used before the obstruction is cleared.
- The cap is visibly tilted, detached, or missing after high winds. Wind gusts across the flat terrain of northwest Cook County can exceed 50 mph during winter storms, and poorly anchored caps become projectiles. We check the flue tile or liner top for impact damage when a cap has blown off, then install a replacement with proper fastening for the exposure.
Our Chimney Cap & Crown Process - Step by Step
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Schedule and confirm. Call (331) 202-2419 and you’ll reach a live person, not voicemail. We confirm your Arlington Heights address, note any symptoms you’ve observed, and assign a background-checked, uniformed technician. You receive a text when they’re en route with an estimated arrival window.
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NFPA 211 Level 2 inspection with camera scan. The technician arrives with a digital chimney camera, moisture meter, and ladder equipment appropriate for your roof pitch and height. We scan the flue from top to bottom, photograph the crown and cap from multiple angles, and record any cracks, spalling, or liner damage. This documentation becomes the basis for everything that follows.
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Written diagnosis and price. Before any repair work begins, you receive a written scope with our findings in plain language, a line-item price for each option, and our recommendation with the reasoning behind it. Haven Standard Clause 1 requires this; we don’t start work until you’ve reviewed and approved the written quote.
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Cap or crown work with photo documentation. Approved work proceeds with the materials specified in your quote. For crown repairs, we photograph the surface before and after preparation. For cap installations, we document the flue-to-cap clearance and anchor method. The technician records any additional findings that emerge during the work.
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Final documentation and warranty. You receive a completed job record with before-and-after photos, a written warranty specifying coverage and duration, and the technician’s notes on any maintenance items to monitor. This record is your documentation for insurance, real estate disclosure, or future service. The 365-Day Done Right Promise applies: if it’s not done right, we make it right.
How Much Does Chimney Cap & Crown Cost in Arlington Heights?
A standard stainless steel cap installation in Arlington Heights typically runs $280 to $450 for a single-flue unit, including inspection, cap, and labor, according to our Chimney Cap & Crown cost guide. Crown repair with crack routing and sealant application ranges from $350 to $650 depending on crown size and accessibility. Full crown replacement, which involves forming and pouring new concrete with proper overhang and drip edge, generally costs $1,200 to $1,850. Multi-flue caps and custom fabrications fall between $650 and $1,400 depending on material and complexity.
Several factors move the price within these ranges. Roof height and pitch affect ladder and staging requirements; two-story homes in Arlington Heights with steep pitches above 6:12 require additional safety equipment and time. Crown accessibility matters - some chimneys are tucked into valleys or against dormers that complicate the work surface. Material selection shifts the price: galvanized steel costs less than stainless, which costs less than copper, with corresponding differences in expected service life. The condition of the flue tile or liner top beneath the cap can add repair work if spalling or cracking is found during inspection.
To avoid overpaying, get the scope in writing before work starts and verify what’s included. Our quotes specify the cap model and gauge, or the crown repair material and warranty term. We don’t charge separately for the inspection that determines what you need - it’s included in the visit. If you’ve received a written estimate from another company, bring it to us for a free second opinion under the Haven Standard.
Every estimate we provide is free and carries no obligation. The price we write is the price you pay; we don’t add trip charges, disposal fees, or inspection surcharges after the fact.
Chimney Cap & Crown Near Arlington Heights - Our Service Area
Level Two Chimney Arlington Heights serves homeowners throughout Cook and Lake Counties, with regular routes to Chimney Cap & Crown in Palatine, Chimney Cap & Crown in Glenview, and surrounding communities including Lake Zurich, Hoffman Estates, Park Ridge, Highland Park, Bloomingdale, Elmhurst, Evanston, Lombard, and Cary. Response times to Arlington Heights addresses are typically same-week, with next-day availability for active leaks or missing caps. Our technicians live in the northwest suburbs and know the local housing stock - from the mid-century ranches near Arlington Lakes to the newer construction west of Route 53.
Serving Arlington Heights, IL - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Arlington Heights area and know this community well, including nearby Hoffman Estates Chimney Cap & Crown service. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions - Chimney Cap & Crown in Arlington Heights
Chimney cap and crown service covers the top of your chimney where the flue exits the structure. The crown is the concrete slab that sheds water away from the flue and brickwork; the cap is the metal hood with mesh sides that keeps rain and animals out while allowing smoke to vent. Level Two Chimney Arlington Heights inspects both components with a camera scan of the flue below, then repairs or replaces what’s actually needed based on documented findings.
Most cap installations and crown repairs are completed in two to four hours on site. Full crown replacement requires a return visit because the concrete needs to cure before the formwork is removed; we schedule the pour and strip visits around weather and your availability. We quote the timeline in writing with the price, so you know the schedule before approving the work.
Single-flue cap installations typically run $280 to $450, crown repairs $350 to $650, and full crown replacements $1,200 to $1,850. Multi-flue and custom caps fall between $650 and $1,400. The exact price depends on your chimney’s height, accessibility, and the condition of the flue top beneath the cap. Call (331) 202-2419 for a free written estimate - estimates are free and include the full camera inspection.
Yes. We install and repair caps and crowns using materials from DuraFlex, HeatShield, Gelco, and Olympia Chimney sourced through our Haven buying network. If your existing cap or crown was originally built with one of these brands, we can match specifications for replacement or repair. We also service all other major manufacturers and custom fabrications.
We answer calls live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and prioritize active water intrusion or missing caps that create immediate hazards. For leaks, we can often install a temporary cap or seal the crown same-day to stop water entry, then return for permanent repair when weather permits. Call (331) 202-2419 and we’ll dispatch based on urgency and our current route.
All cap and crown work is backed by the 365-Day Done Right Promise: if it’s not done right, we make it right. Cap installations carry a material warranty from the manufacturer (typically 10 years to lifetime for stainless steel) plus our installation warranty. Crown repairs and replacements include a written warranty against water intrusion through the treated or replaced area. Haven Standard Clause 3 requires that every warranty term be specified in writing before work begins.
Clear a path to the fireplace and ensure we have access to the exterior chimney base. If you have photos of water damage, rust stains, or the cap after a wind event, have them ready to show the technician. We don’t need you to climb the roof or move furniture near the chimney - our technicians handle all ladder work and lay protective coverings. The inspection itself takes 45 to 60 minutes, and you’ll have the written quote before we leave.
Schedule Your Chimney Cap & Crown Service in Arlington Heights Today
Call (331) 202-2419 to speak with a live person and schedule your free estimate. We’ll send a background-checked, uniformed technician with a camera, written price in hand before any work starts, and a documented photo record when the job is done. That’s the Haven Standard, and it’s how we’ve served Arlington Heights since 2009.
Written by Corrine Halstead, Owner at Level Two Chimney Arlington Heights, serving Arlington Heights since 2009.