Hi chaps.

Getting there with the chimney.  Scaffolding now up, chimney now down, starting on the rebuild.  However the old chimney crown was so designed - largely out of 3/4 bricks with 1/3 bricks on each corner - that the weight of the pots caused it to start to collapse inwards (and also push the chimney sides outwards at the top)  as the mortar top deteriorated. This let water into the chimney with the inevitable result.  Looking from the roof many of our neighbours houses are in the same boat.

Anyone know of any decent crown designs in brick?  Or links to one?  

Can't find much from the UK on the web and all the US sites use a precast concrete cap.

If all else fails I will copy what was there and add some steel!

Also - is it worth tiling the top to preseve the crown - I know they do this abroad.

Thanks

John Davies