Summer Storm Damage
During the summer, the last thing homeowners are thinking about is chimney damage. However, summer storms can be just as hard on your chimney as winter’s snow and ice. Factors such as high winds, heavy rain, lightning, and even falling debris all pose a risk to one of the most cozy parts of your home.
If you live in an area frequently hit by storms, you may need to give an extra look to your chimney for damage.
How Summer Storms Damage Chimneys
Chimneys are extremely durable structures, but they’re also one of the most exposed parts of your home. There are several factors that can negatively impact your chimney. Let’s take a closer look at some of these:
Heavy Rain
Water is one of your chimney’s biggest enemies. Without a proper cap or crown, rain can find its way into the masonry, causing bricks and mortar to crack, crumble, or completely deteriorate over time. Moisture can also lead to mold, unpleasant odors, and damage to your chimney liner.
High Winds
Strong winds can knock down bricks, dislodge chimney caps, or even cause structural issues. Winds also blow debris into the flue, which can create dangerous blockages.
Lightning Strikes
While rare, a direct lightning strike can severely damage a chimney. The heat and pressure can crack the crown or shatter tiles.
Falling Trees or Limbs
A storm doesn’t need to hit your chimney directly to do damage. Trees or large limbs falling on or near your chimney can result in broken bricks, compromised flashing, or a completely collapsed stack.
Signs Your Chimney Has Storm Damage
Chimney damage also may be a bit incognito as it isn’t always obvious right away. Here are a few telltale signs to look for after a storm:
- Pieces of brick, tile, or mortar on the ground or in the firebox
- Water leaks around your fireplace or on nearby walls
- A missing or damaged chimney cap
- Discoloration or streaking on the chimney’s exterior (often a white stain)
- Strange smells (especially musty or smoky) coming from the fireplace
If you notice any of these signs it’s wise to schedule a chimney inspection. Some forms of damage can be invisible from the outside but dangerous if left unaddressed. So make sure to keep up with this inspection every year.
Protecting Your Chimney from Future Storms
The best defense for your chimney is to be ahead of the game and keep up with maintenance. Here’s how to protect your chimney year-round:
- Install a chimney cap to keep water and debris out.
- Have the flashing inspected and sealed to prevent leaks where the chimney meets the roof.
- Waterproof your chimney masonry to minimize long-term moisture damage.
- Schedule regular inspections, especially after major storms or high winds
Are you in need of summer storm damage repairs?
If you’re due for maintenance or repairs from summer storms on your chimney, it may be time to call Chimney Specialists Inc. to book an appointment. If it turns out you are in need of some repairs, we can determine the right path for you with your timeline and budget in mind. Regular maintenance can help avoid issues in the future and make for the most enjoyable fire experiences throughout the season.
