Potential Chimney Problems Caused By Bad Weather

In Wisconsin, we see a variety of weather conditions throughout the year that can be sometimes extreme. These extreme changes in the weather can be hard on us and our homes and specifically chimneys. That’s right. Your chimney goes through its own struggles during bad weather. In this post, we will detail the common types of issues that your chimney could face during a variety of weather events and what you can do to prepare for and what you may expect regarding chimney repairs.

Damage can occur in many forms, including:

Flashing Tears

When it comes to chimney damage, much of it stems from excessive rain and wind. One of the most common types of damage from heavy wind and rain is damage to the flashing of your chimney. The flashing is what connects your chimney to the roof. It can be torn or lifted, causing leaks. When there isn’t a barrier provided by flashing, water can seep in through the connection that leaks into your fireplace. Flashing issues can also be hard to detect and continue for a long time. You might not know they are there until you see or smell mold or find an active leak. The best way to catch these problems is with frequent inspections by an experienced chimney sweep at least once a year.

Mortar Issues and Missing Bricks

Another common problem would be cracks in the actual mortar. After a particularly intense storm (snow included) with wind, you might see pieces of mortar on your roof or even in your yard. This means that your chimney is losing its stability piece by piece. Cracks can happen over time and are only exacerbated by weather conditions. If you start to notice cracks and chipping in your chimney’s mortar, you should call in a professional as soon as possible. Not only does this help avoid other issues, but minor repairs tend to be more budget-friendly than primary mortar replacement. The more mortar you lose, the more likely you’ll start to lose entire bricks from your chimney.

Broken Chimney Caps or Chase Covers

Chimney caps and chimney chase covers can frequently become dislodged or broken during heavy wind, rain, or even snow. If you have a traditional brick fireplace, you will have a cap. If you have a prefabricated fireplace, you’ll have a chase cover.

Your cap or cover is crucial because it keeps water from leaking directly through the chimney. Both are made to withstand extreme weather conditions, but they are not entirely foolproof. If you see your cap dislodged or missing at any point, you should call in your professional chimney service company.

Get Help After the Storm

The Original Chimney Specialists, Inc. is the premier chimney and fireplace team serving customers in Southwest Wisconsin, Northwest Illinois, and Northeast Iowa. If you have damage from a recent storm, give us a call today at 608-929-4887 to book your free inspection. We can assist you with choosing a brand new fireplace for your home at our Fireplace Store.