Addressing Storm Damage to Your Chimney

Storms are more frequent in summer, but they have been known to happen any time of year in New Jersey. Cold fronts can often be as damaging as a tropical storm. Both types of weather can leave your chimney in bad shape. Do you suspect that a storm damaged your chimney? If yes, addressing storm damage to your chimney is imperative. Let’s take a closer look.

Signs A Storm Has Damaged Your Chimney

When assessing storm damage, the first thing to do is to see if any exists. Here are some telltale signs that a storm has damaged your chimney. It’s crucial to act right away if any of these signs are present to prevent additional damage.

• You notice visible water stains on your ceiling or walls alongside your fireplace.
• Chalky white powder or discolored bricks on the exterior of your chimney.
• Your chimney cap is damaged, askew, or gone.
• Pieces of shattered brick on the ground surrounding your chimney.
• Your chimney is listing to one side.
• Pronounced mold or mildew odors emanating from your fireplace.

Types of Storm Damage to Your Chimney

Storm Damage Your Chimney’s Flashing

Chimney flashing, the metal sheet that seals the gap where your chimney meets the roof, is crucial in protecting your home from water damage.

However, it is susceptible to harm from the elements and storms, leading to water leaks and extensive property damage. Once a roof starts rotting, it will have to be replaced, and often, the chimney with it.

Storm Damage to Your Chimney’s Cap

Storms pose a serious threat to your chimney cap. The metal fixtures that encompass the flue opening are not immune to storm damage. Equipped with a mesh screen to control smoke and fumes, they also serve as a barrier against wildlife and debris. It is important to keep in mind that they are not invincible. If intense storms and shearing winds hit, chimney caps can be loosened or even ripped from the chimney, leaving it and your fireplace vulnerable to wildlife and water invasion.

Storm Damage to Your Chimney’s Crown

Your chimney’s crown, the cement structure that ‘crowns’ your chimney’s apex, plays a crucial role in diverting water away from your flue. However, stormy weather, such as heavy rainstorms, hail, and lightning, can damage the crown, allowing water to seep into the chimney and damage its brick-and-mortar.

Cracks in Your Masonry Chimney Caused by Storm Damage

Over the years, your masonry chimney’s bricks grow more porous from exposure to the sun and repeated expansion and contractions from freezing, giving them sponge-like properties, meaning they will absorb more water. When the sponged moisture goes through the winter freeze-thaw cycle, it cracks the brick and weakens the mortar joints, which provides numerous entry points for leaks. Rain or melting snow will speed up the pre-existing masonry damage and force water inside the chimney, eventually destroying its structural integrity.

Addressing Storm Damage to Your Chimney

While a visual inspection can identify apparent storm damage to your chimney, a professional, qualified chimney sweep can conduct a thorough examination. A chimney sweep service can:

Assess Structural Integrity: Professionals can check for hidden structural damage, ensuring your chimney is not only functional but safe and sound.

Perform Smoke Tests: These tests can identify leaks or blockages within the chimney that a storm may have caused.

Clean and Remove Debris: Removing soot and debris can prevent blockages and further damage.

Repairing storm damage to a chimney is definitely not a do-it-yourself proposition; you can do more harm than good, so leave it to the professionals.

Mercer County Chimney Service Can Repair Storm Damage to Your Chimney

If you are in the greater Mercer County area, including Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Chesterfield, and Allentown, and suspect your chimney has storm damage, call us at 609-802-5288 or complete our easy contact form. One of our chimney specialists will gladly schedule a time for our trained and experienced chimney sweeps to inspect your chimney.