Summer storms in eastern U.S. states often bring torrential rain, violent lightning, and other weather events that can cause a lot of problems for chimneys. Sometimes, the damage is noticed right away; other times, it takes a while to become obvious.
National Chimney Cleaners of Morris County, NJ, and Fairfield County, CT, would like to share some tips on caring for a chimney before and after a summer storm.
Before The StormThere isn’t a lot you can do to prevent lightning or hail damage to your chimney, but you can prevent major water intrusion.
You do this by making sure your chimney cap (or flue cover) or chimney chase top is secure and in good shape. These components keep water from moving into the chimney flue, where it can cause all kinds of damage.
You also want to see that there are no cracks or openings in your concrete chimney crown, which can be a portal for incoming water. Finally, check your chimney flashing to ensure that it’s sealed tightly and not warped. Damaged flashing lets water spill into unseen areas of the home below the roof.
Depending on the severity and length of the storm, a chimney and other parts of the home can suffer serious damage. Here are some things to check after a storm.
Lightning and hail can damage chimney caps, flue covers and chimney chase tops. If sufficiently damaged, these components can allow not only water but also tree debris and small animals into the chimney flue.
The concrete crown at the top of the chimney is in place to guard the interior chimney spaces as well as the masonry bricks beneath it. Summer storms often result in crown damage that leads to water intrusion and widespread damage inside the chimney and to the chimney structure itself.
If the flashing that covers the gap between the roof and the chimney becomes warped or rusted out, or if parts of it fly away during a storm, water could move into unseen areas of the home. Damage to walls, ceilings, the roof, the attic and the chimney can eventually happen when chimney flashing isn’t secure.
Cracked bricks and crumbling mortar joints are sometimes the results of a severe summer storm. Compromised chimney masonry can start a cycle of water intrusion and widespread damage to the chimney liner, firebox and other parts of the system.
A chimney leak is troubling, but a chimney that leans to one side or collapses entirely is a much greater concern.
The first step after a storm is a chimney inspection. Whether or not you notice damage or other problems, schedule an inspection with a reputable, local chimney company.
All types of chimney damage can be repaired, but understanding the problem through a proper inspection is necessary before work can commence. This way, the correct repairs can be made to restore strength and functionality to your chimney system.
If your New Jersey or Connecticut chimney has been harmed by a summer storm or anything else, call the experts at National Chimney Cleaners. We serve all of Morris County, NJ, and Fairfield County, CT, with expert chimney inspections, repairs and maintenance services.
Reach a chimney pro by phone or use our contact form.
