Chimney Damage Caused by Summer Storms
After extreme weather with high winds, lightning, or excessive rain, scheduling a chimney inspection is recommended. The chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions often find chimney damage caused by summer storms. Chimney masonry is vulnerable to moisture and simple wear and tear year-round. Especially when chimney maintenance has been neglected, storms can accelerate the deterioration of chimney masonry. Read on to find out more about the damage commonly caused by storms.
Summer Storms with High Winds
The metal part of a chimney where the chimney stack meets the roof is the chimney flashing. The purpose of flashing is to create a waterproof seal that protects the roof and the chimney masonry from moisture. One of the problems with chimney flashing is that it is difficult to install correctly. However, even when it is installed properly, the flashing is prone to pull away from the masonry due to high winds. Chimney leaks and roof damage are the typical results of loose flashing.
When winds are strong enough, they can cause structural damage to your chimney. You may see your entire chimney stack leaning after a major windstorm. This type of event is more common when there is prolonged chimney damage.
Chimney Damage Caused by Lightning
Lightning strikes often cause significant damage to chimney masonry. The force, the intense heat, and the electrical charge can have devastating effects on chimneys, as follows:
- Large portions of the chimney can crumble
- Bricks and mortar break apart
- Lightning can ignite creosote buildup in the chimney, resulting in a hazardous chimney fire
- The chimney crown, chimney liner, flashing, and chimney cap can all be damaged by lightning
Excessive Rainfall
Keeping moisture out of chimneys is a never-ending battle. That’s why the installation of a chimney cap is essential, since it keeps precipitation from falling directly into a chimney. When a storm with torrential rain comes along, it is important to schedule a chimney inspection. That’s because at any time, one or more chimney components may have already deteriorated to the point where moisture is starting to infiltrate the masonry system.
Moisture is a real problem because it exposes bricks to the damaging effects of winter. The water inside bricks expands and contracts with every freezing and thawing cycle, and the bricks eventually flatten altogether. Every affected brick must be replaced to restore a chimney’s structural integrity.
Call the Pros for Chimney Repair After Summer Storms
At Chimney Saver Solutions, our CSIA-certified chimney technicians provide chimney inspections to check on chimney damage caused by summer storms and after any major weather events. The repair costs of chimney damage caused by summer storms get higher as time passes.
We provide masonry rebuilds, flashing repair, chimney crown repair, chimney cap installation, tuckpointing to replace mortar, and every other type of chimney service that may be needed. In the Richmond VA area, homeowners also trust our chimney experts for fireplace installation, chimney liner replacement, installation of a top-sealing chimney damper, and much more.
Call us today and after stormy weather to schedule an appointment, or you can fill out our online form.
