Addressing Chimney Damage After A Summer Storm

If you are a summer person, you have been waiting all year for the warm weather and the time spent outside. You are enjoying BBQs with family and friends and the lazy summer days. With these beautiful days come summer storms. Torrential rains and gusty winds can cause quite a bit of damage to your chimney. Keep a watchful eye out for visible damage as the summer progresses.

What Should You Watch Out For?

Moisture and leaks. Keep an eye out for water in the firebox after a storm. Discoloration on the ceiling around the chimney may indicate a leak. A damaged flashing may be the cause of some of these leaks and moisture getting in and around the chimney.

Clogged Chimney And Debris

With wind blowing you may find that debris has gotten into the chimney. Watch for pieces of masonry in the firebox. This may be an indication that there is damage to the inside of your chimney. Clogging of the chimney may also occur. If enough leaves, pine needles, and sticks get caught up in your chimney you may have a clogged chimney.

Damaged Flashing

You may notice that the flashing has been torn, bent, or missing. The flashing is the sheet of metal installed around the area where the chimney meets the roof. If torn water may get into your chimney. If you see damage, it is time to contact Guardian Chimney to take a look and repair your chimney.

Visible Cracks

Are you seeing cracks in the mortar? This may be caused by heavy winds and rain plummeting your chimney. The mortar holds the bricks together. If there are cracks in the mortar water may seep in. If left alone, during cold weather there may be the freeze and thaw effect. This can cause further damage and leakage.

Loose Bricks

Also caused by summer storms are loose or missing bricks. If there had been cracks in the masonry, they are susceptible to further damage with gusty winds.

Spalling Bricks

Spalling bricks are caused by moisture from rain that saturates and penetrates the bricks. Spalling brick is a major problem that may cause structural damage to your property if not repaired.

Timely Repairs

If summer storms have been prevalent for you this year, call Guardian Chimney Sweep. Book an inspection and discuss repair options. Some of these issues left unattended may cause further damage. Identifying damage from summer storms early is important to the life of your chimney as well. If left alone, the price tags go up as the damage progresses.

If It Is Time For Your Annual Appointment, Call Us Today!

We strive to provide expert services. We provide professional chimney sweep, chimney cleanings, chimney inspections, and chimney repairs. As well as fireplace inserts, gas logs, chimney rebuilds, and more. We provide these to our customers with low-cost, reliable service in a timely fashion.