How a Sudden Summer Storm Can Wreck a Chimney

We don’t get a ton of rain in San Diego County, but we do get the occasional crazy summer storm that can cause major problems for chimneys. When this happens, it’s important to get the ball rolling quickly so repairs can be made and further chimney damage can be avoided.

Chimney Sweeps Inc. of Lakeside, CA, would like to present a good strategy for dealing with summer storm damage to your chimney system.

Step 1: Schedule an inspection
Step 2: Do all required repairs
Step 3: Replace components, if necessary
Step 4: Protect your chimney against future storms

Let’s look a little closer at each step.

1. Chimney inspection

If you know or suspect that a storm has damaged your chimney, your first move should be to bring out a qualified chimney inspector. This individual will look over the damaged areas and the rest of the chimney system and let you know what needs to be done to restore strength and operational soundness.

2. Chimney repair

Summer storms can damage many parts of a chimney, including:

• Chimney masonry
• Chimney caps, flue covers and chase tops
• Chimney crowns
• Chimney flashing

If ignored, the initial problem can spread and lead to serious water and structural damage. Examples include:

• Damage to the chimney liner
• Structural deterioration within the masonry
• Rotting in the roof, attic, walls and ceilings
• Rust forming on the fireplace damper
• Damage to the bricks and panels of a fireplace
• Mold growth

A quick response after a storm can lessen or prevent much of this damage. All these problems can be repaired and resolved, no matter how serious they are.

3. Component replacement

Storm-damaged chimney caps, flue covers, chase tops and flashing can be repaired or replaced. A concrete chimney crown can be replaced by building a new one. These chimney components are in place to protect the flue and other parts of the chimney system against incoming water and should not be allowed to remain in a damaged state.

4. Protection against future storms

As damaging as summer storms can be, if your chimney is in great shape and ready for them, it might be able to get through unscathed.

Keeping your chimney protected involves the following strategies:

Inspection

Schedule annual chimney inspections, whether or not anything is damaged or not working. Only an inspection by a trained technician can spot the earliest signs of damage and get them fixed correctly.

Chimney tops

If your chimney doesn’t have a cap or flue cover, have one installed. The best choice is a full-width chimney cap, which protects not only the flue opening but also the vulnerable concrete chimney crown.

Waterproofing

Most chimney companies offer chimney waterproofing service. This involves a spray coating that seals the chimney masonry and chimney crown to prevent water from moving into small cracks.

Repair work

If an inspection has turned up a problem, it’s in your best interests to get that problem resolved now. Chimney damage usually starts small but can quickly become widespread – and expensive.

The help your San Diego chimney needs

Chimney Sweeps Inc. provides expert chimney inspections, repairs and rebuilding services across San Diego, CA, and all of North County. Call us first for summer storm damage chimney repair and chimney maintenance all year long. Speak with one of our experts by phone or through our contact form.