The Damage Done to a Chimney by a Wind and Rain Storm

If there have been storms in your area recently, you should know that bad weather can cause chimney problems. Heavy wind and rain can do a lot of damage to the outside of your house, especially to the roof and chimney. Here are the top five problems you should look for in your chimney after a storm with a lot of wind or rain.

1. Problems with flashing
When it rains a lot, it can damage your chimney and make the mortar crack or split. This lets water into your home, usually through your chimney. If you see water in your fireplace, especially after it has rained, you should have it fixed by a professional. Leaks can also happen if the flashing gets torn. The flashing is a piece of rubber or galvanized metal that joins the chimney to the roof. After a storm, this is one of the most common ways for water to get into your fireplace.

2. There Are Cracks In The Wall
If you can see cracks in the mortar of your chimney or find pieces of mortar in your yard, this is a sign that you need to call a professional. Signs of structural damage on the inside can be seen on the outside. Depending on how bad the cracks are in the mortar, you may need to replace the whole chimney.

When you see damage to your chimney, you should fix it right away. That’s because the longer you let the cracks stay, the more likely they are to cause serious structural damage and need more extensive repairs.

3. Chimney Cap Moved
During a storm, it’s not unusual for your chimney cap to move. It might be sitting crookedly on your chimney or it might have been taken away completely. This can happen if there is a lot of wind, rain, or hail. Depending on the type of fireplace you have, a chimney cap may also be called a chase cap. It is made of metal that won’t rust and keeps rain, snow, pests, and animals from flying down your chimney. If you see that your chimney cap has moved or is visibly damaged after a storm, you should replace it as soon as you can.

4. Soaking up water
After a storm, the chimney may have been damaged enough to start taking in water. A thing called efflorescence is the best sign of this. These white deposits appear in and around your chimney. They look like chalk or salt. If your masonry has efflorescence, it may be soaking up too much water, which can cause serious damage to your home’s structure. But you will need a professional chimney inspection to be sure.

5. Bricks Are Missing
After a bad storm, bricks might also go missing. These can be caused by things like wind, rain, hail, or even lightning. Like cracks in the mortar, missing bricks are a sign of more serious damage or the possibility of damage on the inside. If your area has been hit by bad storms, you should keep an eye on your chimney for signs of damage. Getting these fixed quickly can mean the difference between a simple fix and one that takes a lot of time and money.

After a storm, if you notice that your chimney is missing bricks, you should get a professional chimney inspection as soon as possible. If you do this, you might be able to avoid more serious structural damage and costly repairs in the future. Contact Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning to help you with Chimney Cleaning Feather Falls and repairing.

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