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Has Your Chimney Suffered from Storm Damage?

chimney cap and crown installed in poughkeepse nyAlong with bringing down trees and powerlines, strong storms often damage chimneys. Sitting at the top of the roof, the chimney is especially vulnerable to damage from heavy rain and high winds. We have even seen chimneys that were struck by lightning.

Whether or not your use your fireplace, it is important to take action quickly if your chimney has been damaged. Black mold, interior water damage and insect or rodent infestation are all problems that can result from a damaged chimney. After a bad storm has passed through the Hudson Valley, it is smart to visually inspect your chimney for signs of damage. We have compiled this list of the most common signs for you to look out for.

Most Common Signs of Storm Damage to a Chimney System

#1 – A damaged, off-center or missing chimney cap or chase cover. When you look up at the top of your chimney, you should see a metal hat or cap sitting on the very top. This is the chimney cap or chase cover. It stops rain and snow from falling down the chimney. Usually, it also has metal mesh around the sides that prevents birds, rodents and other animals from nesting in the chimney. If you notice that the chimney cap or chase cover has been damaged, twisted off-center or blown away after a storm, it should be replaced or repaired quickly to keep out pests and moisture.   

#2 – White chalky residue on the chimney. Untreated or damaged bricks and mortar can act like a sponge absorbing water. When the water evaporates out of the masonry, it can leave behind deposits of salt on the brick. This white, chalky residue is called efflorescence. If you notice efflorescence, it means that a significant amount of water is being absorbed by the masonry. As the water expands and contracts inside the masonry, it will wear it down leading to deteriorating mortar joints and chipped or broken bricks. This can destabilize the structural integrity of your chimney and, if it happens inside the flue, it can create pathways for fire to spread from the chimney to the interior of your home. The earlier this problem is caught, the easier it is to repair. In the early stages, it can often be resolved by treating the bricks with waterproofing sealant. In later stages, when the masonry has begun to deteriorate, the bricks and mortar will need to be repaired before being treated with a sealant. 

#3 – Broken, cracked or missing bricks and mortar. The most obvious indicator of storm damage is cracks in the masonry or pieces of bricks and mortar on the ground around the chimney or inside the fireplace. This is a warning sign of structural damage that may extend to the flue lining. Ignoring it will only allow the damage to increase. Unless the source of the damage is resolved and the masonry is repaired, moisture will be able to seep in through the cracks and breaks. As a result, the structural integrity of the chimney will continue to deteriorate

#4 – Loose or missing flashing around the chimney or water damage along the molding of the fireplace. Flashing seals the gap between the chimney and the roof preventing rain water and snow from falling through it into your home. It is usually made of rust-resistant metal though it can also be made of plastic, rubber or other composite materials. Water spots along the molding of the fireplace, inside your home, are an indicator of loose, missing, or damaged flashing. You can also spot problems with flashing by taking a look at the outside of the chimney. You should see it outlining the places where the chimney and roof meet. If it has come loose or been stripped away, it should be repaired or replaced before the next rainfall to prevent your roof from leaking.

What should you do if your chimney is damaged?

chimney repairof missing chimney cap in millerton nyIf you notice any one of these signs, you need to have your chimney inspected and repaired as soon as possible. We recommend hiring a chimney expert who has been certified by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) and has a good reputation. It’s important to hire a trustworthy and knowledgeable chimney expert who will give you an accurate estimate of the damage, provide you with the best solution and expertly repair your chimney as quickly as possible.

That is what you can count on from our team at Hudson Valley Chimney Service! All of our CSIA certified chimney technicians have years of experience inspecting and repairing chimneys throughout Upstate New York. Give us a call today if your chimney has been damaged by a storm!

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