Summer Storm Damage

With summer rolling in just around the corner, storms can leave behind more than just squashed plans and some puddles. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail can cause significant damage to your chimney — sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately visible. But, if you’re noticing any issues, it’s better to get professional eyes on your chimney sooner rather than later. Your chimney’s structure and safety could be on the line. 

Common Types of Chimney Storm Damage

Given the exterior location of your chimney, they are vulnerable to damage. A few specific issues you may see are:

• Dislodged chimney caps from high winds
• Cracks in the brick and mortar leading to cracks or leaning structures
• Loosened or torn flashing (a thin metal that seals the connection between chimney and roof) which can lead to leaks and water damage
• Brick deterioration from heavy rain or hail — especially if your chimney isn’t adequately waterproofed
• Excessive exposure to moisture from wintertime spalling (water seeps into small cracks, freezes and expands, then thaws resulting in larger cracks)

These are just a few examples of how summer storms — especially when considering exposure to moisture — can cause damage to your chimney. Overtime, any of these issues can lead to weakened overall chimney stability. 

Signs of Storm-Related Damage

Aside from your important annual chimney inspection, it’s important to inspect your chimney regularly — especially after particularly disruptive storms. Major summer storms can cause damage such as missing bricks, cracked mortar joints, rusted or missing caps, and white water stains inside your house or on the bricks. 

On the more serious end of the spectrum, tilts or leaning structures can indicate structural issues that require immediate attention. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some damage may be more subtle. With increased rain, there will be an uptick in moisture. If your chimney isn’t sealed, it can lead to mold growth or damage. To pinpoint this, you’ll see poor draft or an unpleasant smell.

What To Do If You Notice Damage

Any damage that relates to water, the sooner the solution the better. Not only can it get worse in regard to smell and damage, the repair cost can also increase if not addressed quickly. If you notice damage, call your chimney professionals as soon as possible. Moving forward, you can try to get ahead of these issues by completing routine maintenance, do waterproofing treatments, and invest in pieces such as chimney caps.

Storm Damage? Call Twin City Today

With so many components in a fireplace, it can be overwhelming to keep up with all repairs, but they can be a simple fix for the professionals. Twin City is a full-service, family-owned fireplace company with locations in Edina and Woodbury, MN. Our staff is highly experienced and knowledgeable and will make sure your chimney is in the best shape possible.

We specialize in the sale, service, and installation of gas and wood-burning fire-places for indoor and outdoor spaces. We’re also licensed general contractors, gas fitters, and skilled masons to give you a seamless experience from the first call to the finished installation.