What Should You Do If Your Chimney Is Damaged by a Storm?

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What Should You Do If Your Chimney Is Damaged by
a Storm?

• chimneysweep.com

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(No Transcript)
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Chimneys often get easily damaged during the
storm. When a powerful storm unleashes its fury,
it can leave a trail of destruction in its wake.
While we often focus on the visible damage to
roofs, windows, and trees, one area that is
commonly overlooked is the chimney. A storm
strike on your chimney can lead to significant
structural problems and compromise the safety of
your home. Understanding the signs of chimney
damage in a storm is crucial for prompt
identification and necessary repairs. In this
blog post, we will explore the telltale
indicators that a storm has impacted your
chimney, enabling you to take swift action to
safeguard your chimneys integrity and restore
peace of mind.
Which are the indicators of a Storm's Impact on
Your Chimney?
When assessing the impact of a storm on your
chimney, several indicators can help identify
potential damage or issues that may require
attention.
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• Damaged Chimney Cap
• In the aftermath of a storm, it is imperative to
  carefully inspect your chimney cap for any signs
  of shifting, dislodgment, or damage caused by
  powerful winds and falling debris. Storms can
  exert tremendous force, potentially causing
  structural changes to your chimney cap. If left
  unchecked, a missing or damaged cap can become an
  open invitation for numerous issues.

• Cracks on exterior
• After a storm, it is crucial to conduct a
  thorough examination of the exterior of your
  chimney, specifically looking for any visible
  cracks, chips, or masonry damage. Storm damage,
  particularly from high winds, can lead to
  structural issues that are often apparent even
  from the ground level. Storms with strong winds
  have the potential to wreak havoc on the
  integrity of your chimney.

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• Moisture marks or Leaks
• Storm damage can affect the chimneys flashing,
  leading to water seepage and subsequent interior
  damage. After a storm, it is essential to check
  for any signs of water leaks or stains inside
  your home, specifically near the fireplace or
  chimney. Storms can inflict damage on the
  chimneys flashing, which serves as a protective
  barrier against water intrusion.

• Different Noises
• Storm damage can have a profound impact on the
  functionality of your chimney, and its essential
  to be aware of any unusual occurrences.
  Unfamiliar sounds, such as whistling or rattling,
  may suggest that the storm has caused damage to
  the chimney, resulting in compromised structural
  integrity. Likewise, increased drafts might
  indicate that the storm has altered the chimneys
  airflow dynamics.

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• Chimney Bricks
• Examine the chimney bricks closely for any signs
  of damage inflicted by a storm. Severe weather
  conditions, such as strong winds or hail, can
  impact the structural integrity of the chimney
  bricks. Following a storm, it is crucial to
  inspect the chimney bricks for any visible
  indications of damage. Storms with powerful winds
  or hail can subject the bricks to significant
  stress, resulting in cracks, chips, or
  dislodgement.

What should you do when you come to know that a
storm has struck your chimney?
Once you have identified that a storm has struck
your chimney and potentially caused damage, a few
steps that you should take care
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• To ensure your safety, maintain a safe distance
  from the damaged chimney and refrain from using
  the fireplace or stove until repairs have been
  completed.
• Capture photographs or jot down detailed notes
  documenting the extent of the chimney damage.
• Seek the expertise of a professional chimney
  inspector or contractor specializing in storm
  damage repairs. Contacting a qualified chimney
  professional will ensure a thorough assessment of
  the chimneys condition.
• It is important to consult with a professional
  chimney inspector. These experts have the
  knowledge and experience to assess the extent of
  the damage and provide appropriate
  recommendations for repairs.

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What will the Professionals do for your Chimney
that is affected by a storm?
When a chimney is damaged by a storm,
professionals follow a systematic approach
Comprehensive visual inspection The chimney
professional conducts a thorough examination of
both the exterior and interior of the chimney.
This meticulous assessment enables them to assess
the full extent of the storm damage. They
carefully look for visible signs such as cracks,
chips, leaning, dislodged bricks, damaged
flashing, or any other structural issues that may
have arisen from the storm.
Documentation for insurance and planning The
professional takes precise documentation of the
damage by capturing detailed photographs,
measurements, and comprehensive notes. This
documentation is crucial for insurance claims,
allowing you to provide evidence of the storm
damage.
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Additionally, it aids in planning the necessary
repairs or restorations by providing a clear
understanding of the scope and severity of the
damage.
Safety evaluation Prioritizing safety, the
chimney professional performs a thorough
assessment of any risks associated with the
damage. They identify any loose or unstable
components that may pose hazards to occupants or
the surrounding area. Taking necessary
precautions, they secure or remove these
hazardous elements safely to mitigate potential
accidents or further damage.
Repair Recommendations After conducting a
thorough assessment, our expert will offer
personalized repair recommendations based on the
specific damage observed. They will provide a
detailed explanation of the necessary repairs,
materials needed, and estimated costs involved.
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Chimney Repair or Rebuild Our professional team
will either undertake the required repairs or
arrange for a complete chimney rebuild, depending
on the extent of the damage. This may involve
tasks such as replacing damaged bricks, repairing
mortar joints, realigning leaning chimneys,
fixing or replacing flashing, and any other
essential repairs.
Execution Once you provide your approval for the
repair plan, skilled professionals will swing
into action without delay. With their extensive
expertise and years of experience, they will
tackle the necessary repairs diligently and
effectively.
Final Inspection Once professionals wrap up the
repairs, they will carry out a meticulous final
inspection. It is the assurance that your chimney
has been restored to its optimal condition.
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By meticulously scrutinizing every minute detail,
they guarantee that all storm-related damage has
been thoroughly addressed.
Wrapping Up
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps professionals have
the skills to execute repairs effectively and
safely, ensuring the chimneys structural
integrity is restored. Finally, professional
chimney repair services offer peace of mind,
knowing that the repairs have been carried out to
meet safety standards, minimizing the risk of
further damage or potential hazards. Investing in
professional chimney repair is a wise choice to
ensure a durable and secure chimney for years to
come.
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