Summer Storm Damage & Your Chimney
When you get an image in your head of a summer storm, you probably think about flipping off the lights, lighting a candle, and watching the ink-black clouds roll in. What you likely don’t think about is your chimney. Yet there it sits on the roof, taking direct hits from everything Mother Nature throws at it.
Now, you might wonder, “What’s the big deal? It’s made of bricks, right?” Well, yes, but the truth is that summer storms and harsh weather can wreak havoc on your chimney, and in this post, we’ll show you how and tell you what you can do to protect it.
How Summer Storms Damage Your Chimney
Lightning Strikes
Yes, chimneys are prime lightning targets. They’re tall, made of masonry, often with metal components, and sit at the highest point of your house. When lightning strikes a chimney, it can crack bricks and stone, blow off the chimney cap, and even send mortar flying. Worst-case scenario? Structural damage that you might not even see until water starts leaking or smoke doesn’t vent properly.
How to Protect It
Install a lightning rod system. It might sound like overkill, but it can redirect a lightning bolt safely into the ground and away from the chimney. It’s a small investment that can pay off big time by preventing your chimney and roof from severe damage and the expensive repairs that are sure to follow.
Heavy Rain
Chimneys are meant to withstand the elements, but too much rain—especially in a short time—can seep into tiny cracks in the masonry. Over time, that moisture gets trapped, leading to mold, mildew, and the freeze/thaw cycle damage that happens when temperatures drop.
Even in summer, trapped moisture can weaken mortar joints, cause bricks to flake off, and lead to nasty internal leaks that damage walls and ceilings.
How to Protect It
Make sure your chimney has a proper chimney cap—not just for animals and debris, but to block most of the rain. You should also get your chimney waterproofed with a breathable sealant. This keeps water out but lets trapped moisture escape.
High Winds and Flying Debris
Summer storms often come with high winds that can hurl branches, shingles, or even patio furniture into your chimney. Caps can get knocked loose, flashing can get pulled up, and your chimney’s structural integrity can be severely compromised.
Also, if you live in a tornado or hurricane-prone area, your chimney might be the first thing to go if the wind is just right.
How to Protect It
Regular inspections go a long way. If your chimney cap isn’t secure or if the flashing is peeling, it’s better to catch that on a sunny day than after a storm. If a storm hits, do a quick visual inspection from the ground or hire a professional chimney sweep to take a closer look. Don’t assume “no damage” just because you don’t see bricks strewn about the lawn. Pros have the experience and training to spot damage signs you might miss.
Hail Damage
Hail is one of the most common causes of roof and property damage, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the number of hailstorms jumped up by 15% in 2022, and that upward trend seems to be continuing.
Hail damages metal caps and softer materials like mortar or stone veneer. Over time, this can lead to leaks or allow small animals to sneak in through new openings.
How to Protect It
If hail is common where you live, ask your chimney specialist about more durable cap options. Some heavy-duty stainless steel or copper models are better suited to handle impact. And again, yearly inspections are key.
Your chimney might seem like the strong, silent type, but it’s more vulnerable than you might realize, especially when it comes to summer storms. The best way to protect it and your home is to call Chimney Solutions in Chattanooga. We’re the go-to chimney and fireplace specialist in the area. Our technicians are fully certified and trained to fix chimney issues and recommend ways to protect it during heavy storms.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment online.
