Summer Storm Damage

Summer in Eastern Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the MetroWest area, the Providence Triangle, and surrounding townships, is all about enjoying the beautiful coastline, historic towns, and family picnics. However, the summer months in our region also bring high humidity and the potential for powerful thunderstorms and intense lightning. Tropical storms can generate damaging tornadoes, and coastal towns face an increased risk of hurricanes and flooding. These summer storms can cause significant damage to masonry chimneys.

How a Summer Storm Can Damage Your Chimney

Your chimney, while robust, is highly exposed to the elements and particularly vulnerable to the forces of a severe summer storm. Here’s how these powerful weather events can inflict damage:

High Winds

Gale-force winds can dislodge or crack chimney caps, tear away flashing, and even loosen bricks and mortar, especially if the masonry is compromised. In extreme cases, sustained high winds can contribute to a weakened chimney structure’s partial or complete collapse, posing a significant risk to your home and family.

Lightning Strikes

A direct lightning strike can be catastrophic, causing bricks to crumble and mortar to crack. The immense heat and energy can ignite creosote buildup in the chimney, resulting in a fire that can quickly spread through the house.

Hail

Hailstones can chip away at brickwork, damage chimney crowns, and dent metal components like flue caps, chase covers, and flashing.

Torrential Downpours

Summer storms can bring significant rainfall to the area. Water can seep into cracks in the mortar, weaken flashing, damage crowns, and crack liners, leading to interior chimney damage and even structural instability.

Falling Debris

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can bring down tree branches or other airborne debris, damaging or even toppling the stack.

What to Do After the Storm

After the storm passes, and it is safe to do so, walk around and inspect your house and chimney for signs of visible damage. Be sure to check the following chimney components:

Chimney Cap

Ensure the vent is clear of debris, the mesh screen is intact, and the cap is still secure. A damaged or missing chimney cap must be repaired immediately to prevent additional damage from the next storm.

Crown

If you can do so safely, check the crown for damage. The uppermost surface of the chimney should be a seamless concrete slab void of cracks or gaps surrounding the flue pipe. The drip edge should be intact, with at least a 3-inch overhang. A chimney sweep can seal cracks in the crown, but severe damage may require partial or complete rebuilding.

Flashing

Look for water stains on the walls and ceiling near the fireplace and in the attic. Wet spots or stains indicate that the flashing may need repair or replacement.

Brickwork

Check the brick and mortar for cracks, crumbling, or spalling. A skilled mason can repair small sections with tuckpointing and brick replacement. However, severe masonry damage may require chimney rebuilding.

Chimney Inspection

Remember that walking around the chimney after the storm is not a replacement for a professional inspection by a Certified Chimney Sweep®. After your walk-around, schedule an appointment. Our technician will conduct a thorough inspection, considering all potential areas of damage.

Chimney Repairs

We strongly recommend following the advice of your chimney professional to make the repairs or replacements necessary to improve the structure’s stability, protect your property, and, most importantly, ensure your family’s safety. By repairing damage promptly, you can minimize the risk of further issues during the next storm.

Have Summer Storm Damage? Call Horizon for Expert Masonry Repair

Don’t ignore masonry damage. We’ve proudly served homeowners in Eastern MA and RI since 2009 with expert masonry repair from summer storm damage, including tuckpointing, crown rebuilding, chimney cap installations, and more. Horizon Chimney Services is a family-owned and operated company committed to providing honest, professional, and reliable services to protect your masonry’s structural integrity so you can enjoy your fireplace and stove. Call to schedule an appointment today with a Certified Chimney Sweep® and take the first step toward ensuring your chimney is ready for the next summer storm.