When a major storm runs through the neighborhood, most people check their roof, siding, or maybe the basement for flooding. But what about the chimney? It’s easy to forget about that stack of bricks sticking out of the roof, but the chimney is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home when it comes to storm damage. High winds, heavy rain, and even lightning strikes can cause serious damage that may not be immediately apparent.

If your area is prone to storms or has recently been hit by one, here are some telltale signs that your chimney might need some professional attention.

Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is like an umbrella. It keeps rain, snow, animals, and debris out. After a storm, especially one with strong wind gusts or hail, the cap can get blown off, knocked loose, or dented. If the cap is missing or crooked, water can pour straight into the flue, which means trouble down the road. It’s a simple fix, but one you don’t want to ignore.

Cracked or Fallen Bricks

High winds and flying debris can crack or loosen your chimney’s bricks. If you see bricks or pieces of bricks in the yard after a storm, or your chimney looks a little “off” or misshapen, it’s time to call a professional for an inspection. Even a single missing brick can compromise the chimney’s structure and lead to bigger issues if left unchecked.

Leaning Chimney

Here’s another big red flag: if your chimney looks like it’s leaning, even slightly, don’t wait to get it inspected. A leaning chimney could signal that the foundation or mortar has shifted, which is often the result of water damage or high winds. Not only is a leaning chimney unsafe, but it could eventually collapse, leading to severe roof damage.

Water Stains Inside the House

After a storm, check the walls and ceiling around the fireplace. If you notice water stains, peeling paint, or bubbling wallpaper, your chimney might be letting water in. Water can seep through tiny cracks in the crown, bricks, or flashing. Left alone, it can cause mold and rot inside your walls, which is the last thing you want.

Debris in the Fireplace

If you see pieces of brick, tile, or other debris in the fireplace after a storm, that’s a strong sign that something’s wrong. These could be signs of internal damage or deterioration in the flue liner. In some cases, it might be caused by a chimney cap or crown that broke apart and fell down the flue.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the metal seal that wraps around the chimney’s base to keep water out of the gap between the chimney and the roof. Storms can loosen or bend flashing, especially in high winds or if a tree branch hits the roof. If the flashing is damaged, rain can get in and start rotting the wood beneath your roof fast.

Unusual Smells or Drafts

After a storm, you might notice musty smells or feel an unexpected draft coming from the fireplace, which could signal that your chimney’s been compromised. Water getting inside can lead to moldy smells, while damaged flue liners or broken caps can affect ventilation and let cold air seep in.

The tricky thing about chimney damage is that it’s not always obvious right away, and the longer it goes unfixed, the worse the damage gets. That’s why it’s wise to hire a professional chimney professional for an inspection after a heavy storm, especially if you’ve noticed any of the above issues.

Call Us Today!

Keystone’s Fireplace and Stove is the most trusted chimney and fireplace company in South Central, PA. If you’ve experienced a devastating storm, call us for a professional inspection to ensure everything is in good shape. And if it’s not, you can count on us for fast repairs. Call us today or stop into our showroom; no appointment necessary.