Lightning Struck My Chimney, Now What?

It’s an unnerving experience when lightning strikes your chimney. The flash of light was followed by an immediate and deafening thunderclap. If it has happened to you, then you know all too well. Why was your chimney struck? Your chimney is probably the highest point on your home’s exterior; that’s why it was struck. What does that mean? You are probably thinking- lightning struck my chimney, now what? You’re right to think about what the next step is for your chimney. Let’s take a look at how to deal with a chimney damaged by a lightning bolt.

What Did Lightning Do to My Chimney?

If the strike just occurred, you need to see if any smoke is coming out of your chimney or if you smell burning inside your home. If either is true, that could mean your chimney is on fire; call 911 immediately. The interior masonry chimneys are incredibly flammable because a substance known as creosote, caused by burning logs, can blanket the interior of your chimney. If your chimney isn’t cleaned at least annually, it’s likely your chimney’s interior is coated with creosote. A bolt of lightning will undoubtedly ignite the creosote.

After a lightning strike, your chimney requires inspection by qualified chimney sweeps to evaluate the extent of the damage.

Our certified and experienced chimney sweeps possess the understanding to specify precisely how much damage the lighting did to your home’s chimney. Here are several ways that lighting may have damaged your chimney:

• A damaged chimney liner.
• Broken or missing mortar.
• A fractured or broken crown.
• Splintered or broken bricks.

Chimney Repairs

The harm done to your chimney by the lightning bolt may be so extensive that it jeopardizes the whole structure and will have to be rebuilt. Don’t be fooled if your chimney appears to be unharmed; damage inside can be hidden from view. The best course of action is to let us inspect your chimney to determine how bad the lightning damage was and what repairs are required. The whole chimney liner may need to be replaced. On the exterior, if you see just a few cracked or broken bricks, they need to be addressed, or moisture will find its way from getting inside your chimney. Moisture during the freeze-thaw cycle will cause the bricks to expand and contract producing even more cracks that will allow more moisture inside.

At the same time as the inspection, we will clean your chimney to clear creosote buildups and remove obstructions such as nests, leaves, trash, or other debris that could clog the chimney and keep carbon monoxide from leaving your chimney. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that poses a threat to your entire family.

Dubuque Fire Place and Patio Can Fix Lightning Damage to Your Chimney

It’s imperative to have your chimney inspected after a lightning strike; call us at 563-582-5156 or fill out our contact form. One of our chimney experts will gladly speak with you about fixing the lightning damage to your chimney. Don’t let visible or hidden damage to your chimney go; it will lead to more expensive and inconvenient repairs. We look forward to serving you.