How Summer Storms Damage Your Chimney

For many people, the sound of rainfall during a summer storm is one of the best parts of the season. While the occasional summer downpour can be a welcome event for farmers and those with backyard gardens, these storms can unfortunately also have a detrimental effect on your fireplace system. Here are several ways that summer storms damage your chimney.

First, it’s important to know what to look for

Picture yourself driving down the road. Suddenly, your car makes a funny noise and your engine sounds are much louder. This points to a problem with your vehicle’s exhaust system. Likewise, there are telltale signs that there is some kind of problem with your chimney. Discoloration, water in the firebox, musty odors, damp patches, and damaged or crumbling
masonry are all signs that water has found its way inside your chimney and is wreaking havoc. Additionally, the appearance of white staining, commonly referred to as efflorescence is a sure sign that the recent summer storms have damaged your chimney.

Cracks exacerbated by water

Cracked mortar and bricks are the result of age and previous water damage. Summer storms damage your chimney by transforming these older issues into bigger problems. Updating your chimney and ensuring it is fully watertight will go a long way toward protecting your home from water damage. If you notice cracks or damaged mortar, a repair appointment should be scheduled right away with your Dubuque Fireplace & Patio technician.

Compounding interest on normal wear and tear

Just like in compounding interest in the banking industry, small issues with your chimney are magnified by summer storms. Many times, newly discovered water damage after a storm is actually caused by older issues.

If you do not have your chimney regularly inspected, these smaller problems go unnoticed. Then suddenly, they get bigger as a summer storm tips the scale and makes the damage noticeable and more expensive to repair.

Rusted or loose flashing

Moisture left unresolved leads to rust. And while it can add a patina to some finishings and be a desired design element in some instances, this is not the case when it comes to your chimney. Rusted or loose flashing leaves an opening for water to enter and causes issues deep inside your chimney that lead to costly repairs.

A missing chimney cap

A missing cap or chase cover is a recipe for problems. Not only can this allow pests and other animals to take up residence inside your flue, but it can also allow water to seep in unnoticed and create issues deep inside your chimney.

A lack of waterproofing

It should be obvious now that when water makes its way to where it shouldn’t be, it can cause major problems. Whether as a result of cracks in your mortar, a missing cap, loose or missing flashing, or another problem, unwanted moisture needs to be resolved ASAP.

Fixing the damage that summer storms do to your chimney

Everyone has heard the phrase, “when it rains, it pours.”

The technicians at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio can keep this phrase a metaphorical one by inspecting and repairing damage before it causes significant issues with your chimney. Call us today at 563-582-5156 or fill out our contact form to get on our schedule.