Many people appreciate the warm temperatures and sunshine that come with summertime. But the summer months can also bring strong storms to your area that might wreak serious havoc on the structure of your home, including your chimney.

The chimney often sits out of sight on the roof of your house, so you might not see problems that a storm can create for this part of your home right away. It can help you keep your home safe to know what potential dangers to look for before and after a storm. Read on to learn about three ways that a summer storm could pose a threat to the structure of your chimney.

Impact Damage to Chimney Structure

A storm can bring a large amount of damage in a short amount of time to your property. Heavy winds can buffet your chimney along with hard rain or hail stones. Branches or other debris can also strike your chimney during a storm, which can make the bricks and overall structure of your chimney break.

You might see large branches still on your roof after a storm that can signify potential damage. If you notice pieces of brick or stone around your property, these might be broken bits of the chimney.

A crack or other structural problems with your chimney need prompt repairs or they can deepen or worsen fairly quickly. For optimal results, you might need an entire rebuild of the chimney to ensure it works properly. Call your chimney sweep for an inspection if you suspect your chimney sustained damage following inclement weather.

Moisture Damage and Leaks

Storms will bring precipitation which can result in heavy rainfall pummeling your house. The porous bricks that make up your chimney can absorb this water over time, and the moisture will ultimately deteriorate the chimney’s structure. Excess moisture can also breed mold which will bring further damage to the chimney.

You might notice water damage in your chimney if you see discoloration on its exterior. But stains on your ceiling or leaks within the chimney or your home could also point to a water problem.

Water leakage will mean that smoke can also leak within your flue. And if smoke cannot flow out of your home effectively, you can see smoke lingering inside your house, which will present additional issues. Contact a chimney sweep to confirm the leak and resolve it swiftly.

Missing Chimney Features

Your chimney features other fixtures besides its brick-and-mortar structure and inner flue. It also has a cap that prevents pests, water, and other external elements from entering your home through the chimney. The chimney also has flashing, protective covering that connects the seam where the chimney meets the roof.

High wind speeds might cause these features to dislodge from the chimney and blow away. This can leave your home and your chimney exposed and at risk of further damage. Seek replacements for these items from your local chimney sweep.