Chimney repair after strong winds in Health District
Water that showed up after the storm is traced to its entry point before any repair is chosen.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Signs the wind has reached your chimney
- Loose bricks at the chimney top
- Torn screen on the chimney cap
- Leaves and twigs in the fireplace
- Banging from the chimney top in gusts
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Storm damage chimney repair, planned for Health District
Fitting a new cap to the flue it covers
A replacement cap has to fit the flue it covers. The building code asks that the open area under a rain cap stay larger than the flue outlet, so the cap does not choke the draft.
We measure the flue and the top of the chimney before ordering. The cap chosen suits the flue size, the fastening method and the metal around it. If the old cap was the wrong size, we say so and explain why the new one differs. The part is named on the estimate.
Animals and an open flue
A cap lost in a storm leaves the flue open to birds, rodents and other animals. They can nest on the damper or smoke shelf, and some species are protected by law.
If you hear scratching or calls in the chimney, keep the damper closed and do not light a fire. Getting an animal out is a separate job, done within the rules for its species. Once the flue is clear, the replacement cap and its screen keep animals from returning. We check the screen fits closely before we leave.
Describing condition, not guessing cause
We describe what we find, where it is and what it suggests. We do not state when damage happened or what caused it, because appearance alone often cannot show that.
An old crack and fresh damage can sit side by side on the same chimney top. We describe each one separately on the estimate, in plain terms. You get a clear account of the condition now and the repairs that would put it right, without claims beyond what we can see. That record is yours to keep and use as you need.
Letting soaked masonry dry before sealing
Masonry soaked by a storm needs time to dry before a water repellent goes on. One repellent maker notes that excess moisture keeps its product from soaking in and shortens its service life.
Repairs to cracks, joints and flashing come first, because a repellent does not fix defects. A water repellent, if it is part of the plan, goes on after the masonry has dried and the repairs have cured. Chimney waterproofing is a separate service with its own line on the estimate, and we explain when it would be worth doing.
Storm damage scope, line by line
- Chimney top checked as a set
- Crown surface and edge check
- Interior water entry points noted
- Debris cleaned up and hauled away
Questions about wind-damaged chimneys
Is it safe to use the fireplace after a strong storm?
Not until the chimney has been checked. Wind can move a cap, crack a crown or shift masonry without any sign from the room. The national standard for chimneys calls for a closer look after an event likely to have damaged one.
Water came in during the storm but stopped afterward. Why?
Water that appears only with wind from one direction may be entering through the side of the chimney, the flashing or the crown rather than the flue opening. Tell us when it appeared, and we trace the path before choosing a repair.
Should I climb up to check the chimney after a storm?
No. A wet roof after a storm is dangerous, and loose masonry can shift under a hand or foot. Look from the ground, note what you see and let us check the chimney top with proper access.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Ventless Gas Fireplace ServiceService the identified vent-free appliance without bypassing its required safety components.
- Prefab and Zero-Clearance Fireplace RepairIdentify and repair manufactured fireplace components using the appropriate model information.
- Fireplace RestorationCoordinate fireplace repairs while preserving suitable existing features and defining the intended use.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Gas Fireplace VentingAssess and repair the gas fireplace vent arrangement using components suited to the identified system.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo