Storm-related chimney repair for Richmond West homes

Temporary protection and permanent repair are separate items on the estimate, each with its own price.

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After a storm, what to look for first

Cap bent or hanging to one side
Loose bricks at the chimney top
Siding or stucco torn on the chase
Damp smell from the fireplace after rain

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Storm damage work, explained in order

A chase cover lifted at one edge

A cover that lifts at one edge can drop back almost into place and look fine from the ground. Water then enters at the gap whenever rain comes from that side.

We check the cover's edges, fasteners and seams, and look for water marks on the framing below. A cover that is still flat and sound can be refastened and resealed. One that has bent at the edge or split along a seam is replaced. The estimate explains the choice.

The joint around the flue at the crown

The building code wants the top of a masonry chimney sloped to shed water, with a drip edge and a sealed break around the flue liner. That break lets the flue and the crown move separately.

A storm that knocks the cap or strikes the flue top can open that joint or crack the crown beside it. We check it as part of the storm inspection. Where it has opened, it is resealed with a material suited to the joint. Where the crown itself has cracked, the crown repair is listed separately.

Wind and the building code

The Florida Building Code asks that buildings and their parts be built to resist wind loads under its wind provisions. That includes what sits on a roof.

For chimney parts, we take that as a reason to fasten caps, chase covers and flashing as their makers intend, not simply set them in place. We fasten replacement parts to the manufacturer's instructions and explain how they are held. If an earlier part was only loosely fixed, we tell you what changes with the replacement.

Wet framing under a lost chase cover

When a chase cover is lost or lifted, rain runs straight onto the top of the framing. Wood that stays wet can soften and rot, and water can travel down inside the chase.

We check the top plates and sheathing we can reach and note any softness or staining. Framing that is only damp may dry once the chase is covered. Framing that has softened needs repair before a new cover goes on. Chase framing repair is its own item on the estimate, with what we saw written beside it.

Storm repairs you approve before work

Chase cover and storm collar check
Flashing and counter flashing check
Open chimney covered each work day
Free written estimate before any work

After the storm, what people ask

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.

Can loose pieces of a damaged chimney top fall?

Loose top courses or a shifted cap can fall, especially in the next strong wind. Keep people and vehicles away from the area below the chimney, and do not use the fireplace. Tell us what you see when you call.

Is a factory-built chimney repaired differently after a storm?

Yes. A factory-built chimney is a listed system, so damaged pipe, storm collars, caps and chase-top parts are replaced with parts the manufacturer lists. The label on the fireplace or chimney helps us identify them.

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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With

DuraVent
Olympia Chimney and Venting
Copperfield Chimney Supply
Rutland
Heatilator
Heat & Glo