Post-storm chimney checks and repairs in Watergate
A blown-off cap or a lifted chase cover leaves the flue open to rain. We close it, then repair it properly.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Chimney changes to note after strong wind
- Chase cover lifted at one edge
- Flashing torn at the roof line
- New crack across the concrete crown
- Tree limb resting against the chimney
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Weather-tight first, then lasting storm repairs
New cracks in the crown
The crown is the concrete or masonry top of a masonry chimney. Flying debris or a falling cap can crack it, and wind-driven rain then soaks into the cracks.
We check the crown surface, its edges and the joint around the flue. Fine cracks may be closed with a coating sold for chimney crowns. Wide cracks, loose pieces or a crown that has broken up need a new crown cast in place. We explain which applies after looking at it closely.
A damp smell from the fireplace
After a wet storm, a fireplace can give off a damp, sooty smell. Water mixing with deposits in the flue and firebox causes it, and air moving down the flue carries it into the room.
The smell usually fades once the water source is fixed and the chimney dries. We check where the water entered and whether debris is holding moisture in the flue. Clearing the debris and closing the damper often help. We explain what we expect each step to change.
Working only when conditions are safe
We do not climb onto a roof in high wind, lightning or heavy rain. Work at height after a storm waits for safe conditions, even when the damage is obvious from the ground.
Until then, we can advise you from the ground and by phone on keeping the house protected. Keep the fireplace unused and people clear of the area below the chimney. Once conditions allow, we reach the chimney, make it weather-tight and assess the damage. A short wait is safer than a fall, for us and for your roof.
A flue top broken by a falling cap
A cap torn off by wind can strike the top of the flue tile on its way down. The tile edge can chip, crack or break away, and pieces may fall inside the flue.
We check the flue top closely after any cap loss. A chipped edge may still take a new cap. A cracked or broken top section needs repair before a cap is fitted, or the new cap will sit on damaged tile. Any pieces that fell into the flue are removed so they do not block the damper or smoke shelf.
Inside a storm damage chimney estimate
- Chase cover and storm collar check
- Temporary cover over an open flue
- Fasteners matched to the cap metal
- Debris cleaned up and hauled away
Storm damage chimney questions in Watergate
Do you replace chimney caps torn off by the wind?
Yes. The new cap is sized to the flue and fastened to the manufacturer's instructions. If the old cap failed at its fasteners, we explain what will hold the new one more securely.
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.
Are storm repairs covered by a warranty?
Our workmanship warranty covers the repairs we carry out. If one of those repairs gives way, call us and we return to check it. Temporary covers are not permanent repairs, and we explain what they are meant to do.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Top-Sealing Damper InstallationFit a top-mounted damper only after checking the fireplace, product restrictions and control route.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
- Chimney Flue RepairAssess repairs to damaged existing flue linings and distinguish them from a new liner installation.
Proudly American
Local service. Careful repairs. A fireplace worth coming home to.
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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo