Do You Suspect Lightning Hit Your Chimney?
Did you hear a crack of thunder followed by an instantaneous flash of lightning? Do you suspect lightning has hit your chimney? It’s not unreasonable to suspect that your chimney was struck in such circumstances. A chimney is typically a house’s apex, so there is a good chance it struck there. Just a single lightning bolt can pack a 300 million volts punch, meaning it can damage or destroy a chimney. So, what is the next step? Don’t worry; we have the answers you are looking for.
Signs Your Chimney Was Hit by Lightning
If you suspect your chimney was hit by lightning, look closely to see if smoke is plainly visible or if you smell a burnt odd odor. Both suggest that your chimney has been or is on fire; if there is a lot of smoke, call 911 immediately. The inside of masonry chimneys is usually covered with a highly flammable sticky black matter called creosote. It is caused when logs are burned in your fireplace and coat the interior of your chimney. If you don’t have regular chimney cleanings there is a good chance it is coated with creosote. You can see how lightning can wreak havoc when it strikes a chimney.
Don’t Try to Repair Your Chimney After a Lightning Strike
Do not try to perform repairs yourself after a lightning strike. Why? You lack the training and experience to properly repair your chimney. You don’t have the required tools and equipment, and last but not least, you could fall off your roof trying to make repairs. We also need to examine it before repairs are made.
What Kind of Damage Can a Lightning Strike Do to a Chimney?
Here are some types of damage a lightning strike can do to a chimney:
- Cracked or vaporized mortar.
- Burned or perforated chimney liner.
- A fractured or broken chimney crown.
- Cracked or broken bricks.
Occasionally, a lightning bolt will be so destructive that it compromises the entire structure of the chimney, and a chimney rebuild is required. Even at first blush, your chimney seems untouched by the lightning strike on the outside; the interior can be a total loss. It’s wise to have us inspect your chimney to see how extensive the lighting damage is and devise a plan to repair it. A few damaged bricks may require replacement to keep water from getting inside your chimney, or the damage could be from top to bottom, indicating that the chimney needs to be replaced.
While we repair the lightning damage to your chimney, we can also clean it to prevent creosote buildups and clear any blockages that could stop carbon monoxide from venting outside.
Chimney Sweeps, Inc. Knows How to Repair Chimney Damage
Do you suspect that your chimney was struck by lightning? Don’t try to repair the damage yourself. Call us in the San Diego area at 619-593-4020 or use our contact form. One of our chimney experts will gladly discuss how we will repair your chimney and schedule a time to do it.
