Your home’s fireplace may not see a ton of action during the summer months, but that doesn’t mean that you should neglect your chimney. In fact, summer storms can seriously damage your home’s exterior. You can’t always avoid these issues, but it’s important to know what to look out for so you can schedule chimney repair and related services.

4 Types of Chimney Damage That May Occur During Summer

1. Warped Flashing

The flashing is the material installed around the base of your chimney. In high winds or hail, this part could get warped and leave a section of your roof vulnerable to leaks and attendant water damage.

2. Missing Chimney Cap

Especially when high winds are present, your chimney cap may get blown off your roof entirely. This is a fairly simple fix, as you just need to have a chimney repair service replace it with a new one. Just be sure to call as soon as possible, as a chimney without a cap could be enticing to critters seeking shelter.

3. Cracks

Pressure and impact from severe storms that include torrential downpours, hail, or lightning can actually crack the brick or other material surrounding your chimney. This type of damage can eventually lead to crumbling and structural issues if not addressed right away.

4. Humidity-Related Odors

Inside your home, you may also start to notice a musty smell near your fireplace. This can happen if rain gets trapped in your chimney or with repeated exposure to humidity. It can lead to mold and structural issues down the line unless you have a chimney repair company remove the water and repair the underlying problem. 

If you need chimney repair services for any of these issues, call Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry. Serving the Greater Cincinnati, OH area, the company offers a wide array of chimney and fireplace services, including chimney cleaning, inspections, tuck pointing, and fireplace cleaning. They can even install gas logs or wood stoves. The experienced contractors always provide prompt and reliable service, and the company keeps rates reasonable for everything from chimney repair to fireplace cleaning. To request service, contact the team online or call (513) 553-0229.