Have Storms Damaged Your Chimney?
The best way to detect storm damage is to hire a professional to assess your chimney. Inspections are recommended annually, but if your home was affected by the storm (trees fallen, shingles missing, etc.) then your chimney was most likely affected and you should call a professional.
only Signs of a Storm Damaged Chimney
Tropical storms come with sustained winds of 39 mph and higher. Once the maximum sustained winds pass 74 mph, the storm is considered a hurricane. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and even a heavy thunderstorm can cause damage to your chimney system. Winds can blow off or damage flashing and chimney caps. Hail and rain can damage masonry, and if the damage isn’t repaired, more can occur.
YOUR CHIMNEY CAP
In high-wind areas, you can opt for a chimney cap designed to handle hurricane-force winds, and deflect wind from coming into the flue. A functional cap should block rain from falling into the flue. However, when it blows off during a serious storm, it will allow water into the chimney system. Water destroys a chimney from the inside out. If it isn’t corrected, it will continue to ruin parts of the chimney system, as well as components of the home.
YOUR FLASHING
The flashing is made up of thin sheets of metal, placed along the seam of the roof and chimney intersection. This is the most vulnerable area of the entire chimney system, and is at risk even with properly installed flashing. When flashing is installed incorrectly – as it often is – it becomes a sure place for leaks and damages. It’s best to have the chimney inspected regularly and know the flashing is in good shape and ready for Florida weather. What happens if the flashing becomes damaged, shifts, or is blown away? Water from tropical storms will penetrate the roof, affecting the chimney, flooring, walls, and structural materials of the home!
YOUR CHIMNEY REPAIRS
Hudson Chimney sees a lot of storm damage this time of year, after hurricane season, and before fall. This is the time that homeowners are getting ready for burn season. So, it’s the best time to have the chimney inspected and schedule necessary repairs.
Flashing Repair – Hudson Chimney repairs flashing with the expertise required to properly place flashing according to the slant of the roof, the roofing materials, and the high wind area you live.
Masonry Repair – Depending on the damage to the masonry itself, whether water or wind damage, a masonry repair may be in order. Hudson Chimney sweeps can repair spalling masonry through a process called tuckpointing, replace chimney crowns, and waterproof the masonry for added protection.
DON’T WAIT – HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTED & REPAIRED TODAY
When you leave repairs undone, you leave your chimney system exposed to the elements. Missing flashing or caps and damaged crowns or masonry can allow water to go directly into your system. When water enters your system, it can ruin walls and furniture, rust parts, and even cause respiratory issues to your family members.
Your Solutions
PROFESSIONAL INSPECTIONS
The best way to detect storm damage is to hire a professional to assess your chimney. Inspections are recommended annually, but if your home was affected by the storm (trees fallen, shingles missing, etc.) then your chimney was most likely affected and you should call a professional. Hudson Chimney will assess your chimney in one quick and affordable appointment. This service may even be covered by your homeowner’s insurance if you have filed a storm claim. In general, an inspection will save you money in the long run, because letting damage go undetected is the best way to ruin a chimney.
INSTALL A NEW CAP
You can purchase a chimney cap that deflects wind from the flue opening. In this area where hurricanes and tropical storms typically produce strong winds, this is a great option. Ask Hudson Chimney about custom chimney caps that will help you protect your chimney system.
SCHEDULE WATERPROOFING SERVICES
Hudson Chimney recommends and applies ChimneySaver water repellent, which creates a barrier that water cannot penetrate. This is a specially formulated sealer that allows vapors to escape while keeping water molecules out. It will not only protect your masonry this season but for years.
Mark and his son prepaired my home for any nasty black stuff from getting all over my house, he then inspected and cleaned the fire place, accurately diagnosed the repair,he had the materials and repair it right then and there!…I all most wished I had another fire place for him to fix,THEY ARE REALLY THAT GOOD!
Why You Should Work with Hudson Chimney
Whatever you’re hearth or chimney needs, you can trust Hudson Chimney to provide you with honest evaluations and high-quality products and workmanship. Hudson Chimney is located in Middleburg, Florida and has been providing quality, full-service chimney and hearth care since 1979.
We are:
– Dedicated to education,
– Up to date on all our certifications on the local and national levels,
– Working to give back to the community.
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Our Promise to You
We know how frustrating it can be to find out that a service provider is being dishonest. At Hudson Chimney, we value the client-service provider relationship and promise we will never betray your trust in us. With Hudson Chimney on the job, you can rest assured that you aren’t being fooled or conned into paying for unnecessary or fabricated repairs or services. We value integrity and vow to always be honest and up front with you. In fact, we never perform a service or repair without first explaining the problem and educating our customers on why it’s happening and how to prevent problems in the future.
Pricing
Because each home, flue and fireplace/chimney is different we can’t give our pricing accurately on our site. However, please call our office to discuss a quote and the factors that go into how we price our services.