It is common for lightning to strike a chimney, as it is the highest point on a building.
Every year the U.S. has around 100,000 thunderstorms and millions of lightning strikes. These storms can be very devastating. It is common for lightning to strike a chimney, as it is the highest point on a building. If this happens to your home, it is critical that you call a professional chimney sweep. Ignoring this issue can lead to more significant damage to your home. Here are some tips on what to do if your chimney gets struck by lightning.
Call the Fire Department
Even if you do not see flames or smell smoke, the lightning could have sparked a fire in the chimney or attic. It is better to let firefighters investigate to see if the lightning has sparked a fire than to inspect the damage yourself. Creosote, which is the material that is left over after a wood-burning fire, is highly flammable. Creosote deposits in a chimney can burn for hours, causing severe damage to it and surrounding rooms. Stay away from the chimney, especially the exterior walls. Lightning can do severe damage to brick masonry. If you remain too close, you run the risk of being struck by falling stones or bricks.
Schedule a Chimney Inspection
It is important to remember that damage to the chimney liner may be hidden and hard to spot. You should hire a professional chimney sweep who can easily inspect the damage to the structure. A chimney inspection is meant to spot any problems that could become a potential safety hazard. A certified chimney sweep will carefully inspect your chimney to make sure there are no pathways or gaps for water, fire, or carbon monoxide to get into your home. It is a good idea to schedule a chimney inspection soon after the lightning strike. Even minor chimney damage can turn into a serious issue if it is left unaddressed for too long. The chimney inspector will also let you know the best options to resolve the problem.
Repair Your Chimney
Listen to the advice of your chimney professional and make the recommended chimney repairs as soon as possible. Repair any masonry damage, replace a damaged damper, install a new chimney cap, and repair any spots where water leaks may occur in preparation for potentially harsh stormy weather.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Cleaning Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.