Summertime storms can wreak havoc on landscaping, buildings, and even components of your home. If your home is struck by lightning, you may experience power outages, damage, and maybe even a fire. If your chimney is specifically struck, it can cause damage to the structure. Since a chimney is typically the highest point of a house, it is the most likely place to be struck.

Damage That Can Occur From A Lightning Strike

If your chimney is struck by lightning, it likely will never react the same way. While a single lightning bolt packs quite the punch with roughly 300 million volts, there are several different ways that your chimney can be affected — both small and large.

A few of the most common ways a lightning bolt can impact your chimney are listed below.

Creosote Build Up?

The driving reason behind annual chimney inspections and sweeps is to combat built up creosote. Creosote is a thick, sticky byproduct that collects on the inside walls of your chimney as more fires occur. This substance is highly flammable. So, if a lightning strikes your chimney, it can quickly ignite a fire.

Destroyed Structure

With the strength of a single lightning bolt, you may experience severe structural damage. The strike can blow up brick and mortar leaving you with a pretty hefty repair and rebuild effort needed. If this occurs above your roof, you may have remnants and pieces on your roof. Luckily, a chimney professional can advise on the best plan forward regarding rebuilding or spot fixing.

Broken Pieces

A chimney has several different pieces and components. And with a strike of lightning, any or several of these can be damaged. These pieces include things such as chimney caps, chimney crowns, chimney liners, or the flashing on your roof. Luckily, these smaller spot fixes are likely less expensive and extensive of a repair.

No visible damage? Proceed with caution

Even if your chimney suffers a strike and it doesn’t appear there is extensive damage, it is possible that there are hairline fractures or underlying issues. It’s important to call a professional if you have any questions as small cracks can allow water inside your chimney and cause damage to your chimney, walls, ceilings, and more.

It’s also important to avoid having fires without knowing the extent of damage. If there is damage — even non-visible damage — it may allow carbon monoxide inside your home. This is dangerous and can cause potential harm to you or your family members. Carbon monoxide poisoning is referred to as the silent killer as you may not even be aware that you’re being exposed to it.

Lightning Stuck? Call Anderson’s Chimney today

Since 1990, Anderson’s Chimney has been South Central, PA’s most trusted chimney and fireplace service company. We are a one stop chimney company performing all your chimney needs, including repairing any damage lightning may cause to your chimney. You can count on our certified pros to do the job right the first time. Get started today by calling us today!