Thunderstorms are common in the United States with over 100,000 occurring every single year, and here in Texas, we are especially prone to experience them. Now, when lightning strikes one’s home, it typically hits the highest point on the structure, which is almost always the chimney. As you can imagine, this can lead to a lot of issues. Learn more about these below so that you are prepared should something of this nature occur, then count on our team to help you out. We are eager to have your back!
Beware Of Fires
First things first, get the fire department on the phone if lightning strikes your chimney. There’s a lot of heat in one bolt of lightning, and it could easily spark a fire, especially if your flue is filled with creosote. Even if you don’t see any flames or smoke, it’s important to have professionals from the fire department check things over to ensure that no threats are present. Keep in mind that chimney fires are not always loud, obvious events – you could be experiencing one and not even know it!
There could also be a fire growing in your attic, in which case you’ll want the proper authorities on the case as soon as possible. It’s always safer to let qualified firemen and firewomen do a thorough inspection of your property, rather than look for signs of fire yourself. When it comes to the wellbeing of your home and family take every possible precaution is always the better bet!
Have A Chimney Expert Check For Damages
After you know that there is no threat of experiencing a house fire, the next step is to make an appointment for a chimney inspection. When hiring a chimney company, make certain the staff are CSIA certified sweeps and that they have positive reviews on various websites. Involvement with other organizations like the NFI and the NCSG also says a lot about their dedication to education. Doing a little research can take you far and ensure you get the most accurate assessment possible.
Here at Lord’s Chimney, we use high-quality products, as well as the latest techniques and technologies, and we pride ourselves on our experience, our education, and our integrity. We would love the opportunity to prove ourselves to you, so reach out today to schedule an appointment, especially if you’re concerned about the state of your structure!
Why is an inspection important, especially after a lightning strike? Damages of any type weaken your masonry significantly, and the intense heat from a bolt of lightning will cause countless spots to experience issues. Your metal components could warp or come undone, brickwork could become dislodged, your mortar may crumble, and your liner will likely become especially vulnerable.
All in all, any problems need to be resolved before lighting any fires. Failing to address damages can lead to water damage, gas leaks, smoke exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, house/chimney fires, a chimney collapse, and more. It’s not worth taking any chances, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of your loved ones. Gain the peace of mind you deserve by scheduling an inspection with our knowledgeable team of professionals right away.
Lightning Struck, But My Structure Seems Fine… Should I Still Call?
If you know lightning struck your structure, but a quick overview reveals that nothing seems to be damaged, you may be thinking you’re off the hook. This is not the case! Hidden damages are still likely lurking. In fact, most of the time, the most serious issues are lying within the chimney and can only be discovered with the help of camera equipment and a trained eye.
When it comes to your fireplace, you never want to take any chances. Risking a fire when issues are still present can turn a cozy evening indoors into a disaster in no time, and the threats involved could wind up being fatal. Play it safe, and guarantee you and your loved ones the best holiday season yet by calling in our crew to look things over today. We would love to set you up!
Will My Insurance Help Me Out?
Now, it’s an unfortunate fact that the services required after lightning strikes your chimney are often expensive. Picking up the pieces after a chimney fire, for example, requires a lot of time-consuming work, and if you need to replace your flashing, chimney cap, and more, that will add up quickly, too. Because of this, it is definitely worth looking into your insurance policy to see if they will help cover the costs.
A lot of insurance policies cover damages from lightning strikes, but you’ll have to speak with your insurance company to find out their specific guidelines. This is one extra step that could save you a lot of stress, especially in a time of year when extra funds are typically necessary.
Staying Prepared
Above all, the crew here at Lords Chimney wants our customer base to stay as safe as possible. If you have any concerns about the state of your chimney or fireplace, please reach out today to get an inspection in the books! Along with this, keep informed on weather-related threats, and make certain you are taking necessary precautions should a severe thunderstorm be on its way. It’s always best to play it safe!
Ready to work with our highly-ranked experts? Great. Call now, and we can get something set up.