Has lightning struck your home recently? Then you may be wondering where you stand in terms of chimney care. If you’ve looked your system over and don’t see anything alarming, you may think you’re good to go, but this isn’t typically the case. Because chimneys are usually the highest point of the home, it’s common for them to experience some damage, so having a professional look things over is essential. 
Already had a roofer or mason check it out? You may not be out of the woods yet. Unfortunately, these experts aren’t the ones you’ll want to trust when it comes to your chimney (especially the interior). They’ll likely look over the outer areas of your home, note the condition of parts that are easily accessible, and then be on their way.
Unfortunately, fixing only the outside of your home and chimney doesn’t solve the problem. If there’s damage inside, your household will still be at risk, and it doesn’t do you any favors in terms of getting necessary insurance coverage either.
All too often, homeowners miss out on necessary repairs because they didn’t invest in that professional and thorough inspection from a CSIA-certified chimney professional. If this is the position you find yourself in, the time to reach out to us is now. Learn more about what the helpful team here at Lords Chimney can do for you.
All About Our Level 2 Inspections
At Lords Chimney, we provide in-depth level 2 inspections, ensuring your system is taken care of no matter what. A level 2 inspection includes the use of high-quality camera equipment that we snake up the flue to get the best possible look at your chimney’s interior [https://www.csia.org/inspections.html].
A level 2 inspection will give your adjuster a clear picture of what you need moving forward. With the help of our cameras and our experienced crew, they’ll be able to correctly assess the damage you’re facing, ensuring you have everything you need to patch things up correctly.
Trust us – your adjuster wants to help you out! Hire us to assist, so they can get the most accurate information possible.
When else is a level 2 inspection recommended? Essentially after any natural disaster. These might include hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, floods, and the like. They’re also required when buying/selling property, after chimney fires, or after investing in any major renovations or reconstruction work.
Not a Direct Hit?
Sometimes we hear from homeowners who experienced a lightning strike somewhere other than their chimney. If it was another part of the house that was hit and the chimney seems fine, is an inspection really necessary?
Short answer? Yes! Anytime lightning strikes any area of your home, scheduling a chimney inspection is recommended. Lightning doesn’t have to hit directly to cause damage, and many times those areas that are well-concealed and rarely thought of (like your chimney flue) are the ones in most need of extensive repair work. Don’t take any chances, and get that inspection scheduled as soon as you can.
What Happens if I Avoid Care?
We get it. Scheduling maintenance is never a fun or exciting chore, and it may feel like the easier route to just put chimney care on the back burner for now. Yet, if you know damage may have occurred, avoiding a professional inspection could put your loved ones in harm’s way, which is why we so strongly urge homeowners to make that call to our team.
One of the things that could occur during a lightning strike is a chimney fire. If your flue has higher levels of creosote, it wouldn’t be unusual for things to ignite after that bolt of lightning hits. And many times chimney fires are quiet events that go unnoticed, which means your system could be suffering without you even realizing it!
If a chimney fire didn’t occur, you could still experience damage that puts your home at risk. Interior damage causes holes, cracks, and gaps to form throughout your liner, which then leads to dangerous fumes (smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.) entering your home.
Along with this, your chances of experiencing a house fire will increase significantly. When your liner is compromised, the heat and flames from your fires will have direct access to your walls and woodwork. It doesn’t take long for these flammable materials to catch on fire once they get hot enough, and once those flames get going they’re hard to stop.
In the end, it’s well worth taking a few extra precautions to ensure your home is well taken care of. You’ll avoid expensive, time-consuming home repairs, and there’s no putting a price on your family’s safety.
We’re on Your Side!
When catastrophe strikes your home, you need someone on your side who will ensure you’re taken care of. When it comes to working with insurance companies, it can feel like an uphill battle to get the appropriate coverage you need to move forward. That’s why we want to help make things easier.
When you rely on Lords Chimney, you can rest easy knowing we have the tools and knowledge necessary to give you the most in-depth and accurate assessment possible. And when it comes to repairs, we’ve got you covered there, too! Play it safer and get the care you deserve by relying on our crew every step of the way. We’re just a phone call away.