Don’t Let Hurricane Damage Put Your Family at Risk: Your Complete Guide to Post-Storm Chimney Safety in Ocean County
Hurricane season in Ocean County, New Jersey, brings more than just flooding concerns and power outages. Damage was heaviest in Ocean and Monmouth counties, with over 40,000 of the buildings affected being in Ocean County during Hurricane Sandy alone. While homeowners focus on obvious storm damage like roof repairs and flooding cleanup, one critical area often gets overlooked: your chimney system.
Since the chimney is the highest point of your home, it’s most likely to be damaged by strong winds, heavy rain and lightning during a weather event. The combination of powerful winds and saturated ground conditions can cause structural shifts, while strong winds and flying debris can cause bricks to loosen or crack, leading to water leakage and structural instability.
Why Post-Hurricane Chimney Inspections Are Critical
Accidents such as hurricanes/bad storms, building fires, or chimney fires also warrant this type of inspection – specifically a Level 2 inspection. Even if there’s no visible exterior damage, it’s vital to have a level II inspection of the chimney to ensure there are no internal cracks that could allow noxious gasses (such as CO2) to be released into your home instead of up the chimney.
The dangers extend beyond structural concerns. A compromised chimney can adversely affect indoor air quality. Water and structural damage can obstruct your chimney, preventing proper ventilation. This may cause harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, to enter your home.
Common Hurricane Damage to Watch For
Ocean County residents should inspect their chimneys for several types of storm damage:
- Chimney Cap and Crown Damage: A missing chimney cap can allow rainwater, debris, and animals to enter your chimney, causing blockages and further damage. The chimney’s crown is exposed to harsh weather conditions during a hurricane, leading to cracks and deterioration over time. A broken crown allows water to penetrate the chimney structure.
- Masonry and Mortar Issues: If there are visible signs of damage to the bricks and mortar of your chimney, this could be a telltale sign of structural damage. This kind of damage is caused by contact with debris during a storm or water seeping into the chimney system.
- Flashing Problems: One of the easiest ways for water to infiltrate your home is by seeping through the gap between the chimney and the roof. If you notice that there are water marks forming around your fireplace, this might mean that your flashing needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Structural Shifts: The severe wind combined with the saturated ground can cause a chimney to rotate away from a building where the chimney and roof meet.
The Professional Inspection Process
A level II inspection includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas of the chimney, as well as inspection via video equipment of the interior of the flue liner(s) within the chimney. Today’s technicians are often using camera equipment specifically designed for chimney inspections to inspect the inside of your chimney from the bottom to the top.
This comprehensive approach is essential because damage is most often undetectable without the use of specialized video scanning equipment that scans the entire length of the flue interior top to bottom.
When Cleaning Becomes Necessary
Post-hurricane conditions often necessitate thorough cleaning. The cleaning is a critical maintenance action and is required so that the video scan can see any damage to the flue. Without cleaning you cannot properly see sides of the flue. Storm debris, water damage, and displaced animals can all create hazardous conditions that require professional chimney sweeping ocean county services.
Apex Chimney Repairs: Your Trusted Local Partner
For Ocean County residents dealing with post-hurricane chimney concerns, Apex Chimney Repairs brings decades of expertise to your doorstep. With over three decades of experience, we specialize in dryer vent, air duct, and chimney cleaning services across New Jersey. Our professional, certified technicians use advanced tools to ensure your home’s safety. We believe in honest, family-oriented service, always putting our customers first.
Apex Air Duct Cleaning and Chimney Services serves Ocean County, NJ for Chimney Sweeping. Call 732-314-7171 today to learn more. As a local company with values you can trust, Apex understands the unique challenges Ocean County faces during hurricane season.
The company holds important certifications that matter for post-storm work. We specialize in fire prevention services and hold NFI and CSIA certifications, ensuring that your post-hurricane inspection meets industry standards for safety and thoroughness.
Don’t Delay: Schedule Your Post-Storm Inspection
Small problems caused by storms can lead to costly repairs if left untreated. The sooner you address potential hurricane damage, the better you can protect your family and your investment.
Beyond practical benefits, a post-hurricane chimney inspection provides unparalleled peace of mind. Knowing your home in Jacksonville, FL, has been thoroughly checked by professionals allows you to focus on recovery and moving forward. At Chimney Champions, we prioritize your safety and comfort, providing comprehensive inspections, chimney repairs, and sweeps that ensure no detail is overlooked.
Hurricane season doesn’t have to leave your family vulnerable to hidden chimney dangers. With proper inspection, cleaning, and repairs from qualified professionals like Apex Chimney Repairs, you can ensure your home remains safe and functional throughout the recovery process and beyond. Serving all of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey, Apex is ready to help Ocean County residents restore their peace of mind after the storm passes.