Can Snow Get Into (And Damage) My Chimney?

It’s winter in West Charlton, NY, and while it may be a beautiful time to enjoy the snow with friends and family, it can also bring some problems when it comes to your home. One of these potential issues is snow entering and damaging your chimney. This post will discuss what causes snow to enter a chimney, signs that you may have experienced damage from snow in your chimney and preventive measures for keeping the cold out and preventing any future issues.

Causes of Snow Entering Chimneys

The primary cause of snow entering a chimney is the improper installation of flashing. Flashing is the metal material that runs along the sides of your roof, typically where it meets with your chimney. If not properly installed, this can leave gaps where snow can enter. It could then pile up inside or around your chimney. This is especially true if there are no proper coverings on top of your chimneys like a cap or liner to prevent entry from outside elements. 

Signs of Snow Damage to Chimneys

If you are concerned that your chimney has been damaged by snow, there are a few signs to look for. If you notice any gaps or cracks in the flashing around your chimney, this could indicate damage from snow. Additionally, if you see large amounts of water dripping inside your fireplace or hear strange noises coming from the area when it is windy outside, this may indicate a problem with the structure of your chimney as well. 

Preventing Snow From Entering and Damaging Chimneys

Fortunately, some steps can be taken to prevent snow from entering and damaging your chimney. 

• Have a professional inspect and install proper flashing around the sides of your roof where it meets with the chimney structure. This will ensure that there are no gaps that could allow snow to enter during storms. 
• Have a cap installed on top of your chimney. This will help keep out both cold air and moisture from seeping into interior spaces. It will also provide additional protection against debris or small animals entering through open flues or cracks in masonry walls over time. 
• Have professional chimney relining done to help reduce heat loss caused by air escaping through porous surfaces such as brick mortar joints while strengthening the structure of your chimney for the long run.

If you are concerned that your chimney may have been damaged by snow in West Charlton, NY, the Chimney Doctors are here to help. We offer a comprehensive range of services including chimney masonry repair and chimney sweep work to keep your chimney functioning properly and looking its best. Contact us at (518) 882-5009 today for a free consultation!