What Do I Do If My Chimney Is Struck By Lightning?

A chimney is an essential component of a home’s heating system, providing a crucial outlet for smoke and fumes. But, like any structure exposed to the elements, chimneys are vulnerable to weather-related damage. One of the most dramatic and potentially dangerous events that can befall a chimney is a lightning strike.

Lindemann has over 50 years of experience dealing with chimney damage, including lightning strikes and our top priority is your family’s safety. We’ll explore the potential consequences of a lightning-struck chimney and discuss the steps you should take to ensure your safety and restore your chimney’s functionality.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Safe

Experiencing a lightning strike can be alarming and disorienting, but it’s crucial to remain level-headed and prioritize your safety. Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe and minimize the risks after your chimney has been struck by lightning:

• Evacuate the area: If you suspect a lightning strike has caused structural damage to your chimney, it’s best to evacuate the area around the chimney, both indoors and outdoors. This will protect you and your family from potential falling debris or any other hazards.
• Unplug electronics: Lightning can cause electrical surges that can damage your home’s electrical system and electronic devices. Unplug any sensitive electronics and appliances to prevent further damage.
• Ventilate your home: If you detect a strong odor of smoke or burning materials, open windows and doors to ventilate your home and disperse any harmful gasses.
• Check for fires: Carefully inspect your home, both inside and out, for any signs of fire. If you discover a fire, call 911 immediately and evacuate your home.

Step 2: Assess the Situation

After ensuring that you and your family are safe, try to determine the extent of the damage. Here are some signs that your chimney may have been struck by lightning:

• Visible cracks or damage on the exterior of the chimney
• Pieces of brick or other debris around the chimney
• Burn marks or scorched areas
• A strong smell of smoke or burning materials

Keep in mind that not all damage may be immediately visible, so it’s essential to call a professional chimney inspector to assess the situation thoroughly.

Step 3: Call a Professional Chimney Inspector

Hiring a professional chimney inspector is a vital step in addressing the damage caused by a lightning strike. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a chimney inspector:

• Certification: Make sure the inspector holds a valid certification from a reputable organization, such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). These certifications ensure that the inspector is knowledgeable and up-to-date on industry standards and practices.
• Experience: Look for an inspector with experience in assessing and repairing damage caused by lightning strikes. This specialized knowledge will enable them to accurately identify issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Reviews and recommendations: Seek out recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews to find a trusted and reliable inspector. Positive feedback from previous clients can be a good indicator of the quality of their work.
• Obtain a written report: Request a detailed, written report from the inspector that outlines their findings and suggested repairs. This document will be useful when communicating with your insurance company and contractors.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Lightning damage is typically covered by homeowner’s insurance policies, so it’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They will likely want to send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the coverage. Be sure to take photos of the damage and keep receipts for any expenses related to the incident.

Step 5: Repair or Replace Damaged Components

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to repair or replace various components of your chimney system. Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the key elements that may be affected:

• Chimney liner: The liner is responsible for containing combustion gasses and protecting the chimney structure from heat and corrosion. If damaged, it should be repaired or replaced to prevent further damage and ensure the safe operation of your heating system.
• Chimney cap: A chimney cap prevents rain, animals, and debris from entering your chimney. If it’s damaged or dislodged by a lightning strike, it’s crucial to replace it to protect your chimney from water damage and other potential hazards.
• Chimney crown: The crown is the concrete or mortar slab that covers the top of the chimney and helps to keep water and debris out. If it’s cracked or damaged, it should be repaired or replaced to maintain the structural integrity of your chimney.
• Bricks and mortar: Lightning strikes can cause bricks and mortar to crack, crumble, or become dislodged. These damaged areas should be repaired or replaced to ensure the stability and safety of your chimney.
• Choose a reputable contractor: When selecting a contractor to perform the necessary repairs, it’s important to choose one with experience in chimney repair and a solid reputation for quality workmanship. Make sure they are licensed, insured, and provide a written estimate and warranty for their work.

Step 6: Install Lightning Protection

To prevent future lightning damage, consider installing a lightning protection system on your chimney. This typically involves attaching a lightning rod to the top of the chimney, which is connected to a grounding system. This setup directs the electrical current from a lightning strike safely into the ground, protecting your chimney and home from damage.

Conclusion

A lightning-struck chimney can be a dangerous and distressing event, but by following these steps, you can ensure the safety of your home and its occupants. Remember to stay calm, assess the situation, contact professionals for inspection and repairs, and consider installing a lightning protection system to safeguard your chimney against future strikes.