Dozens of chimneys in our area are struck each year. The chimney top may be completely blown apart or just ripped open. Sometimes, a pinpoint strike just pops a pencil-sized hole in the flashing or brickwork.

The heat of the lightning can be extreme; up to 5,000 degrees instantly. This does two things. The first is the expansion of water (from rain) in the chimney structure. This is a powerful force that can blow large bricks and blocks 100 feet away or more. The second thing that happens is that the material itself expands, cracking it instantly. This includes the brick, block, stone, terra-cotta liner, fireplace, etc.

Lightning likes to travel through conductive materials until it reaches the opposite charge. It can travel down the chimney, through the fireplace, through the nearby wiring, and down to the basement, until it gets to the ground. While on the move, the lightning has shocked everything it touched. Thermal shock breaks masonry. Electrical shock creates thermal shock. The result is that the chimney usually breaks and creates the need for an insurance claim. When we are called out after lightning strikes, we perform a Level II inspection where we survey external and internal damage and then write a report that you can turn in to your insurance company.

If contracted, we can restore the chimney to its original condition, using the same or, in some cases, better material. We now use 316 Ti alloy stainless steel flue liners rather than the old style terra-cotta when entire flues are upgraded in material allowed by insurance companies. The cost of the initial damage inspection, including a video scan, is covered by the insurance company and counts towards your deductible.