The recent earthquake in California has made many homeowners aware of the seismic safety risks associated with their chimneys. As your local Moraga chimney cleaner, we want to share our expertise in earthquake chimney safety.
One of the most common types of damage during an earthquake is when your chimney collapses or breaks and falls on the roof, or the ground. When this happens, there are many potential injuries that could result from falling bricks and stones, not to mention the structural damage to your home. Are cars parked under the chimney? Is there a children’s play area? There’s a real risk that someone could be seriously injured by falling bricks.
This blog post will cover what you need to know about protecting your home from this type of disaster – and how a chimney sweep professional service can help.
Earthquakes Cause Extended Damage to California Chimneys
Newspapers as far back as the 1660s reported on fallen chimneys after an earthquake. It’s not just a historical problem: in California, where the majority of the housing stock was built before the 1950s, unstable chimneys continue to cause problems. Many chimneys are built of unreinforced brick or stone, which means that they do not have reinforcing metal installed in the chimney. This makes them more susceptible to falling apart when they become stressed under the force of an earthquake.
How to Identify If Your Chimney May be a Hazard
The best thing you can do to protect your home and family is to conduct a cursory inspection yourself. You can do this by checking the following:
- Do you see any evidence of movement over time, such as spalling brick and crumbling mortar joints? If so, it’s likely that other structural damage has occurred.
- Are there cracks or other damage visible on the exterior walls of your chimney?
- Is your chimney leaning or bowing from wind, rain and sun?
Ask An Expert:
- If the chimney is made of brick or stone, is it reinforced?
- Is the chimney cap and flashing in good condition and properly installed?
Consult a Moraga Chimney Cleaner for Earthquake Chimney Safety
If you’re not sure whether your chimney is safe, it’s best to consult with a professional. At The Irish Sweep, we can conduct an inspection to identify any potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them. We offer comprehensive chimney safety services that will ensure your home is protected during an earthquake. Proudly serving Moraga and surrounding areas for over 40 years, we’ve seen it all and gladly offer our services to you.
After an Earthquake: Dealing with Damage
If you’re finding this article after your chimney has already been damaged by an earthquake or other means, there are a few things you should know.
- First of all, if your chimney is still standing but has been damaged, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible by a professional Moraga chimney cleaner who specializes in earthquake damage repair. A crack can only get larger over time and leave your home vulnerable to future damage.
- If your chimney has completely collapsed, you will need to have it rebuilt – and again, it’s best to hire a professional who understands the risks associated with rebuilding in an earthquake zone.
- Finally, if you’re living in a home with a damaged or collapsed chimney, be sure to keep a close eye on any potential fire hazards while you get it repaired.
Talk to Moraga Chimney Cleaner
We hope this article provides some useful information about earthquake chimney safety. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at The Irish Sweep! We’re always here to help. Give us a call at 510-521-4088!
Contact our Moraga chimney cleaner experts for earthquake damage today!
Our services let you enjoy your chimney safely!