Does your home in Tulsa, OK have a chimney? If so, it's important to routinely inspect your chimney for signs of damage. This way, you can stop potential leaks early and avoid the costs of water damage repairs. There are many issues that can cause chimney damage, but there are a few common ones that every homeowner should know.

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1. Mother Nature

Everyone knows that storms bring lots of damages to nearly every part of your property, and your chimney is no exception. However, hail is a type of damage that homeowners might not think about when it comes to their chimney. When hail causes roof damage, it can also damage the parts of your roof around your chimney. This is often overlooked since homeowners are more worried about the larger sections of the roof; however, the connection points around the chimney are some of the most vulnerable parts.

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2. Faulty Flashing

Flashing is the material that roofers install in the places where your chimney connects to the rest of the roof. It's a delicate and tough job, so if it's not installed properly by a licensed professional, your flashing can quickly deteriorate and allow water to enter your home as well as cause further chimney damage. You can identify deteriorating flashing by looking for sags in your roof or any warped shingles.

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3. Broken Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is exactly what it sounds like: a cap for the top of your chimney. It prevents debris, animals, and rain or snow from entering your flue. If this cap is damaged or otherwise broken, water is free to enter into the fireplace. It's important to check this cap after any heavy winds, hailstorms, and at least once a year for regular inspections.

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A chimney requires extra attention and maintenance, but an informed homeowner can identify and schedule repairs for any spotted damages. Chimney damage only becomes a major threat when it's left to worsen with no repairs, and water and other debris can quickly become a big issue.