After every Edmonds storm, wind-driven rain and flying debris can crack masonry, dislodge flues, or clog dampers. A meticulous post-storm assessment by Juan R. Chimney Co. uncovers these risks before they ignite or poison your indoor air, backed by our lifetime workmanship guarantee.
1. Exterior masonry cracks and spalling in Edmonds’ salt-laden air
A chimney inspection is a systematic visual and instrumental check of the entire flue system, from the roofline to the crown. After Edmonds’ winter storms, salt spray from Puget Sound accelerates spalling on brick and mortar, especially on homes near Edmonds Marina or along the waterfront in Edmonds Heights. Look for zig-zag cracks wider than a credit card or chunks of brick falling away; these gaps let water seep behind the liner, corroding steel and inviting pests. Our crew uses moisture meters and infrared cameras to spot hidden delamination before it becomes a structural headache. If you see white efflorescence (salt bloom) on the face of the chimney, that’s a red flag—it signals chronic moisture intrusion that can destroy the masonry in as little as two seasons. We document every crack with photos and provide a free estimate for tuckpointing or crown sealing so your chimney stays watertight. Schedule your Edmonds chimney assessment
2. Flue liner condition after wind-driven rain in Edmonds
A chimney inspection is a systematic visual and instrumental check of the entire flue system, from the roofline to the crown. After Edmonds’ winter storms, wind-driven rain can breach cracked clay liners or dislodge metal liners in older homes around Edmonds proper or the Edmonds Heights neighborhood. A compromised liner exposes combustibles to heat and gases, violating the NFPA 211 code and creating a fire hazard. We run a specialized camera down the flue to measure liner gaps and check for displaced sections. If the liner is cracked or offset, we recommend relining with a stainless-steel system that resists corrosion and meets CSIA standards. Our installations come with a 20-year manufacturer-backed warranty, and we pull the required permits through the City of Edmonds Building Department so your work is code-compliant. Learn about our Edmonds chimney relining
3. Damper operation and rusted pivot points in Edmonds’ damp climate
Edmonds’ year-round moisture keeps dampers rusted shut or frozen open, which can warp the frame and leave the flue unsealed. A damper that won’t close completely lets conditioned air escape and invites downdrafts that push smoke into living spaces. We lubricate pivot points with high-temperature grease, replace bent rods, and install new seals to ensure a snug closure. If the damper is beyond repair, we upgrade to a top-sealing damper that also blocks pests and rain—perfect for homes near Edmonds’ tree-lined streets where squirrels love to nest. All our damper services include a free carbon monoxide test to confirm the flue is drawing properly. See our Edmonds damper repair options
4. Creosote buildup and moisture pockets in Edmonds’ wood-heavy neighborhoods
After a storm, damp wood in fireboxes can’t burn hot enough to vaporize creosote, leaving sticky Stage 2 or glazed Stage 3 deposits that coat the flue. Edmonds neighborhoods like Westgate and Edmonds Heights burn a lot of Douglas fir, which produces heavy creosote. We use rotary brushes and HEPA vacuums to remove every gram of creosote, then apply a flue sealant to smooth the interior surface and reduce future buildup. If we find glazed creosote, we recommend a Level 2 inspection with a chimney camera to check for hidden cracks in the liner. Our white-glove cleanup leaves no dust in your living room—we seal off the fireplace opening with a HEPA containment tent and clean the surrounding area with microfiber cloths. Book a creosote removal appointment in Edmonds
5. Roof flashing gaps and missing caulk around Edmonds’ steep roofs
Edmonds’ steep roofs and frequent storms make flashing the most common leak point on chimneys. We check the counter-flashing, step flashing, and sleeve boots for gaps wider than 1/16 inch or missing sealant. Even a pinhole can funnel gallons of water into your attic during the next Pineapple Express. We remove old caulk, clean the metal, and apply high-temperature silicone rated for coastal climates. For homes with cedar shake roofs near Edmonds Marina, we add a chimney cricket to divert water around the stack. All flashing repairs come with a 10-year workmanship guarantee and are documented with photos for your insurance claim. Request a free Edmonds chimney leak assessment
6. Chimney crown cracks and missing mortar in Edmonds’ freeze-thaw cycles
The chimney crown takes the brunt of Edmonds’ freeze-thaw cycles, especially on older brick chimneys in Edmonds Heights and Edmonds proper. Hairline cracks in the crown let water seep into the masonry below, freezing and expanding to split bricks from the inside out. We inspect the crown with a magnifying glass and moisture meter; if the cracks are deeper than 1/8 inch, we recommend a crown rebuild using a Portland cement mix reinforced with fiber mesh. Our crowns are sloped and overhang the flue by 4 inches to shed water, and we seal the top edge with a flexible elastomeric coating that resists UV and salt spray. Compare crown repair vs. rebuild costs in Edmonds
7. Animal intrusion and debris blockages after Edmonds’ wind events
High winds can knock down branches that clog the flue or create entry points for raccoons, squirrels, and birds—common in Edmonds’ wooded neighborhoods like Edmonds Heights and Westgate. We check the flue cap, spark arrestor, and chase top for gaps larger than a dime. If we find an active nest, we remove it humanely and install a critter-proof cap with 1/4-inch mesh. For homes near Meadowdale Beach Park, we recommend a stainless-steel cap with a built-in damper to prevent wind-driven rain from entering. All animal exclusions come with a one-year guarantee against re-entry. See our Edmonds critter-proofing options
| Repair | Edmonds neighborhoods | Typical cost range | When to schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flue liner relining | Edmonds proper, Edmonds Heights | $1,800–$3,500 | If liner is cracked or displaced |
| Chimney crown rebuild | Edmonds Heights, Westgate | $1,200–$2,200 | If crown has cracks >1/8 inch |
| Damper repair/replacement | All Edmonds | $250–$600 | If damper won’t close or is rusted |
| Flashing repair | Edmonds Marina, Meadowdale | $350–$800 | If flashing gaps >1/16 inch |
| Critter exclusion & cap upgrade | Edmonds Heights, Westgate | $200–$500 | If you hear animals or see nests |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Edmonds chimney smell like mildew after every storm?
Your chimney likely holds moisture from storm-driven rain that can’t evaporate because the liner is cracked or the damper won’t close. We run a moisture test and install a stainless-steel liner or a top-sealing damper to restore airflow and eliminate odors. Contact us for a free Edmonds moisture assessment
Can I burn a small fire in my Edmonds fireplace after a storm if the chimney looks okay?
No—even if the exterior looks intact, hidden liner cracks or damp creosote can cause a chimney fire or carbon monoxide leak. Schedule a Level 1 inspection before your next burn. Learn what to expect during an Edmonds inspection
How much does it cost to repair a cracked chimney crown in Edmonds?
A typical crown repair in Edmonds ranges from $450 to $950, depending on size and access; a full rebuild costs $1,200–$2,200. We provide free estimates and pull city permits for all masonry work. Get a free Edmonds crown repair estimate
What’s the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection after a storm in Edmonds?
A Level 1 inspection covers accessible portions of the chimney; a Level 2 includes a camera sweep of the entire flue and is required if you’ve had a storm, a chimney fire, or a relining. We recommend Level 2 for homes in Edmonds Heights and Westgate after major wind events. See our inspection levels explained