Why You Should Check Your Chimney After Every Storm

The UK has just faced another round of severe storms, chimneys are susceptible to damage from the wind why is why checking your Woodburner after stormy weather is crucial, here is what you need to look for.

February 24, 2022
By Reece Toscani
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Guides & Knowledge

Stay Safe and Warm: Check Your Chimney After Recent Storms

The UK has just faced another round of severe winter storms, with names like Eunice, Franklin, Corrie and Malik fresh in everyone’s minds. Gale-force winds and heavy rainfall have taken their toll across the country, leaving behind fallen trees, damaged roofs, and power outages. For homeowners with woodburners or open fires, it’s essential to remember one vital task that often gets overlooked in the aftermath — always take time to check your chimney for signs of damage.

Your chimney is one of the most exposed parts of your home. Storms can wreak havoc on masonry, cowls, and liners, potentially causing hidden problems that compromise both safety and efficiency. Before lighting your stove or fire again, here’s what you should be checking.

Check for Damage to the Masonry

Storms like Eunice unleashed winds of up to 122mph in parts of the UK. For tall, freestanding chimney stacks, that’s a huge amount of pressure. Look closely for cracks in the brickwork, leaning stacks, or missing mortar. Loose bricks not only weaken the chimney but can become dangerous if dislodged. Even smaller cracks can worsen with frost or water ingress. If you spot any signs of structural damage, it’s best to call in a professional chimney builder or surveyor before using your fire again. While your there check for damaged roof tiles as this is something else that can be easily damaged during storms.

Inspect the Cowl or Birdcap

Cowls and bird guards sit at the very top of your chimney, protecting it from rain, wind, and nesting birds. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the first things to suffer in extreme weather. Storms can bend, loosen, or completely blow off cowls, leaving your chimney open to water ingress and blockages. A quick visual check from the ground with binoculars can confirm if your cowl is still intact. If it’s missing or looks damaged, arrange for a replacement before firing up your stove.

Safety First

It’s tempting to head straight onto the roof to check things over — but don’t. Climbing during or immediately after a storm is extremely dangerous. Wait for clear weather, and if you’re not confident in assessing chimney safety from the ground, hire a professional chimney sweep or technician. Annual inspections and post-storm check-ups are a wise investment, helping to prevent both chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks.

Keep your fire burning safely this winter.
After a storm, taking a few minutes to inspect/check your chimney can make all the difference between a cosy evening and a costly repair. If you’re unsure where to start, explore our Common Stove Mistakes guide to avoid the pitfalls many homeowners face, or dive into our Stove Buyers Guide if you’re considering an upgrade.

Look for Dislodged Material Inside the Chimney

Storm-force gusts can disturb more than just the outside. Inside the flue, soot, creosote, and old deposits can be shaken loose, sometimes falling onto the register plate at the base. If these materials build up, they can block airflow, reduce efficiency, and even create a fire hazard. After the storm, check for debris in the firebox or at the throat of the chimney. If in doubt, book a chimney sweep to make sure the flue is clear.

Chimney Styles Around the World: How They Handle Storms

While UK chimneys are usually brick stacks with clay pots, storms remind us that different regions have developed unique approaches to coping with weather extremes:

Scandinavia: Insulated steel chimneys, often routed internally through the house, offer better wind resistance and keep heat inside longer.
North America: Wider masonry stacks are common, though many older homes lack cowls, leaving them vulnerable to rain and snow ingress.
Japan: Typhoon-prone areas rely on double-skin stainless steel flues, designed for resilience against high winds.
Mediterranean: Short, squat chimneys often serve for ventilation rather than wood stoves, their low height reducing wind strain.

Comparing these systems highlights why regular inspection is so important in the UK, where tall masonry stacks remain the norm — and are particularly vulnerable during violent weather events, taking the time to check your chimney afterwards is imperative.

Final Thoughts

As the UK braces for more unsettled winters in the years to come, it’s vital for homeowners to treat their chimney with the same care as the rest of the home after severe storms. A few simple checks — or calling in a professional — can prevent long-term damage, keep your fire burning safely, and give you peace of mind.

👉 Have you ever found chimney damage after a storm? Share your experience in the comments below — your story might help someone else spot a problem before it becomes serious.

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Reece Toscani

Reece has over two decades in the fireplace and stove world — testing, reviewing, and occasionally getting covered in soot, all in the name of wood-fired home heating. He cuts through the nonsense, busts the myths, and shares straight-talking advice to help you enjoy your stove without the confusion. From Fireplace Products to Redefining Woodburners, if it burns wood, he’s probably tested it, fixed it, or argued about it. Now, through Woodburner Insights, he shares that experience with the world — both here and on YouTube.