How to Prepare Your Chimney and Fireplace for Hurricane Season in New Orleans

Every summer, hurricane season rolls through the Gulf South like clockwork. Folks in South Louisiana know the drill. Board the windows, trim the trees, and double-check the generator. But there’s one spot most people don’t think twice about until it’s too late: the chimney.

A vulnerable chimney can quickly turn into a major problem during hurricane season. Wind-driven rain seeps into cracks. Flashing pulls loose. Before long, you’re dealing with water stains in the ceiling or worse, hidden structural damage.

If you haven’t looked at your chimney lately, now is the time. With the first storms just around the corner, a sweep today could save you a lot of trouble tomorrow.

Understanding the Risks to Chimneys During Storm Season

Chimneys are built to last, but they aren’t built to take the kind of pounding that hurricane season delivers year after year. Heavy rain, high winds, and flying debris can all stress the structure, especially if it’s older or hasn’t been maintained recently.

The most common issue is water intrusion. When rain pushes in from the side or seeps into tiny cracks in the masonry, it starts a slow process of damage. Moisture enters the chimney system, breaks down mortar, rusts metal components, and can even lead to mold inside the walls.

Flashing—the metal that seals the gap between your roof and chimney—is another weak point. One loose section, and stormwater has a direct path into your attic or living space.

There’s also the chimney cap to think about. If missing or damaged, you’ve got a wide-open entry for water, debris, and even small animals. And let’s not forget high winds. Those can shift bricks, knock off caps, or damage nearby trees that might fall onto your chimney stack.

These problems don’t just pop up overnight. They build up slowly, then show themselves all at once—usually in the middle of a storm. That’s why it pays to get ahead of them before the weather turns.

5 Key Ways to Prepare Your Chimney Before the First Storm Hits

A little maintenance now can make a big difference when storms roll through. Here’s how to make sure your chimney is ready.

1. Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

Start with a full chimney inspection. A trained eye can catch minor problems before they become big ones. Cracks in the crown, loose flashing, and rusted dampers often go unnoticed until there’s water coming in. An inspection now gives you time to fix issues on your schedule, not during an emergency.

2. Waterproof the Masonry

Brick and mortar may seem solid, but they’re porous. That means when it rains, water can seep in and stay there. Over time, that leads to damage. A quality waterproofing treatment keeps moisture out while still letting the chimney breathe. It’s one of the smartest ways to protect your chimney long-term.

3. Check or Replace Your Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is your first line of defense against rain, leaves, and critters. If missing or damaged, water can pour straight down the flue and cause rust, rot, and mold. Make sure your cap is secure and in good shape—or better yet, let a pro install a chimney cap built to handle Louisiana weather.

4. Inspect the Flashing Around the Base

Chimney flashing is that thin sheet of metal where your chimney meets the roof. It keeps water from sneaking in around the base. But flashing can pull away, rust, or break loose over time. Having it checked and sealed up tight can stop leaks before they start.

5. Clear Out the Firebox and Flue

Even if you haven’t used your fireplace in months, cleaning the firebox and checking the flue is worth the time. Leftover debris or creosote buildup can trap moisture and lead to unpleasant odors or corrosion. Clearing it out now gives you a clean slate and a safer start when cooler weather returns.

With these simple steps, getting ahead of storm season can save you from major headaches. And here’s the good news—you’re not too late. Summer is one of the best times to take care of chimney maintenance, and there are a few good reasons why.

Why Summer Is the Smartest Time for Chimney Maintenance

Summer might seem like the off-season for fireplaces, and that’s precisely why it’s the perfect time to handle chimney inspections and repairs. When the fireplace isn’t used, technicians can clean, inspect, and make any necessary fixes without interrupting your comfort.

More importantly, you’ll beat the seasonal rush. Once cooler weather creeps in, chimney companies across Louisiana quickly book up. Homeowners looking to light that first fire in October often find themselves stuck waiting for appointments. By acting now, you get ahead of the curve and avoid delays when demand spikes.

Summer weather also gives you a clear advantage. Dry conditions make spotting leaks easier, applying waterproofing treatments, and sealing masonry without the risk of rain undoing the work. Plus, any materials used to protect or repair your chimney will cure and set properly.

In short, waiting until fall puts you behind. Taking action now means fewer surprises, better scheduling, and a ready chimney when needed most.

Protect Your Home from Preventable Storm Damage

A chimney might seem like a small part of your home’s structure, but when it comes to storm protection, it can be a significant weak point. Water damage that starts at the top can work its way down fast, affecting ceilings, walls, insulation, and even your foundation over time.

What’s worse is how subtle the damage can be at first. A small leak around the flashing might not show up until weeks later, when stains appear on the ceiling or you start noticing a musty smell in the living room. By then, the repair bill would usually be much higher than it would have been with some early maintenance.

The good news is that most of these issues are preventable. A quick inspection, a sealed chimney cap, and a fresh coat of waterproofing are simple steps that make a big difference when storms roll through. The goal here isn’t just to protect your chimney. It’s to protect your entire home from the inside out.

Call A Noble Sweep Before Hurricane Season Hits

If you’re looking to stay ahead of the weather this year, start with your chimney. For over 30 years, A Noble Sweep has been helping homeowners across New Orleans and the Gulf South protect their homes from storm-related damage.

Whether you need a full inspection, chimney cap replacement, flashing repair, or just some peace of mind, our team is ready to help. We know what Louisiana weather can do to a chimney—and we know how to keep yours standing strong.

• Call us today to schedule your pre-storm inspection.
• Ask about our waterproofing and storm-prep services.
• We’ll make sure your fireplace is ready for whatever this season brings.

Don’t wait for the first storm to test your chimney. Contact A Noble Sweep today to protect your home properly.

What to Know Before the Storm Rolls In

Q: How do I know if my chimney is ready for hurricane season?
A: If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection, or if you’ve noticed signs like cracked mortar, a missing cap, or water stains near the fireplace, it’s time for a check-up. A professional inspection can catch small issues before they become costly storm damage.

Q: Is waterproofing my chimney really necessary?
A: Yes, especially in Louisiana’s storm-prone climate. Brick and mortar absorb moisture, which leads to deterioration over time. Waterproofing protects your chimney from heavy rains, extending its life and preventing leaks before they start.

Q: Can I inspect my chimney myself?
A: You can spot obvious issues from the ground, like a damaged cap or visible cracks. But many problems—especially around flashing, the flue, or internal masonry—require a trained eye and proper equipment. A professional chimney inspection is the safest choice for full peace of mind.