Here in Virginia Beach, we love our coastal lifestyle. From sunny days at the Oceanfront to cozy evenings by the fireplace, it’s a great place to call home. But that beautiful salt air and the occasional Nor'easter that rolls through bring unique challenges for our homes—especially for one of the most overlooked systems: your chimney.
As a local chimney sweep, I’ve seen firsthand how our specific climate can wreak havoc. Generic advice doesn’t cut it here. You need a plan tailored for a home in the 757. Here are my top safety tips for every Virginia Beach homeowner.
1. Battle the Salt Air Corrosion
The number one enemy of your chimney's metal parts is the salty, humid air blowing in from the Atlantic. It relentlessly corrodes standard steel and aluminum chimney caps, flashing (the metal seal around your chimney and roof), and dampers. A rusted-out cap can fly off in high winds, and failing flashing is a direct invitation for a roof leak.
Local Tip: When replacing these parts, insist on stainless steel or copper. They cost more upfront but will withstand our coastal environment for years, saving you from costly water damage and repeat repairs. During your annual inspection, we always check for signs of corrosion first.
2. Defend Against Humidity and Driving Rain
Our year-round humidity is tough on chimney masonry. Bricks and mortar are porous, and they absorb moisture. This can lead to "spalling," where the brick face flakes or pops off, and mortar joint decay. A waterlogged chimney is an inefficient and dangerous one.
That heavy, wind-driven rain from a summer thunderstorm or a winter storm is even worse. It can penetrate small cracks in the chimney crown (the concrete slab on top) and work its way into your home.
Local Tip: Ask a professional about chimney waterproofing. It’s not a paint, but a vapor-permeable sealant that lets the chimney breathe out but stops water from getting in. Also, look for white, chalky stains on the brick (efflorescence)—it’s a tell-tale sign of a moisture problem.
3. Prepare for Hurricane Season
We don't need to tell a Virginia Beach resident to take storm prep seriously. Your chimney should be on that checklist right alongside your generator and emergency supplies. A loose chimney cap or a few unstable bricks at the top of your chimney can become dangerous projectiles in hurricane-force winds. A structurally compromised chimney could fail entirely.
Local Tip: Schedule your annual chimney inspection and sweep in the late spring or early summer, well before peak storm season. We'll ensure your cap is securely fastened, your crown is sealed, and the structure is sound enough to face the next big blow.
4. Keep Critters and Creosote Out
This isn't just a coastal issue, but it’s a big one here. Raccoons, squirrels, and birds love to make nests in uncapped chimneys. This creates a dangerous blockage that can send carbon monoxide back into your home. It’s also a serious fire hazard.
Speaking of fire hazards, burning wood—especially the unseasoned or soft pine common in our area—creates creosote buildup. This black, tarry substance is highly flammable and the leading cause of chimney fires.
Local Tip: A sturdy, properly installed chimney cap is the best defense against animal intruders. And an annual sweeping is the only way to safely remove dangerous creosote. Whether you live in an older North End home or a newer build in Kellam, this annual service is non-negotiable for safety.
Your Virginia Beach home deserves specialized care. By understanding our local risks, you can ensure your fireplace is a source of comfort, not a cause for concern. Stay safe!