In short, the answer is absolutely. If your chimney is continually neglected it can lead to severe damage to the integrity of your roof and your surrounding property. If you own a home with a chimney you may want to take some precautions to avoid a costly repair. Below are a few things that you can do to ensure that your chimney doesn’t lead to roof damage.

Check for leaks around your chimney

If you are not comfortable with going up on the roof it is best to have your chimney inspected by a professional who can determine whether or not your chimney is in good shape. Any prolonged  leakage around the chimney can cause damage to the flashing.

One sign that your chimney may be leaking is if you see that your firebox or the walls inside the chimney seem damp or are even visibility wet. If a leak has been determined in your chimney you will want to take action to have it properly dealt with so that you can protect your roof and the rest of your home from mildew and mold forming or even worse, a structural collapse.    

Look out for ice blockages

In the cold winter months, trapped water can freeze and harden inside of your gutters. If water is flowing from your chimney to your gutters because of a leak it can weigh down your gutters and cause them to hang lower than normal or even break off and completely disconnect from your home.  

Take action on chimney decay

If a chimney is neglected for too long it can start to erode and the chimney itself can collapse causing injury to yourself or others. Erosions can stem from a number of reasons including the age of materials, weather, creosote buildup, and improper repairs to name a few. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your chimney can help prevent unwanted repairs and help ensure the lifespan of your chimney and your roof.     

Conclusion

Neglecting a chimney can lead to roof damage. If it has been a while since you maintained your chimney it might be time to have it inspected by a professional. Taking the necessary steps to maintain your chimney can help protect the investment you made in your home.