Rhode Island’s Climate Crisis Is Creating a Hidden Danger in Your Home: Why Your Chimney Needs More Attention Than Ever Before

As Rhode Island faces unprecedented climate challenges in 2025, homeowners are discovering that extreme weather patterns are creating unexpected risks right in their own homes. People in Rhode Island will experience especially increased risks from precipitation, heat, and drought due to climate change over the next 30 years, with the impacts of climate change in Rhode Island being diverse, documented, and increasingly severe. What many don’t realize is that these changing weather patterns are directly impacting the safety and maintenance requirements of their chimney systems, making more frequent inspections not just recommended, but essential for home safety.

The Perfect Storm: How Rhode Island’s Extreme Weather Threatens Your Chimney

Rhode Island is projected to experience more intense precipitation events, with Coventry expected to see 1.7 inches of rain about 13 times per year by 2050, while Woonsocket will experience 1.5 inches of rain about 14 times per year. Since 1970, annual precipitation has remained above the long-term average, with summer rainfall and extreme precipitation events steadily increasing since the first part of the 21st century, and the wettest 5-year period on record occurring between 2005 and 2009 with an estimated 54 inches of annual precipitation.

These dramatic weather shifts are creating multiple threats to chimney systems. Heavy rain can enter through cracks in the chimney or gaps in the chimney cap, causing water damage and increasing the risk of mold growth, while flooding risks can cause chimneys to collapse if not properly secured, and heavy snow can put excess weight on your chimney, leading to structural strain and potential collapse.

As coastal storms become stronger in response to warmer ocean temperatures, higher sea levels will result in more intensive erosion along barrier beaches and shorelines. From 1980-2024, there were 33 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each to affect Rhode Island, including 2 flooding events, 7 severe storm events, 8 tropical cyclone events, and 14 winter storm events.

Why Traditional Annual Inspections Aren’t Enough Anymore

While the National Fire Protection Association has long recommended annual chimney inspections, Rhode Island’s intensifying weather patterns are changing the game. Level 2 inspections are typically required after events like severe weather damage, and are particularly beneficial in ensuring fireplace chimney inspection guidelines are met. Common events that are likely to damage your chimney include chimney or building fires, seismic events, and extreme weather.

A Level 2 inspection becomes necessary when significant changes occur, such as following severe weather events that could impact the chimney’s condition, involving a more detailed evaluation including video scanning to assess concealed areas and ensure the chimney flue and venting system are functioning properly. Level 2 inspections are required after a chimney fire, earthquake, or severe weather event that could have compromised the chimney’s structure, and are also recommended if you notice issues or if your home has been exposed to major weather conditions that could affect the chimney.

The Science Behind More Frequent Inspections

Scientific studies indicate that extreme weather events such as heat waves and large storms are likely to become more frequent or more intense with human-induced climate change, with the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increasing, including record-breaking heat waves, drenching rains, severe floods, years-long droughts, extreme wildfires, and widespread flooding during hurricanes all becoming more frequent and more intense.

Over time, weather events, age, and use can weaken the chimney structure, with qualified chimney professionals checking for structural integrity issues such as cracks in the chimney exterior and chimney cap, deterioration in the chimney crown and smoke chamber, and loose bricks or missing mortar in the masonry. Small cracks allow water penetration, worsening with New England weather, and identifying these issues helps preserve the structure.

Local Expertise: Certified Chimney Inspections Understands Rhode Island’s Unique Challenges

Certified Chimney Inspections is part of the Providence County community, located at 835 Eddie Dowling Hwy North Smithfield, RI 02896. Certified Chimney Inspections is a family-owned company offering expert chimney services such as inspections, cleaning, repairs, and chimney caps across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and southern New Hampshire, with over 50 years of combined experience and CSIA-certified professionals who prioritize safety and efficiency in their services.

The company recognizes the unique challenges facing Rhode Island homeowners. In New England, changing temperatures can crack chimney brickwork, making it important for certified chimney inspectors to perform professional fireplace chimney inspections for homes in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and southern New Hampshire, with their chimney inspection services handling these local issues.

For homeowners seeking comprehensive protection, a Certified Chimney inspection Rhode Island provides the expertise needed to address climate-related chimney challenges. Their certified technicians handle inspections, sweeping, waterproofing, and repairs—catching hidden problems before they become costly hazards, with Certified Chimney delivering expert care, professional service, and lasting peace of mind.

What Rhode Island Homeowners Should Do Now

Given the escalating climate risks, experts recommend adjusting inspection schedules based on weather exposure. It’s essential to have a certified chimney professional inspect your chimney at least once a year, ensuring that any issues can be detected early and addressed promptly. However, Rhode Island’s extreme weather patterns may necessitate more frequent inspections.

Consider scheduling additional inspections:

• After major storm events or flooding
• Following extreme temperature fluctuations
• During periods of heavy precipitation
• After high-wind events that could affect chimney caps or structures

Ensuring that your chimney and fireplace are functioning correctly is extremely important, as a damaged or poorly maintained chimney can cause house fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and other hazardous conditions, while a well-maintained chimney and fireplace will operate more efficiently, leading to lower heating costs and increased comfort, with regular chimney inspections catching minor issues before they become significant problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

The Bottom Line: Climate Change Demands Action

The risk of extreme events is growing, and they’re affecting every corner of the world, serving as a reminder that extreme events are growing and affecting every corner of the world. For Rhode Island homeowners, this reality translates into a simple truth: your chimney maintenance schedule must evolve with the changing climate.

Preparing your chimney for extreme weather is an essential aspect of responsible homeownership, and by understanding the impacts of severe weather events and taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your chimney against the forces of nature, with every step helping protect your home and ensure a safe living environment—don’t wait for the next storm to find out that your chimney isn’t ready.

As Rhode Island continues to experience the intensifying effects of climate change, the question isn’t whether extreme weather will affect your chimney—it’s whether you’ll be prepared when it does. More frequent inspections aren’t just a precaution; they’re becoming a necessity for maintaining a safe home in our changing climate.