Why Now Is The Best Time For Chimney Repairs

Have you taken a walk around the yard this spring? Once the snow melts and the weather starts to get warmer, the first thing you will want to do is to get outside. See how the house and yard weathered the long hibernation of winter. Now is the time to find out if you need repairs. Repairs to your yard, fences, shingles of the house and of course the chimney. Winter weather, with its snow and freezing rain can do a number on the masonry of your chimney. Let’s dig in and find out what exactly you should be looking for.

Common Chimney Damage

• The chimney crown and cap: This is the most exposed area of your chimney. There is no protection from the house at all.
• Check for chipping or cracking: Is the chimney cap still intact?
• Chimney Bricks: Are any missing, chipped or loose?
• Staining on Bricks: Staining, especially if it is white. This means that there is efflorescence. This is a sign of salt deposits left behind after water evaporates. Hence a sign there is possible water damage.

Be aware of water damage. This can cause bricks to crack. The mortar between the bricks may have had water seep in them, freeze and then thaw. Over the winter this may happen more than once. If undetected and uncorrected it can cause further water damage.

It can create mold and mildew in the home. The mold and mildew can be a danger to you and your family’s health.

What can you do to help preserve your masonry chimney?

First, call in your chimney repair company. A yearly inspection will solve any issues that you have before there is a more costly need to make a major repair.

• Repair loose bricks. If you have loose bricks, most likely the mortar between the bricks has broken down. It will need to be repaired.
• Replace broken crowns or caps.
• Building repair. Your chimney may be old and need a new insert.
• You will want to waterproof any new mortar.

Why is this the time for chimney repairs?

The first point is obvious. Who wants to crawl up on a ladder in the middle of winter? The weather is nice, the days are longer. It is the perfect time to plan a repair and/or inspection. As the spring turns to summer, the chimney mason specialists get busier. Fall approaches, winter is right around the corner.

The availability of professional chimney workers gets less and less. As the demand builds, chances are that your options will be limited. Call now for a trained technician to inspect your chimney. Don’t be left out.

Enjoy our sampling of photos from our completed projects! You can also visit our cozy showroom located at 11164 US 24 in Woodland Park. Our certified techs would be happy to go over a plan for installing your new stove, fireplace, or insert. We will schedule a time convenient to you when we can come to your home and inspect. We are there for you to help you decide what the best choice for your needs. Call us today at (719) 661-3277 or contact us online.