Is your chimney and your fireplace in need of repair? Does your chimney have issues such as broken bricks, loose or missing bricks, or is the chimney leaning? Believe it or not, today is the best time to get them repaired. Here’s why now is the best time for masonry repairs.
Reasons to Have Your Chimney and Fireplace Repaired in Spring and SummerSome reasons to have your chimney and fireplace repaired now are self-evident; some are not. A team of professional chimney sweeps can easily take care of the repairs, but first, let’s see why you should have the repairs done now.
Masonry work requires dry conditions because mortar, the material used to bind bricks or stones together, is best in warm, dry weather. In spring and summer, there is typically no snow, providing ideal conditions for this kind of work. Cold and damp weather, as experienced in fall and winter, can slow down the curing process of the mortar, causing weaker bonds and potential structural issues.
Spring and summer usually offer longer daylight hours, which means more time for work to be carried out. Plus, it is generally more comfortable for the chimney sweeps to be outdoors in these seasons, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Damage from harsh winter conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles and snow accumulation, becomes fully visible in spring, making it an excellent time to inspect and undertake repairs. This ensures any damage incurred is promptly fixed before the next winter season.
Squirrels gather and bury acorns and nuts during spring in summer to prepare for winter; similarly, you should prepare your fireplace and chimney for winter. Chimneys are used more frequently during the colder months, which means it’s beneficial to have any necessary repairs completed well in advance of winter. Doing so in spring or summer provides ample time for the chimney to be fully prepared and ready for use in fall and winter.
If left unrepaired, small damages can become bigger, more complex issues. Damage to the chimney’s masonry can allow water to penetrate it and wreak more havoc. That kind of damage is more likely during the rainy seasons, so it’s best to handle repairs when the weather is warm and dry.
Since you may not consider chimney repairs until the onset of fall or winter, scheduling these repairs in the spring or summer will be easier. You’ll likely face less competition for appointment times and get faster service.
The chimney sweeps will perform The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standard 211 chimney inspection. Here is what is involved:
This is the most basic level of chimney inspection, typically performed during annual service. During this level of inspection the chimney sweeps will examine readily accessible portions of the chimney, both interior and exterior. The chimney sweeps will check the chimney for basic soundness and whether the flue is free of obstructions and combustible deposits such as creosote.
This level of inspection is required when changes are made to the system, such as a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape or materials in the flue, or after a malfunction or external event that could have caused damage to the chimney. In addition to what is covered in a Level 1 inspection, the Level 2 inspection includes the following:
• Inspection of accessible areas of attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
• Inspection of the chimney exterior and interior.
• Inspection of the appliance and the chimney connection.
A video scanning or other advanced inspection of the flue interior to check for cracks, damage, or other potential problems unseen by the naked eye.
This is the most intensive inspection level and includes inspecting concealed areas of the chimney and flue. This level of inspection is required when serious hazards are suspected, and it includes everything in Levels 1 and 2. Removing certain parts of the building or chimney structure may be necessary, meaning removing the crown or interior chimney wall to accurately check the flue’s condition.
After any level of inspection, the inspector will provide a report detailing their findings and any recommendations or requirements for repair or maintenance. It’s important to note that certified chimney professionals should always perform chimney inspections.
Chimney County Solutions can inspect and clean your chimney and fireplace during the warm spring and summer months. Our certified and experienced chimney sweeps will inspect and detect any issues with your chimney or fireplace that need repair. Don’t wait until there is frost on the ground. Call us today- in Atlanta at 770-255-1300; in Chattanooga, call 423-551-9912 or fill out our simple contact form. A chimney and fireplace expert will be happy to discuss inspecting and cleaning your fireplace and chimney.
