Spring has arrived, and with it comes a reprieve from the cold temperatures and icy winds of winter. We know spring comes as a relief to us – but, trust us, if your chimney could talk, it would be thrilled about leaving winter weather behind too.
As tough as brick and mortar are, they’re still subject to damage and deterioration, and environmental conditions can aggravate these effects. But never fear! An experienced professional can take what seems like a daunting repair and have your chimney looking crisp and performing optimally again in no time. All it takes is being responsive when your chimney needs a little maintenance.
When Should I Book My Repairs?
Perhaps your last annual chimney inspection brought some masonry issues to light, or maybe, now that spring has you out and about, you’ve noticed some damage that looks concerning. Most experts will tell you that spring is the best time to address these concerns for a number of reasons. Why?
1. Weather Conditions are Ideal
When it comes to masonry repairs, timing is significant. While it’s possible to perform certain repairs throughout the year, spring offers a set of favorable conditions that make it an excellent time to attend to masonry. Springtime is a sweet spot between temperature extremes – cold winters and hot, humid summers both complicate the process of curing mortar.
What exactly is curing? It refers to the crucial time required for materials to reach their full strength and durability.
Depending on the severity of your repair, your chimney technician will either replace bricks or carefully remove damaged mortar from between existing bricks. In either case, new mortar will be mixed to meet the needs of your project, then applied. A length of moderate temperatures and humidity following the repair will promote proper curing and adhesion of materials. It allows them to set gradually, reducing the likelihood of cracks and ensuring a strong bond – which means an overall more effective and long-lasting repair.
Keep in mind, too, that extreme weather conditions will worsen existing masonry issues. Bricks are naturally porous, and as moisture freezes, it expands – sometimes more than your bricks can handle. This not only damages your bricks, but the damage itself creates more surface exposure to damaging elements.
The freeze/thaw cycle spells deterioration and diminished structural integrity for many chimneys in the Northeast – so intervening right after the stressors of winter have passed halts the opportunity for the effects of existing damage to avalanche. It also creates a stretch of time to have your repaired masonry waterproofed while the weather is most conducive to it, helping protect your repair from future damage.
2. Your Chimney Isn’t Being Used
Another reason spring is a sweet spot for sustaining masonry repairs is that most fireplace aficionados have ended their burning season by this time of year. While shorter days and chilly nights beckon us to the fireside, most of us have prepared our chimneys for a season of disuse once spring rolls around.
Since repairing your chimney will render your fireplace or wood stove temporarily unusable, why not undertake repairs while you won’t be using it anyway? Doing so will ensure that when those temperatures drop again, your chimney will be ready and at your service for a warm and cozy home.
3. Flexibility in Scheduling
Not only does a spring repair give you flexibility in preparing for the next burn season, it gives you flexibility in scheduling with your chimney contractor. Fall and winter tend to create peak demands on sweeps’ time as clients are oriented toward preparing for their home heating season. Scheduling in spring, when things are slower, is more likely to allow for a prompt repair that fits your schedule.
In short, masonry repairs are about timing, timing, timing – timing for optimal curing conditions, timing for your convenience of chimney use, and timing for ease of scheduling.
Schedule With Us Soon
Damaged chimney masonry can open your home up to leaks (and, as a result, to wall/ceiling damage, wood rot, and mold and mildew growth), and it can compromise the structural integrity of your entire chimney. But being proactive about the health of your chimney can keep it strong and stable, serving with uninterrupted efficiency.
Long story short – the sooner you schedule, the better. Routine chimney inspections and sweepings and prompt action to remedy any small issues will save you from more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
We’re Here to Serve You
At Dunrite, our qualified crew has substantial expertise in masonry, so we’re happy to help you understand your needs and work to ensure your chimney system is able to serve you optimally from bottom to top. We’re certified, skilled, equipped, and knowledgeable, so we can assess the condition of your chimney, then identify and execute any steps necessary to yield solutions.
If your chimney is ready for a check-up, or if you’ve noticed any masonry concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’re a family-owned business that understands the significance of your home and aims to serve.
Call 631-738-0005 or book online with us today.
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