October 14, 2023
As with many other home maintenance projects we can put off needed maintenance to our chimneys. If you’re looking for brick chimney repairs, then spring is the ideal time to get started! Our chimney specialists from Best Chimney Services believe spring is a perfect time to do brick Chimney Repair in Seattle. Continue reading to discover the reasons why you shouldn’t delay repairs to your chimney until after the time of spring.
Reasons to Schedule Your Brick Chimney Repair in Spring
As spring approaches, it is the time which is when your chimney experiences the most abuse and use. The result can cause damages that are ideal to repair in spring time for various reasons. The mild spring temperatures are the ideal opportunity to repair the damage caused by winter and also be prepared to warm your home for the coming winter.
Recovery from Winter Damage
In the winter chimneys are exposed to extremely cold temperatures, as well as extreme weather which could cause damages to the masonry and other chimney elements due to freeze and thaw cycles. Springtime is a good time to evaluate any damage that might be present from the winter months and to make the necessary repairs prior to the heating season.
Mild Weather Conditions
The mild and pleasant spring weather conditions are perfect for brick chimney repairs outdoors. In summer, temperatures can get too humid and hot which can make the work outside uncomfortable and risky for those working. In addition, summer storms may cause strong winds and torrential rain, making working on chimneys or the roof difficult.
However, the springtime weather is usually mild, which makes chimney experts more able to work efficiently and safely. The cooler temperatures make it easier for chimney workers to be on the chimney or roof for prolonged durations. This will to ensure that repairs are done properly and in a timely manner and without risk of exhaustion from heat or other related weather-related risks. There are many typical spring chimney problems which you may face and you need to ensure you make the repairs before they turn into bigger issues.
Be Ready to Heat Your Home Next Winter
When making repair work to the chimney in the spring homeowners can be sure their chimneys are ready to be used during the heating season that follows, that typically starts in the autumn. If your chimney was damaged in the winter months or is experiencing other problems, waiting until autumn to tackle the issue could be risky because the chimney might not be safe or suitable to be used. If you’re unsure what to do to ensure that the chimney you have installed is suitable to use, check out our blog post on how to determine whether it is appropriate for use.
Examining any issues that may arise that arise with the chimney during the springtime can ensure the chimney is in good working order and safe as winter approaches. This will give homeowners with peace of mind being able to enjoy their wood stove or fireplace without worrying about safety issues or sudden malfunctions.
Additionally scheduling repairs to chimneys for brick in the spring time can assist homeowners in avoiding the flurry of repair requests which typically is the case in the autumn. A lot of people wait to the very last minute to schedule repairs, which could result in long wait times and more expensive repair costs because of the high demand. If repairs are scheduled in early spring time, home owners will be able to prevent these problems and have their chimneys fixed quickly and cost-effectively way.
Signs You Need Spring Brick Chimney Repairs
Damaged Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the highest part that covers the stone or brick structure beneath. It is generally constructed of concrete and is specifically designed to shield the chimney from damage caused by water by diverting rainfall out of the flue and towards the sides of the chimney.
If the chimney’s crown is damaged, it will no longer protect your chimney against water intrusion. Chips, cracks, or other forms damages to the crown may allow water to enter the chimney’s masonry which can cause more damage in the future. This can cause cracks, spalling and even damage to structural integrity of the chimney. A damaged chimney’s crown may let pests such as birds or rodents into the chimney, which could cause obstructions or other issues.
Spalling
Spalling is a term used to describe the cracking or flaking mortar or bricks caused by exposure in the presence of heat, moisture as well as other components. When spalling happens on the chimney, it could be an indication that the chimney structure needs to be repaired.
Spalling is usually caused due to the expansion and contraction of the chimney’s brickwork due to temperatures fluctuations. In time, this could cause cracks and gaps in the mortar which allows water to leak into the chimney, causing more damage. Spalling, in turn, can weaken the structural integrity of the chimney leading to collapse, or even other major problems.
If you see cracks on your chimney it is crucial to have it checked by an expert chimney service business. They can determine the extent of the damage and suggest the needed repairs to ensure the longevity and safety that your chimney.
Cracks in the Flue
The chimney flue is the lining that runs along the middle of the chimney. its function is the direction of the combustion byproducts, including smoke, away from the house. If the flue is damaged, it may let dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide to escape into the house instead of being properly venting out. In addition cracks in the chimney can let heat escape, increasing the danger of a fire in the chimney.
A myriad of things that can cause cracks, such as exposure to humidity, heat, and other elements, can lead to fractures within the chimney. If you spot cracks in your chimney, it is important to have it examined by a chimney mason or sweep as soon as you can.
White Stains on the Chimney
Stains of white on a chimney or chimney, also known in the field of efflorescence could be an indication of repairs to your chimney. Efflorescence is caused by moisture that penetrates the chimney’s masonry. It then disappears leaving salt marks on the outside of the mortar or bricks.
Efflorescence can be a sign of too much moisture inside the chimney. This can result in damage to mortar in the course of time. In the presence of water, it may also increase the likelihood of other issues, including mildew or mold growth that can compromise the structural integrity of chimneys and cause dangers to health.
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