Why Now Is The Best Time For Masonry Repairs

When did you last check to see if your chimney and fireplace require repair? Do you know if your chimney has issues such as cracked or broken bricks or missing bricks, or is your chimney shifting? Don’t wait a minute longer. Here’s why now is the best time for masonry repairs.

Reasons to Have Your Chimney and Fireplace Repaired in Spring & Summer

Some reasons to have your chimney and fireplace repaired before the harsh New Jersey winters are clear; some aren’t. A team of professional chimney sweeps can easily work under the sun’s warm rays. Let’s take a look at other advantages.

Ideal Weather Conditions

Masonry work requires the right conditions to ensure the longevity and durability of repairs. Materials used in masonry work, like mortar and cement, need dry, mild weather to cure properly. Spring and Summer usually provide these conditions. If the weather is too cold, as it often is in the Winter, the mortar can freeze and crack, causing it to be ineffective. If it’s too rainy, as can be in the Fall, the moisture can prevent the mortar from setting correctly.

Less Busy Season for Professionals

Many homeowners tend to schedule repairs during the Fall, just before the start of the heating season. As a result, masonry and chimney professionals are often less busy in the Spring and Summer, meaning you’re likely to schedule a repair much faster and possibly at a more favorable rate.

Preventative Maintenance

Performing repairs in the Spring or Summer allows you to address any damage during the winter months right away, which can prevent minor problems from becoming more extensive and more costly.

Preparation for Heating Season

Getting repairs done in the Spring or Summer means your chimney will be ready for the heating season; it can be especially beneficial for those who rely on their fireplaces for heating during the colder months.

Safety

Lastly, chimney safety is paramount. Issues like blockages, creosote buildup, or structural damage can pose serious risks, including the danger of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. By getting your chimney inspected and repaired in the Spring and Summer, you ensure your family’s safety come Winter.

What to Expect in an Inspection

Interior Inspection: This step involves a thorough examination of the interior of the chimney. The inspector will look for any signs of damage or deterioration, such as cracks in the flue lining, evidence of a past chimney fire, or creosote buildup (a flammable byproduct of burning wood). This inspection often includes using specialized tools, like a camera, to inspect areas that are otherwise difficult to see.

Exterior Inspection: The chimney’s exterior is inspected for signs of wear and tear or structural damage, including- the chimney cap, crown, mortar, bricks, and flashing. The inspector is looking for things like loose or missing bricks, deteriorating mortar joints, or rust on the chimney cap.

Accessible Areas Inspection: This step involves inspecting all other accessible areas of the chimney, including the attic, basement, or crawl spaces. A Level 3 inspection, however, may also involve the removal of certain parts of the chimney structure or surrounding areas, if necessary, to gain access to areas suspected of being damaged or unsafe.

Mercer County Chimney Services Can Inspect Your Chimney and Fireplace

If you live in mercer county and want to take advantage of having your chimney and fireplace inspected or repaired during our slow season, call us today at 609-802-5288 or complete our simple contact form, one of our chimney experts will gladly discuss your fireplace and chimney needs. Don’t wait until a chill is in the air; get in touch today.