When’s the Best Time for Chimney Masonry Repairs?
As winter gives way to spring, many homeowners’ thoughts turn to home improvement. Longer days and warmer weather seem to create space for home maintenance tasks that were put on hold during the colder season. One area that shouldn’t be overlooked in home maintenance is chimney masonry repairs.
Common advice among chimney professionals says that springtime is a great time to address masonry issues.
Aside from the motivation of longer days, is there an ideal time of year for masonry work? Common advice among chimney professionals says that springtime is a great time to address masonry issues. Here’s why:
Why Is Springtime Best for Chimney Repairs?
Early assessment of winter damage.
Brick and mortar are tough, but they’re still susceptible to wear and tear over time, just like any other building material. Winter can be particularly harsh on chimneys.
- Bricks are porous and can take in water from snow and sleet.
- Moisture that enters bricks will expand when temperatures drop below freezing, leaving damage behind that worsens as the freeze-thaw cycle continues.
- Harsh winds and weather extremes can cause erosion, cracking, gaps, structural damage, and other deterioration.
Long story short, spring is a good time to have your chimney masonry assessed for any damage that winter may have aggravated and ensure your chimney is in top shape for the coming year.
The curing process.
If you’ve determined that masonry repairs are needed, curing is a critical part of that process. Curing refers to the time you allow the repaired masonry – or more precisely the mortar – to dry and harden, achieving properties (under the right conditions) that ensure its strength and longevity.
Your chimney professional will remove old, deteriorating mortar and repair with new mortar properly formulated for the job at hand in order to achieve a good match and bond. Once it’s set into place, the mortar begins to cure. Early spring is conducive to getting the best repair outcome because it offers the right temperature and humidity levels for curing.
Higher humidity levels in summer can hinder the curing process and affect the quality of the repair work. On the other hand, winter weather can cause freezing and cracking in the repair area. That’s why spring tends to be a sweet spot: the cooler, more moderate temps allow repaired masonry to cure slowly and completely, resulting in a reliable repair.
Availability of chimney professionals.
Spring tends to be a less busy season for chimney care companies compared to the peak season of fall, when homeowners are rushing to get their chimneys winter-ready. This means that scheduling a chimney masonry repair in spring is likely to be simpler and more convenient. If professionals have greater availability, you’ll likely be able to book a date that works best for you without rushing or long waiting times.
The close of burn season.
Another convenience spring repairs offer is the simple reality that you won’t be using your fireplace furnace or wood stove. Enjoying fires through fall and winter builds a cozy ambiance and adds radiant heat to your home. As desirable as these effects are in the chilly months, you’re likely not going to be using your fireplace and chimney once spring rolls around.
This is another factor that makes it an ideal time to let the pros get to work. Your chimney will be rendered temporarily unusable while repairs are underway, but you wouldn’t be using it anyway – and when you are ready to build your next blaze or turn on the furnace, your chimney will be in prime working order.
Why Be Proactive About Chimney Repairs?
There are lots of benefits to being proactive about chimney repairs. Some advantages of staying on top of chimney condition include:
- The prevention of further damage. Ignoring masonry issues can lead to more significant problems in the long run. Damaged chimney masonry can allow water to seep into the chimney, causing moisture damage or allowing water to enter your home.
- Increased energy efficiency. A properly functioning chimney improves the energy efficiency of your home compared to a damaged one. Why? Damage can lead to cracks and gaps, giving cold air a point of entry in winter and allowing cool air to escape in summer. This can spell increased energy consumption and higher energy bills.
- Aesthetic appeal. Your chimney is functional, yes. But it also contributes to the overall appeal of your home. Damaged masonry can be an eyesore, but well-built brickwork in good repair looks tidy and attractive.
- Long-term savings. Procrastinating on chimney maintenance and repairs can seem to save money in the short term, but it can lead to more extensive damage and expensive repairs down the line. Chimney care is an investment in your home.
What Does Your Chimney Need? We’re Here to Help
Whatever’s in order for your chimney – whether a routine inspection or sweeping or a more significant installation or repair job, give us a call to see what we can do for you. We offer comprehensive services, and are happy to put our 25 years of local experience to work for our clients.
We’ve got you covered, whether you’re thinking your chimney needs just a little TLC, a restoration tailored to perfectly fit your home’s historic period, or a full tear-down and rebuild. We can help ensure that your fireplace system remains a beautiful part of your home that’s ready to enjoy for years to come.
Get started by dialing 973-450-1947 or by booking online with us today.