At Total Chimney Care in the South Central and South Western Connecticut areas
we see a lot of cold weather. All the freezing and thawing that winter brings takes a toll on the pipes in your home as well as the masonry work in your chimney. Now that spring is finally upon us it is time to inspect the damage winter has done and make masonry repairs to chimneys and fireplaces. Taking the time to schedule a professional chimney inspection will take care of minor repairs before they become costly and dangerous.
Freezing Damage To Chimneys
Freezing is of particular concern to many homeowners because the masonry work on chimneys can endure a lot of damage during the cold winter months. Freezing can cause the mortar between the bricks of your chimney to crack, crumble and deteriorate. This type of damage is easily repaired if caught early. However, if left undetected can cause the bricks to crumble and shift and this can result in expensive masonry repair. Because chimneys are unseen on a daily basis and rarely inspected closely, this type of damage can go unaddressed for extended periods of time.
Thaw Damage To Chimneys
Once the water on your chimney has thawed, moisture damage becomes a concern. When moisture enters your chimney it can seep into the porous mortar and cause chimney bricks to crack, break and shift. Become mortar is porous, the constant freezing and thawing that is typical during winter months can cause the mortar to expand and contract, which can cause your bricks to shift and crack under the pressure.
Beyond this, moisture damage can affect all the components of your chimney like rust on the damper or parts of the firebox. Moisture can also settle into your chimney and cause damage as well as a build-up of creosote. Lastly, moisture can stain the exterior of your chimney, and if left unaddressed can cause water damage to your walls and ceilings.
Addressing Chimney Repairs
Chimney damage may sound scary, but if you schedule a regular chimney inspection, especially after the winter season, you can avoid many expensive repairs. A certified chimney sweep can come to your home and perform many basic repairs. For example, tuckpointing is a common and simple chimney repair in which a professional chimney technician replaces the mortar between each brick to stabilize the chimney and waterproof the structure.
Additional Ways To Prevent Water Damage
- Install a chimney cap
- Repair your chimney crown
- Replace roof flashing
- Ask about chimney re-lining
- Waterproofing
Many homeowners will tell you that the best way to avoid costly chimney repair is to prevent it in the first place. A thorough chimney inspection from the professionals at Total Chimney Care will help recognize problems before they become hazardous and expensive repairs. Spring is the perfect time to tackle basic chimney repairs because damage from the winter will be evident and the weather is milder and easier to work around. Contact Total Chimney Care today to schedule your chimney inspection and keep your chimney and fireplace in top working order.