Make Sure Your Masonry Repairs Are Made Before Winter Weather Hits
In mid-Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana, we are no strangers to wintry weather and cold temperatures. For many of us, our fireplaces are a way to add heat to our homes. In addition, create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere during the long months of fall and winter. Damage to a chimneys masonry, however, may prevent your family from enjoying the fireplace. This is especially true if it is not repaired before winter weather arrives!
How masonry damage affects your chimney.
Masonry is one of the strongest and most durable building materials available, making it perfect for fireplace and chimney construction where it is exposed to heat, smoke, and gas – as well as at-times punishing outdoor conditions. However, your chimney’s masonry may become damaged or deteriorate over time. When this happens, repairs are often necessary to get your fireplace back to burning safely and efficiently.
Chimney’s masonry is most often damaged by overexposure to the elements. Fluctuating temperatures, high winds, rain, snow, and ice can all cause damage to the masonry of the chimney. Moisture is particularly damaging due to the freeze thaw cycle.
Since bricks and mortar are naturally porous, small amounts of water from rain, snow, ice, and even hoses and sprinklers can be absorbed by the masonry. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands; this creates progressively larger and larger cracks and holes. This type of damage from the freeze thaw cycle can create significant masonry damage in as little as one season.
Why have your repairs done now?
While you may not have used your fireplace for the first time yet this season, it may be the perfect time to have your masonry repairs completed. The following are three reasons to have your chimney’s masonry repaired now instead of waiting for the busy burning season to begin.
- Fewer delays.
Many masonry repairs cannot be completed in poor weather conditions; if it is too cold or too wet – as is often the case during winter weather – the repairs will just have to wait. This negatively impacts your chimney as waiting on repairs can cause existing damage to continue to deteriorate and get worse. - Less wait time.
Fall and winter are traditionally the busiest seasons for chimney sweeps. Since homeowners all over mid-Michigan are using their fireplaces, wait times for appointments can stretch or convenient times may be taken. Scheduling repairs early ensure you find a time that works for your schedule – and doesn’t impact the condition of your chimney further. - No impact on fireplace usage.
Waiting for masonry damage to be repaired may prevent you from using your fireplace. While this is merely a minor inconvenience in late summer and early fall, it can literally leave you and your family out in the cold once winter weather hits. Having repairs done now ensures your fireplace is safe and ready to use when the first cold snap arrives.
Fall is almost here and winter weather is just around the corner. This year, make sure your chimney is prepared for the change in weather by having your masonry repairs done now! To schedule your masonry repair appointment, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.