What is the Best Time Of Year For Masonry Repairs?

Valley Chimney Sweep & Restoration recommends spending a little extra time right NOW on your chimney and fireplace to save yourself extra work later.

Let’s face it, last winter was really rough and your chimney may not be top priority right now because you aren’t using your fireplace or wood stove until late fall or winter. However, we are here to tell you now is the perfect time to take care of your chimney and any masonry repairs. Timeliness is essential in masonry maintenance because the longer it waits, the more damage can be caused.

The following are some problems that could have occurred over the winter that you should self-inspect, get professionally inspected, and possibly get repaired this summer:

Potential Chimney Liner Problem: Did the winter weather deteriorate your chimney liner?

The winter weather can have detrimental effects on your chimney liner. The more you use your chimney, the more soot and creosote can accumulate. Depending on the type of chimney liner, (clay, metal or cast-in place) weather can make your chimney liner more or less susceptible to damage. You might have a problem if in, near or around your fireplace, you see cracks, smell wetness, show water damage or if you see cracks when you shine a light up your chimney.

Solution: A regular chimney sweep and inspection by a Certified Chimney Sweep® can identify any issues and give you peace of mind that you can light up a fire as soon as the weather turns cold again.

Potential Exterior Chimney Problem: Did the melting snow and drastic temperature changes cause masonry cracks in or around your chimney?

When snow melts, it can seep into the porous masonry and cause masonry cracks. The older your masonry is, the more fragile the masonry and mortar can be.

Solution: Clear snow as soon as possible after a storm. Too late? Self-inspect your masonry for cracks or breakage. If something seems unusual or worrisome, give Valley Chimney Sweep a call to come inspect the damage and make an action plan.

Potential Tuckpointing Problem: Did the winter weather cause masonry mortar joint damage?

Chimney mortar can become untucked causing damage to the mortar joints. If the masonry hasn’t cracked or crumbled, but the mortar between the bricks or stones is damaged, you might be able to prevent further damage with tuckpointing.

Solution: Inspect your chimney for damage to the mortar between the masonry. Look for previous tar applications (inexpensive and not very effective method of repair) or deteriorating mortar around the chimney. If you see wet spots, pooling water or extra space between bricks, you should call us in to inspect and provide you an estimate for repairs.

Potential Chimney Problem: Did some small animals, birds or rodents make a nest in your chimney or fireplace?

Rodents and animals are attracted to the warmth of your cozy fire, just like humans. They will get as close as you allow them and depending on the design of your chimney, they could have built a nest or home some place in/near/around your chimney or in your fireplace.

Solution: Look for bird or rodent nests on your roof, down your chimney or up your fireplace flue. If you have a crack in your chimney liner or you don’t have a chimney cap, there are some hidden places where pesky rodents or birds could have nested too, and we will surely be able to remove these animals safely.

Potential Chimney Problem: Did your constant winter enjoyment of your fireplace cause excessive soot and creosote buildup in the chimney flue this winter?

Yes, unhealthy buildup of soot and creosote inside the chimney can accumulate during a winter of constant fireplace use. If you burned 1-2 cords of wood this past winter, having a chimney sweep is very important to help remove the accumulation of soot and creosote that has built up in your chimney.

Solution: Your annual chimney inspection and cleaning will surely set you up for another winter of cozy warm fires. Our Certified Chimney Sweep® will also inspect for cracks and damage and provide you with the assurance that you are ready to spark up the next fire as soon as the weather turns cold.