Can Chimneys Get Repaired in the Winter?
A fireplace is one of those appliances in a home that is optional whenever you purchase a new abode. However, homeowners that are fortunate enough to own a fireplace in their homes will testify to how fundamental it is to have one during the colder months, where the indoor temperatures could use a little more warmth. As they say, the experience about heating a room of a home the “old-fashioned way” is extremely unique.
Always Check & Prepared
What doesn’t cross the minds of the majority, though, is what happens when you get the fireplace prepared for the colder parts of the year. Sometimes, homeowners schedule an inspection for the chimney and fireplace, only to find out that it needs to be fixed before it can be declared ready for use. This bodes the question, can chimneys get repaired during the winter time?
Best Time to Repair Chimneys
Ideally, most masonry repairs and work take place during the warmer months of the year. And there’s a reason why they do this. The warmer climate allows the materials used in masonry to cure properly. Without the problem of dealing with freeze/thaw cycles, summer repairs become beneficial for skilled repairmen. As they can remedy places where moisture is already liquified and exposed areas are then revealed. However, the same principle doesn’t apply for colder months.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to get ahead of the game in masonry repairs. Especially when it comes to chimneys and fireplaces. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, as too many homeowners wait until the late fall to get their fireplaces inspected. By then, it would be nearly too late to get the masonry repaired in preparation for winter.
Inspect the Chimney Early
Sure, it isn’t exactly impossible to make chimney repairs during the wintertime. But it isn’t ideal if you want the best job done. Hence, you can buy yourself more time and save yourself from problems by having the chimney inspected during the early spring, or shortly after you are finished using the fireplace for the year.
If you do an inspection for your chimney during early spring, you will give yourself months of time to make the necessary repairs to get the chimney in its prime, functioning state before you use it again in the fall or winter.
Masonry Chimneys & Cold Weather
Getting a list of recommended repairs from a seasoned chimney inspection professional isn’t a common occurrence. Nevertheless, it is ideal in order to check if the unit is considered safe for you and your family to use whenever you need it.
It is traditionally recommended for homeowners to avoid making chimney repairs and other masonry work, in general, during the fall and winter seasons, simply because the conditions and climate are not ideal. Chimneys built with masonry techniques are known to deteriorate in quality due to water damage and wind. Furthermore, some chimneys are inherited from previous homeowners with a variety of reasons, either from poor construction to the obvious lack of maintenance.
Hence, it is ideal for masonry chimneys to be repaired during the warmer months of the year because of its ideal conditions. During drier months, it becomes easier for technicians to address water issues and allow the materials to cure properly. In the winter, it becomes difficult to diagnose these repairs since most of the masonry is still in its freeze/thaw cycle. This is true especially for chimneys that absorb moisture, as it is nearly impossible to analyze major problems with the chimney if the majority of the masonry is still frozen.
If your home reveals water damage or leaks around the chimney, ceiling, or the attic, it’s extremely preferred for them to be addressed during the warmer months of the year for the highest quality repair jobs. Since chimney repairs are also commonly done in conjunction with roof repairs, the summer months become the best time to fix both of them.
Roofing & Chimney Repairs
As previously mentioned, roofing repairs are mostly done along with chimney repairs in order to fully address water damage issues. From an expert’s standpoint, they would most likely recommend not only doing both types of repair at the same time. But also in a certain order during the summer months. If you were to ask an expert, they would recommend having your chimney done first, then your roofing second. Why, you ask? This is because there is a lot of foot traffic and potential wear required to repair a chimney, and it is ideal to get the roof repaired after the chimney is done due to the reduced foot traffic.
When you gather quotes for chimney repairs, the inspection specialist may mention things such as that the masonry surrounding the chimney requires to be waterproofed, flashing needs to be replaced, a crown repair is recommended, and establishment of chimney crickets are imperative.
Those aforementioned chimney repair services are all ideal during warmer weather. The same principle applies for major chimney repairs, such as completely rebuilding the chimney in its entirety or relining it. Try not to procrastinate in getting it repaired once it is already advised. If you do so, you risk having to go through a winter without being able to use your fireplace at all. That would be extremely disadvantageous for you and your family whenever you need a little warmth.
Be Wise. Get it repaired Early.
It always pays to get ahead of the ball. Don’t give yourself a headache by bombarding yourself with last-minute chimney repairs during winter. Not only is it a hassle, but it’s also more expensive, and there’s even a risk of the repairs not being completed correctly.
Get your fireplace inspection and repairs done early in order to keep your home safe from fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even pest infestations. Contact us today to speak with a product specialist!
Chimney Repairs in the Summer
The golden rule of chimney repairs states that they should mostly take place during summer. However, very few homeowners follow the said rule, in most cases, waiting until the late-fall or even winter seasons to get their fireplaces inspected and repaired. By then, it would be too late to schedule and make all the necessary repairs since the weather is bordering towards a colder extreme. Hence, you and your family will be forced to go through the winter without using the fireplace.
In order to save yourself from this headache, we recommend getting started on the inspection as early as Spring. Not only does it save you time, but it also saves you lots of money!
On Time
Home Experts
We offer a wide range of cleaning and restoration services that are backed up by our strong quality assurance systems. Just give us a call, and we will be more than happy to serve.