Masonry Repairs – While The Weather Is Good!

With longer days and warmer temperatures, most homeowners stop using their fireplace systems during spring’s beautiful weather. After a long winter of use, however, the change in weather and lack of use provide the perfect opportunity to have masonry repairs done. Now is the perfect time to maintain and repair your chimney – while the good weather lasts!

Masonry damage and your chimney

Bricks and mortar have been used to build chimneys for centuries – and for good reason! They are one of the strongest and most durable building materials ever created, able to safely withstand repeated exposure to heat, gas, and the elements. Despite this, there are a number of ways that your chimney’s masonry can be damaged over time.

One of the primary causes of masonry damage is overexposure to moisture from the elements. Rain, ice, snow, and even water from hoses and sprinklers can all damage your chimney’s masonry. Bricks are naturally porous; while this allows trapped gas to evaporate through the brick, it also means that water has the ability to be absorbed.

When masonry, especially that with existing damage, absorbs water during the winter it expands as it freezes when temperatures drop. This further damages the brick, creating progressively larger and larger holes and cracks until the structural integrity of the masonry is affected. Known as the freeze-thaw cycle, it can cause a chimney’s masonry to spall in as little as one winter.

Repairing your masonry

Whether your masonry has been damaged by the freeze-thaw cycle, climbing plants, severe weather, or simple wear and tear, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible. Repairing your chimney’s masonry not only improves your home’s curb appeal; it also ensures your fireplace system is safe and stable for years to come.

At Chimney TEK, we offer a wide variety of masonry repair services. One of the most effective ways to restore your masonry is through tuckpointing. In the tuckpointing process, damaged areas of masonry are carefully removed before new bricks and mortar are installed. Our experts take the time to find bricks and mix mortar that will exactly match your existing masonry; this ensures a flawless finish in which the repaired areas blend seamlessly with the rest of the chimney.

Spring repairs

If you have masonry repairs that need to be made, spring is the perfect time to have them done. The following are three reasons to have your masonry repaired now while the weather is still good.

1. Fewer delays. Many kinds of masonry repairs cannot be done during stormy conditions, if it is too hot, or too cold. Because of this, the mild weather and temperatures we have for the next few weeks make it the ideal time to have your masonry repairs done.
2. Less wait times. Spring is a traditionally “low” season for chimney companies. This means that customers who schedule their maintenance now have less wait times and can get an appointment time that is convenient for them.
3. No impact on fireplace use. Damage to the masonry may prevent you from using your fireplace in the fall. Because few homeowners use their fireplaces in the spring, your ability to enjoy your heating appliance is not impacted.

Don’t delay – have your masonry repaired while the weather is still good! Contact Chimney TEK today to schedule your masonry repairs!