How The Seasons Affect Your Chimney
Chimneys are often out of mind when cozy fires aren’t burning in the fireplace. However, it’s important to know how weather affects your chimney year-round. Chimney problems get more expensive the longer they are ignored. So, below, we provide tips for all seasons. When chimney fixes are needed, the CSIA-certified chimney pros at Chimney Saver Solutions have the skills and know-how to provide them, along with peace of mind.
Rain, Sleet, and Snow
Precipitation is a threat in all seasons because masonry is highly vulnerable to moisture. Whether moisture is in the form of rain, sleet, or snow, bricks can soak it up like a proverbial sponge. In freezing winter weather, that moisture expands and contracts. This movement destroys the bricks.
Because moisture is Chimney Enemy #1, every exterior component of a chimney is designed so that it will contribute to the almost impossible task of keeping moisture out. Those protective features eventually deteriorate, and that is often when a chimney problem arises.
Annual chimney inspections help tremendously. A reliable chimney sweep will spot early signs of deterioration, resulting in huge savings. Chimney repairs cost less when less work is required to fix them.
Another way to offset weather that affects your chimney in every season is to help in the fight to keep moisture out. Having your chimney waterproofed after it has been inspected and found intact is a preventative measure we recommend.
The Heat of the Off Seasons
With the heat in spring and summer, your chimney may send you a helpful message. Warm weather brings to light some of the happenings in the dark interior of your chimney flue. Unfortunately, the message or spotlight may come in the form of a smelly fireplace. Never ignore those smells because they are usually an indication that chimney repair or cleaning is needed.
There are numerous potential causes of fireplace odors, which are usually detected because of warm weather. The following are among the causes of a smelly fireplace:
- Creosote buildup
- Negative air pressure
- Moisture
Freezing Temperatures
If you’ve seen brick-colored debris on your roof around your chimney or on the ground below, that is evidence of “spalling.” Spalling occurs when the moisture inside bricks causes them to decay or fall apart. This is a sign that, without chimney masonry repair, your chimney could begin to lean. After a while, the chimney could collapse.
Schedule a Chimney Inspection with Chimney Pros
The CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions provide reliable chimney services every winter, spring, summer, and fall. We know how weather affects your chimney year-round, and we know how to fix the problems weather causes. The best of the tips for all seasons is to schedule annual chimney inspections and, with that, needed chimney repairs. That way, whatever a season may bring, you will know your chimney is ready.
Contact our chimney experts for chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, flue liner replacement, chimney crown repair, flashing repair, fireplace installation, and more. Call 804-440-5000 or fill out our online form.
