During the darkest and coldest days of the year, nothing is more comforting than knowing that you are coming home to a fireplace or wood stove ready to supply you with light and warmth. The gentle crackle of burning logs and the soft glow of the dancing flames keep the winter blues away.
But what happens if essential fireplace repairs or maintenance needs to be done?
…even though there are complications that come with maintaining a chimney in the winter, it’s not impossible.
Wintertime brings with it a host of challenges for fireplace and chimney repairs and The Chimney Guys are not unfamiliar with the difficulties of cold weather and challenging working conditions. Yet, even though there are complications that come with maintaining a chimney in the winter, it’s not impossible.
Here are some of the challenges that come with chimney maintenance and repairs during the winter – and what you can do in the warmer months to prevent necessary repairs in the cold.
Challenges to Winter Chimney Repairs
So, what makes wintertime chimney repairs a challenge?
❄️ Extreme Temperatures
Maintaining a chimney often involves working with materials that need time to set up and cure. Extreme temperatures have a drastic effect on these processes. This means that jobs that could take a day or two can be extended into weeks. Not only does it extend the time needed to complete a job, it also puts your brick and mortar at a higher risk of weakening.
In addition, if any moisture inside the mortar freezes, it will expand and put large amounts of pressure on the bricks. A freeze compromises the structural integrity of the chimney and becomes a danger to your home.
Our professionals at The Chimney Guys use specialized materials and are trained in techniques to combat the cold. If you think your chimney is in need of work, contact The Chimney Guys to find out what needs to be done now – and what could wait until the warmer months.
☀️ Shorter Daylight Hours
The winter months contain the least amount of daylight, which can be a problem if the job is outdoors or in a place with limited artificial light. Many jobs take longer because of the colder weather, and if you add to that the challenge of limited working hours due to limited daylight, you may find jobs taking a lot longer than they normally would.
When jobs extend over a period of days, temperatures fluctuate quite a bit as the sun goes down. This means that the work done the previous day may be negated by weakened materials that froze overnight.
⚠️ Unsafe Working Conditions
Winter brings with it snow and ice, which can cause a lot of problems when you are working on rooftops or in places above the ground. Similarly, ice can quickly form on the chimney structure and surrounding rooftop, making it dangerous to maneuver around.
Ice can coat various chimney components as well, which means meticulous – and potentially dangerous – work needs to be done in order to gain access to it for maintenance and repairs.
Cold Weather Repair Prevention
For many reasons, it’s better for everyone if proper measures are taken during the spring and summer in order to avoid dangerous winter repairs. While repairs can be done in the winter by talented professionals (like the ones you find here at The Chimney Guys), the costs and risks are much lower during warmer months.
As winter turns to spring this year, here are some things you should consider in order to keep your chimney system healthy during the winter.
Professional Inspection: The Chimney Guys have a team of technicians trained in inspecting and locating weaknesses in your chimney system and applying fixes to that will keep them from becoming costly problems later. Our professionals see everything both inside and around your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney. We notice potential problems and act fast, ensuring cost savings for you and safety for your family.- Professional Chimney Sweep: One of the quickest and easiest ways to keep your chimney and fireplace healthy and working well is by making sure it is regularly cleaned. Unfortunately, burning (whatever your fuel is) creates harmful chemicals and other byproducts that collect on the interior liner and firebox of your fireplace and chimney. The Chimney Guys employ a myriad of tools and techniques to keep your fire burning and your chimney strong, ensuring a winter free of problems.
We’re Here To Help
Your chimney is an important part of your home and The Chimney Guys are your team when it comes to making sure you get the most out of it. Call us today and set up a time for us to take a look at your chimney. We will help you assess any problems you may have and make sure that you are able to fully enjoy your chimney all year round. You can also book with us online!
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