Is there really a best time to undertake a home repair project? For some projects, any time may be suitable – but other repairs are best handled when certain conditions are right. For masonry repairs, springtime is often the recommended time. The weather tends to be generally more conducive to outdoor repairs when we turn the corner past winter, and it allows for a smoother and more efficient repair process for a number of reasons.

Why Opt for Springtime Masonry Repairs?

a white house with flowers and concrete steps leading up to itOne reason to choose spring for your masonry repair project is simple: you likely won’t be using your chimney for a while. The end of the burn season signals prime time for completing chimney repair projects, small or (especially) large, because most people stop using their fireplaces for several months at a time. With higher outdoor temps, introducing additional heat via cozy blaze won’t be necessary again until autumn. This gives chimney contractors a window to ply their trade in which they won’t be interrupting the use of your fireplace or home heating appliance – making spring a sensible and effective season to get projects done.

Another factor is daylight. We all enjoy the mood-boost which the longer days of spring and summer provide. But for individuals who complete some of their work outdoors, there’s another reason to love lengthening days: more daylight spells better visibility and fewer limitations to completing outdoor projects.

Spring weather is the “cure.”

Perhaps the most compelling reason to consider springtime for masonry repairs, however, rests in mortar’s curing process. Mortar is the key binding component that connects your bricks together, so a strong bond means your overall repair will have strength and longevity. When masonry repairs are being completed, your chimney professional will remove old, damaged mortar and replace it with mortar carefully concocted for the needs of the project. Once the mortar’s in place, it begins to cure. Curing requires the perfect recipe of time, correct moisture, and satisfactory temperature that allows the mortar to take on the final desired properties.

If you’ve guessed that spring is most likely to provide the right temperature conditions for mortar to bond and cure, you’d be correct. Curing happens best when the weather isn’t cold, but also not too warm – think late fall and early spring. To have the most successful repair, plan to have it done then. 

Once curing is complete, waterproofing can be applied to protect your new masonry from wear and deterioration caused by moisture. If your masonry repair is done in early spring, you can have waterproofing applied while the weather is warm.

Spring is prime for scheduling.

Timing can be a factor for getting on the books of a seasoned technician. Fall and winter are peak seasons for fireplace, wood stove and furnace usage, and heating season readiness tends to enter homeowner’s minds as fall approaches. As a result, fall tends to be a busy time for chimney care technicians. Many people schedule chimney inspections and sweepings in the fall, and this heavier workload can result in longer wait times for scheduling repairs – so you can generally expect springtime scheduling to be simpler.

Not only will scheduling be easier, but being proactive about chimney improvements and repairs means that once the temperatures drop again, you’ll be ready for it.

Taking advantage of the off-season.

a masonry chimney with discoloration, missing mortar, and broken bricksAre the warmer, lighter months usually the ones that get people thinking about fireplaces? No.

But staying ahead of the game will pay off. Preventative maintenance is crucial to ensure chimneys are safe and functioning properly. By scheduling chimney masonry repairs during the warmer months, homeowners can address any issues before they worsen and become more costly to repair. For instance, small gaps or cracking in the masonry can be repaired promptly, preventing water infiltration, which can cause further damage in the chillier months. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all chimney repair can wait until spring. If you notice urgent issues with your chimney system, such as having sustained a chimney fire, a cracked flue liner, or a readily apparent chimney leak, it’s imperative to call your chimney technician immediately, regardless of the season.

Spring repairs to your masonry may help the timing of other home projects to be well-organized, as well. If you’ve considered having additional work done to your chimney or roof, taking care of brick and mortar repairs first is often best practice. So if you’re wondering how to organize the timing of your projects for optimal effectiveness, ordering, and efficiency, contact your chimney professional. He or she will have the practical experience and expertise to advise you which projects to undertake when for the best outcome.

Whatever You Need, We’re Here to Help

Whenever you schedule your repairs – spring, summer, winter, or fall – it’s essential to hire a reputable and experienced professional. Look for a company that’s certified, licensed, and insured, committed to customer service, and that has positive reviews from clients.

Build a relationship through your annual chimney inspections and regular chimney sweepings, and don’t hesitate to ask about any concerns or chimney projects you’re thinking about scheduling in the future. Your chimney professional should work with you to make your fireplace, wood stove or furnace an enjoyable, durable, safe highlight of your home.

Need care soon? Reach out to us – dial 434-686-6928 or book online today.