Can a Chimney Be Repaired in the Winter?

A skilled chimney services provider can repair a damaged chimney in almost any kind of weather.  However, it’s best to arrange for winter chimney repair when it’s an emergency situation rather than routine maintenance that could be done during nicer weather.  Here’s some useful information on winter chimney repair from National Chimney Service of Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ.

Masonry vs. winter

Repair of chimney masonry can be tricky during the freezing days of winter.  New mortar compounds can be used and work well when it’s below 40 degrees outside, but it takes more than advanced compounds to safely and correctly repair the masonry of a chimney.

Crews often use heaters and tarps to protect their work from the elements.  High wind conditions can make this strategy difficult.  There’s also the concern of ice and snow on the roof, which can make the job hazardous.

Winter chimney repair starts with an inspection

If your chimney is suffering winter damage from old age or an event such as a lightning strike, earthquake or major

hail storm, contact your chimney services provider and let him or her inspect your chimney before scheduling any work.

A lot of things can go wrong with a chimney – this includes damage to the chimney cap and crown, problems with the chimney liner, rusted or warped chimney flashing and more.  Leaky chimneys can be the result of issues with various parts of your chimney system.

Your inspector will determine exactly what’s happening with your chimney and recommend the right course of action to address it.  If the repair can’t be put off, arrangements will be made to have the work done immediately.

The ideal time for chimney repairs

If it’s early spring and you know (or suspect) that your chimney needs work, call out an inspector and get the problem solved now.  Don’t put it off until the fall or winter.

Chimney mortar compounds and other repair materials do much better in mild weather.  Plus it’s easier for work crews to get to your chimney and do their jobs safely when the temperatures are warmer.

While fall seasons often have very good days for chimney repairs, it’s not advisable to schedule them at this time.  Crews typically are super-busy in the fall months, and scheduling the work may be challenging.

Avoiding winter chimney repairs

The best way to avoid major winter chimney repairs – and major repairs any time of year – is to keep your chimney in top shape all year long.  Your chimney professional will help with the following:

• Annual chimney inspections
• Complete chimney sweeping to remove flammable creosote and drafting obstructions from your chimney flue
• Minor repair and component replacement as soon as these jobs are needed

Your part in keeping your chimney healthy is pretty simple:

• Burn only firewood – never use cardboard, plastics, furniture or other items that can flare up and produce excess smoke or toxins
• Burn dry, seasoned wood rather than damp, smoky wood (creosote comes from smoke)
• Ensure that you have a secure, undamaged chimney cap at the top of your chimney
• Perform periodic visual inspections of all visible parts of your chimney/fireplace system
• Alert your chimney services company any time you notice anything unusual

A clean and safe chimney

National Chimney Services is here to help Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ, residents keep chimneys clean, safe and working correctly.  Call us at 800-631-6177 for chimney repairs, chimney inspections, chimney cleaning and more. You also can reach us through our simple contact form.