As things start to cool down in these next few months, it’s important to ensure your home is ready for colder temps. This includes doing things like insulating your pipes, cleaning out your gutters, having your HVAC system inspected, and bringing in any outdoor indoor equipment that might not fare well in the ice and snow.
And for fireplace owners, it means ensuring your system is ready to run safely and efficiently throughout the cold weeks ahead.
Fireplace and chimney repairs are never something that should be put off for the winter months, which is why we encourage all homeowners that have yet to schedule care to get in touch with us now. If you live in York County, we’d be happy to help you out!
Chimney Repairs & Warm Weather
Why are repairs best done in warmer weather?
The biggest issue is that most materials used for chimney repairs need to cure in an appropriate temperature range. If the weather is too chilly, the materials won’t hold as well, and the repairs simply won’t last as long as they should. In a pinch, emergency repairs can be done thanks to newer technological advances, but again, you’ll need to redo them again shortly down the line.
Another thing to consider is the time factor. Some of the more extensive repair jobs, like relining work or a chimney rebuild, can take up quite some time to complete, which will then take time away from your burning season.
This means that during all those chilly nights spent indoors, you’ll have to nix the cozy fire. In the end, you’ll be much better off getting these jobs done earlier in the year when your chimney isn’t facing as much use.
Along with time savings, you’re likely to see savings in your bank account, too! The longer you put off repairs, in general, the worse they tend to get. This sometimes means that what could have been a quick and affordable repair may now be damage that’s expensive and time-consuming to address.
Finally, it keeps our sweeps safer. Working on a sloped, icy roof isn’t ideal for anyone, and we want to do everything we can to keep our crew healthy and injury-free. That way, we can keep serving you to the fullest!
Do You Need Waterproofing Services?
Another big advantage to having repairs done in the warmer months is that you’ll have time to have waterproofing services completed once everything is completed. Getting waterproofing done before winter is a must! If this service is neglected, you may find yourself facing the freeze/thaw process, which is very damaging to your masonry overtime.
What is the freeze/thaw process? Well, your brickwork is very porous, and it will easily absorb rain, snow, and sleet if it isn’t adequately protected. In the winter, this absorbed moisture freezes, expands, and pushes against your brickwork, causing it to crack. When the water eventually melts, it leaves room for more water to enter, and you’ll find yourself facing bigger and bigger cracks as winter goes on.
In the end, the freeze/thaw process is known for occurring multiple times a winter, so you could wind up experiencing a lot of issues in a short span of time.
Fortunately, this can be avoided once our waterproofing products are applied. They are designed to block out water, while still being vapor permeable, so any pre-absorbed moisture (along with any necessary fumes from your chimney) can eventually escape.
If you need waterproofing services completed, give us a call, so we can get them done ASAP!
Repairs We Offer
So, what are some of the most common repairs we complete?
- Leak Repairs: Water-related damages and leaks are very common in chimneys, especially if they aren’t regularly maintained. In these situations, you may need brick repairs or tuckpointing completed. Or it may be that replacement parts are needed, like a new chimney cap or damper. And in more extreme situations, a rebuild may be required! Fortunately, we’re here to do it all.
- Relining Work: Faulty liners aren’t something to mess around with. Here at Frechette Chimney, we can install a stainless steel liner, ensuring you stay well-protected for the long haul. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, compatible with all fuel types, and surprisingly affordable and easy to install – can’t go wrong with that!
- Ahren-Fire Fireplace Restoration System: These are complete systems designed to be inserted into your firebox, and they’re known for improving the efficiency and performance of your fireplace significantly. The best part is that they can be installed without affecting the current aesthetic of your space, and they’re great for those whose system may have been built incorrectly from the get-go. Questions? Give us a call, and we can discuss if this would be a good fit for you!
Don’t Wait – Reach Out Today!
Don’t wait for cold weather to arrive before you invest in the chimney care your home deserves. Rather, give us a call today! We’d love to look things over to ensure you’re set up right.
We look forward to speaking with you soon!
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