When Is the Best Time for Chimney Repairs?

Most chimney service crews will tell you that spring and summer are the ideal times to have work done on your chimney. A-1 Chimney Specialist of Winchester, TN, and Huntsville, AL, would agree. Here’s why.

Top 3 reasons for scheduling chimney work in the spring and summer

1. Crews aren’t as busy

In the fall and early winter, chimney companies tend to get extremely busy with last-minute service calls. It can be difficult at these times of year to conveniently schedule work on your chimney.

2. The heavy burning season is over

It’s always best to do chimney and fireplace work during periods when the system isn’t being used regularly. This usually means spring and summer. Additionally, the nicer weather makes it easier for crews to perform whatever type of chimney repair work might be needed.

3. Address problems created over the winter

By scheduling chimney work in the months just after winter, you’ll have plenty of time to get damage or malfunction fixed before the next burning season. It’s always best to start the season with a chimney and fireplace that you know are in excellent shape.

Chimney service starts with a chimney inspection

Before any work begins on your chimney, the first step is a thorough chimney inspection by a trained, licensed chimney company or individual inspector. A basic chimney inspection covers all readily accessible and visible areas of your chimney structure. This, along with feedback from you, will let your technician know of problems that need to be addressed before you start using your fireplace again.

Common spring and summer chimney repair projects

Based on the inspection, here are some common chimney services that are often needed after the winter. Note that many chimney problems begin with water getting into the system. Incoming water can damage masonry, the chimney liner, adjacent parts of the home, and many chimney and fireplace components.

Masonry repair

This can include:

• Replacement of cracked bricks
• Tuckpointing to strengthen mortar joints
• Chimney waterproofing
• Partial or complete chimney rebuilding

Component repair or replacement

Spring and summer are good times to repair or replace damaged components, such as:

• Chimney liner
• Chimney cap, flue cover or chase top
• Chimney crown
• Chimney flashing
• Fireplace damper

Resolution of chimney and fireplace issues

A good chimney service company will be able to help with a variety of bothersome (and possibly serious) chimney issues:

• Leaky chimney
• Smelly chimney
• Smoke backups
• Animals and nests in the chimney
• Drafting issues

Chimney sweeping

All chimneys connected to wood fireplaces should be professionally cleaned, or swept, on an annual basis. Technicians use specialized equipment to remove built-up creosote, which is responsible for most chimney fires reported each year.

What to watch for

Spring or summer chimney inspections should be part of your normal maintenance activities. However, if you notice the signs below, a chimney inspection is even more important.

• White stains on masonry (means water is getting in)
• Loose or crumbling bricks; decayed mortar between the bricks
• A chimney that leans to one side
• Damp sections of the walls or ceiling near the chimney
• Strong, musty odors coming from the fireplace or attic
• Water dripping into the firebox

Your local chimney experts are here to help

Wherever you live in the greater Winchester, Tennessee, or Huntsville, Alabama, areas, A-1 Chimney Specialist is ready to help with all your chimney and fireplace needs.

Speak with a certified chimney professional at (931) 967-3595 in the Winchester region or (256) 285-4895 in and around Huntsville.

You can also get in touch with our simple contact form.