We look forward to the time of year when the consistent cold temperatures move on and Spring begins to show itself with the early signs of green and tulips peeking through the ground. However, Spring is also the time of year that causes homeowners to find areas of the home that need repair, especially the chimney. Let’s talk about how the temperature changes causes our chimney’s to feel sick.
Temperature Changes
With the temperatures fluctuating, it’s important to understand what it means to the chimney.
Chimney Bricks, Stone & Mortar Expand and Contract:
When the temperatures begin to rise during the day, the warm air heats up causing the materials to expand. Then when cooler night time temperatures settle in, the materials contract or shrink. This can happen day in and day out as we get closer to summer when the temperatures even out until the Fall. This is a lot of movement and activity to the chimney and as a result, these cycles can lead to:
- Big and little cracks in the masonry
- Joint separation in the bricks / stone
- Big and little cracks in the chimney crown (the cement slab on top of the chimney)
Structural Integrity of the Exterior Chimney:
The chimney structure lives outside with all of the weather elements, it sees stress from moisture coupled with expansion and contraction. Meaning that when an area of the chimney weakens, problems begin to form such as moisture build up, water enters the home structure, which leads to damage to the chimney and inside of the home.
Inspect the Chimney at Least Once Per Year:
How often you use your fireplace dictates if you need more than an annual inspection service. For instance, if you don’t use your fireplace at all, then schedule the chimney inspection during non-peak times such as April, May or June. Other good times are July August or September. However, if you use your fireplace periodically to regularly, then you need to be sure to get the chimney inspected regularly. It’s always good to get it done right after the season, or before you’re ready to fire it up again!
Our certified chimney professionals will take you through our 14-point inspection, and show you pictures of areas that you can’t get to so you have the knowledge and understanding of what is going on inside and up at the chimney top.
Moisture Levels Increase
As with every Spring, rain is frequent and what little snow we had, has melted. This raises moisture levels everywhere. When that occurs, too much moisture can cause problems for the chimney.
- Chimney Liner: Too much moisture can damage the chimney liners reducing their effectiveness to carry smoke safely up the chimney and out of your home.
- Masonry and Bricks Are Porous Materials: These materials absorb the moisture and weaken the masonry and bricks called spalling. This is when the materials begin to crumble or flake.
Waterproofing Solutions:
One way to extend the life of your chimney is to apply ChimneySaver, a spray liquid that is absorbed by the bricks and mortar eliminating water and moisture. Talk to us about applying ChimneySaver when you call to make your appointment with one of our certified chimney professionals.
Temperature changes causes our chimney’s to feel sick, so Contact us today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349)
