It’s officially summer, so your fireplace and chimney is the last thing on your mind. However, now is exactly the time you should be thinking about masonry inspections and repairs. In just three or four quick months, it will be time to cozy up by your fireplace again. Will your fireplace be ready to operate when you need it? Old Smokey’s can help you get a jump on your fireplace maintenance needs by scheduling a chimney inspection this summer!
The Offseason is Also Tough on Your Chimney
Your chimney may have been running perfectly at the end of the winter, but your chimney’s health could have been compromised since it’s last use. Springtime brings rainy weather, meaning now is a great time to see if there are any leaks in your masonry. Leaky masonry can lead to larger problems including crumbling bricks and weakened mortar joints. If moisture seeps into your masonry, it can freeze when it becomes cold out and shatter bricks from the inside out. It is best to get ahead of masonry problems before they grow to larger problems.
Get Ahead of the Busy Time
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both suggest annual chimney and fireplace inspections. Summer is a great time to schedule your annual chimney and masonry inspection because we can schedule you in before our fall and winter rush. During the colder months, chimney sweeps are incredibly busy performing inspections and repairs. Therefore, it may be harder for us to schedule a meeting time that fits your schedule. However, if you schedule an inspection in the summer, we are a little more flexible with our schedule and can easily fit you into a time-slot that works for you. Remember, chimney inspections should only be carried out by a CSIA-certified chimney technician, like the ones at Old Smokey’s. Only a certified chimney technician has the training and knowledge to safely and effectively inspect your chimney masonry.
Extra Time for Repairs
Sometimes during a chimney masonry inspection, we will find an issue that requires some repair. Masonry issues can sometimes take a while to repair. This can be frustrating in fall and winter when you want to use your chimney. However, if issues with your chimney are found in the summer, we can usually schedule to have it fixed before you need to use it.
At Old Smokey’s, we like to get ahead of housing projects before they sneak up on us. If you’re like us, you’ll also want to get ahead of the game and schedule your chimney masonry inspection before our busy season. Call one of our CSIA certified chimney inspectors at 260-424-0009 or schedule an appointment online today!