The lower Hudson Valley area sees its fair share of brutal winter weather, which can be tough on masonry chimneys. Every spring, All Seasons Chimney spends a lot of time repairing chimneys that have been damaged by freezing cold winters. We have over 25 years of experience in fixing winter-related chimney problems, and you can trust us to repair any damage caused by winter’s wrath. We would like to tell you what kind of damage winter causes and how we can repair and prevent these problems from happening next winter.
How does winter damage my chimney?
Have you ever heard of spalling damage? You have probably noticed how many pot holes appear on the roads after a big snow storm. This is a great example of spalling damage. Masonry materials like concrete, bricks, and mortar naturally absorb water, and when the temperature drops below freezing, any water that has been absorbed into masonry materials will freeze and expand. When the weather warms up, this water will thaw, and its force causes the concrete, bricks, and mortar to crack and break apart. With repeated cycles of freezing weather, your chimney can suffer serious damage, and if this spalling damage is left unrepaired, your chimney could be in danger of collapsing. This is just one reason why the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) calls water the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys.
How can All Seasons Chimney repair spalling damage?
We have several experienced masonry technicians who can replace missing bricks and mortar joints using techniques like tuckpointing. You can trust us to reinstate the stability of your chimney’s structure without making the repair work look like a patch-up job.
How can All Seasons Chimney prevent spalling damage from happening next winter?
We offer a few water penetration prevention services that can protect your chimney from spalling damage. We construct and install customized flashing systems that protect your chimney where it meets the roof, which is a very vulnerable area for water leaks. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians wrap metal sheets around your chimney to form a watertight seal at the roof. The best preventive measure you can take against spalling is to have your chimney waterproofed. We will apply a 100% vapor permeable formula to your entire chimney that creates a barrier against water being absorbed into the bricks and mortar.
Protect your chimney from spalling damage next winter. Contact us at All Seasons Chimney to schedule our water penetration preventive services today.
Warmer weather is on the way, which means it is time to start your spring cleaning routine. Since fireplace season is ending, spring is the best time to schedule your annual professional chimney sweeping and inspection. Not only will these services ensure your chimney did not suffer any winter-related damage, but a chimney sweeping in the spring will prevent unpleasant odors invading your home from the chimney through the fireplace. The humidity in the warm summer months can cause any accumulated creosote and soot in your chimney to release a smoky, almost tar-like smell, which can be blown into your home by backdrafts. The best way to be sure you will not be affected by these stinky scents is to have your chimney professionally cleaned. All Seasons Chimney is proud to offer professional chimney sweeping services from our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps, and we would like to advise you that you will have an easier time scheduling this appointment on the date that is most convenient for you in the spring.