Having a home with a fireplace is more than just feeling warmth, comfort and character, especially during winters in London, Ontario. It is however possible that with the change of seasons and daily contact with the weather, chimneys can be in need of check up and repair more often than not. Ignoring chimney care can cause safety risks, affect its efficiency, and prove to be costly due to damage caused. It is because of this reason that a seasonal checklist of Chimney Repair London Ontario homes is important in ensuring safety of fireplaces and chimney systems throughout the year.
Spring: Spring Checking
Spring is when you want to check your chimney after a long winter of generous use of the fireplace. The London freeze-thaw cycle may cause cracks in the masonry and mortar joint and the existence of water leakage and weakening of structure. Inspect areas of visible cracks, damaged bricks or crumbling mortar first. It is also prudent to hire a chimney sweep to clean out any creosotes and other trash deposited. Early repair of these concerns eliminates minor wearing to major repairs.
Masonry care and Waterproofing: Summer
Chimneys are vulnerable to the effects of rain and humidity that occur during London summers and may increase the pace of chimney damages in case the chimney structure is not covered with a shielding material. A breathable sealant can be applied to the outside of a chimney in order to form a waterproof barrier that allows moisture trapped inside a chimney to escape. Summer is also the perfect season in which to perform masonry repair projects, such as tuckpointing or mortaring loose bricks because warm, dry weather will ensure the materials are allowed to set correctly. It would be wise to call Chimney Repair London Ontario services during the summer because scheduling repairs in the summer helps avoid seasonal rush and ensures that your chimney is restored before the beginning of winter.
Fall: Prewinter Preparedness
Now is also the right time to prepare your chimney since it is now that temperatures are dropping and ready to get high usage. A specialist should check the flue liner of the flue to see whether it is cracked, blocked, or deteriorated because such problems can create severe fire risks. Make sure that the cap on the chimney is in place, to avoid entry of rain, snow, and animals. Fall is also a good time to go ahead and check your fireplace draft and make sure the smoke is getting out. Addressing these duties prior to the cold is a sure-fire way to ensure safe and effective operation during the winter.
Maintenance: Continuing Maintenance
Chimneys work the hardest during winter. Be alert to telltale signs of a problem like smoke blowing back into the house, unusual smells or large amounts of creosote buildup. When you spot any of these warning signs, call a professional as soon as possible to get it repaired at Chimney Repair London Ontario. Even simple problems, such as broken damper or insignificant leaks must be solved beforehand to avoid more serious complications during the heating season.
Why It Is Important to Chimney Care On A Regular Basis?
A chimney that is well maintained assures safety, efficiency, and comfort at home. Scheduled maintenance and frequent repairs make a fire risk and carbon monoxide leak as well as damage to a property less probable. A seasonal chimney maintenance check list helps keep the entire process on track and protect your investment in your home in London.
Conclusion
Chimney is not only a decoration element of your house it is an important constituent of your home safety and comfort. With regular Chimney Repair London Ontario and this seasonal checklist, you will be able to have the best fires year after year without any problems.