Between the bright summer sun and rising temperatures, the last thing most homeowners think about in the summer is their chimney and fireplace. Many put regular maintenance off until later in the yea the when weather starts to get colder. Yet, investing in cleanings and inspections now will help your chimney stand strong through anything that the summer weather throws its way. Learn more below!
Summer Storms & Your Masonry
When it comes to your chimney and brickwork, you may think that weather problems can only occur during the cold months. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case! When summer storms and heavy rainfall occurs, your chimney faces a lot of wear and tear, and it becomes vulnerable to water damage.
Water damage triggers lots of other issues. Your unit will look unsightly thanks to water stains and deterioration, and the entire structure will weaken as rot, rust, cracks, decay, and more take their toll on your brickwork. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your chimney from all of this! Waterproofing is one of the best services to invest in. It provides a thin, yet strong, layer of protection so that your chimney can vent while stopping any moisture from getting in.
You can also take extra precautions by installing a chimney cap, installing flashing, inspecting your chimney crown, and checking on the condition of your mortar. Call us in, so we can do a thorough check of your system right away!
Avoiding Summer Heat
Another issue we hear a lot is from frustrated homeowners concerned about the state of their air conditioner. If you have a chimney, chances are your A/C unit is just fine… What tends to happen is the cool air inside of your home escapes through your chimney into the outside air. This then forces you to crank up your A/C, which in turn causes your energy bills to soar.
Many homeowners have throat dampers, so they figure they’re in the clear when it comes to the indoor temperature of their home. Unfortunately, throat dampers aren’t always as effective as we’d like them to be. It’s easy for these products to leak out your cool air (or warm air in the winter) leaving you wondering why you can’t find that perfect temperature you’re seeking.
Solve the issue by having an energy-top damper installed! These units come with a rubber seal, so you no longer have to worry about any indoor air escaping. They’re also installed at the top of your chimney, rather than the bottom, so they help to keep out animals, water, and excess debris, as well! And on top of all that, they stop those annoying downdrafts from swooping down your chimney and into your home. It’s a no-brainer… have yours installed today!
Bad Smells
Lastly, summer heat can bring about some bad smells sweeping through your chimney. We can help you out with the appropriate tools to block these smells, but one of the best things you can do is schedule a cleaning with us. Call today, so we can get you in before the fall rush!
There’s no time to lose… pick up the phone now!