Now that winter is here on Long Island, its time to inspect your chimney for necessary masonry repairs. Regularly servicing your chimney will not just save you money in the long run; it’ll also keep you and your family safe and warm.

For the past few months, you probably haven’t given your chimney all that much thought. However, now that summer is over and the weather on Long Island getting very cold, it’s time to keep the house warm! At Flawless Masonry, we’ve been helping Long Islanders keep their indoor (and outdoor) fireplaces blazing for years. And in the brutally cold winter months, there’s nothing more rewarding or relaxing than a nice, toasty fire.

A lot of people come to us with questions about their chimneys. Now that winter is just about here and the leaves have all fallen, we’ve put together a helpful guide for you regarding your chimney.

Stone chimney on the side of a home

1. Chimney Inspection

Most people don’t know that you should start thinking about your chimney long before the weather is cold. Yes, it’s difficult to remember it when the weather is hot. However, that’s definitely the ideal time to handle all chimney-related issues.

Obviously, you’re not using your chimney during the summer. But that’s when it’s best to make sure it’s in good shape and functioning well. If you don’t double-check everything prior to the fall or winter, you might be stuck dealing with a chimney repair during the cold months.

Naturally, you should schedule your chimney inspection during the summer. This way if there’s anything wrong with it, you can contact us for repairs. Then they will be out of the way before the fall/winter.

Every summer your chimney should be inspected. Basically, a chimney inspection involves a straightforward assessment of your chimney. The inspector also usually performs a pressure test to make sure the channels aren’t obscured. Even if your fireplace is only used occasionally, this is very important.

Your annual inspection includes basic maintenance like routine cleaning. It also includes determining if you need to replace the top cover, schedule a more thorough cleaning or schedule masonry repairs.

brick chimney being repaired on the roof of the house

2. Masonry Repairs 

When it comes to chimneys, extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors can cause expansion and contraction. These are the issues that usually require swift masonry repairs. Most homeowners ignore damaged chimneys. That is, they ignore them until they become a very severe issue.

When a chimney is in disrepair, it is a very serious problem. It can lead to structural damage to your home that is costly and tedious to repair if ignored. Chimney disrepair can also lead to fire or safety hazards. It’s best to find a reliable masonry contractor to get these problems resolved as soon as possible.

The good news is that our masonry repairs will endure the heat and smoke generated by fireplaces for many years to come. It’s always best to address any issues with your chimney the second you notice them!

Conclusion 

Like most home repair issues, chimneys are best when they’re regularly maintained. While we’re already well into the cold weather, it’s best to remember to have your chimney inspected in the spring/summer, when you’re not using your chimney. Make sure to have it inspected and cleaned at least once a year!