Spring is the Ideal Time for Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, and Repairs
Now that the spring weather has arrived, homeowners are busily attending to the needs of their homes and properties. Many neighbours can be seen fertilizing and top-dressing their lawn, cleaning the garage, and washing their windows; such pursuits are driven not only by warmer temperatures but also by a need to revitalize mind and matter after the bitter cold of the past winter.
And within the course of a few days or a couple of weekends, most homeowners are able to put the winter behind them, so to speak, until the changing of the seasons brings it to the forefront once again. However, there are some residual effects of winter that should be addressed now, before other priorities and undertakings cause them to be forgotten entirely; for homeowners who used their fireplaces over the winter, one item that should be on their do-not-defer list is chimney maintenance.
Although the fireplace and chimney did their respective jobs over the winter, by-products of wood-burning or gas-flame fires may have accumulated in the chimney by adhering to the interior walls; the most common of these substances is known as creosote, a product that is dangerously combustible in its own right, and which can inhibit the proper flow of smoke and other gases.
Consequently, if the chimney is left unattended until the following ‘fireplace’ season, the homeowner and their family and friends may be subjected to any number of unfortunate situations ranging from inconvenient to expensive to life-threatening; these can include:
- Fire hazards
- Respiratory issues
- Exposure to toxic fumes
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- An unpleasant odour in the home
- Chimney liner damage and costly repairs
- Complete or partial collapse of the chimney
Accordingly, a chimney inspection is highly recommended on at least an annual basis, no matter how often or infrequently the fireplace is used; in turn, this can help to determine whether a chimney cleaning or any chimney repairs are needed based on such issues as:
- Smoke leaks
- Creosote/tar accumulation
- Blockages (e.g.: debris, nests)
- Inadequate draw (smoke removal)
- Insufficient ventilation (air exchange)
Should the chimney inspection uncover any of the above or similar concerns, it would be best to schedule a professional chimney cleaning or repair services as soon as possible. This would address any issues immediately and have the fireplace and chimney in prime working condition well in advance of their next use.
Chimney Maintenance and Repairs to Restore Its Integrity and Proper Function
Whether due to aging, water penetration, lack of consistent maintenance, or exposure to the seasonal weather conditions in Toronto and its surrounding area, a chimney can be subjected to some degree of structural damage. Whatever the source, the homeowners will need skilled chimney repairs to restore its integrity and proper function.
The masonry division of Avenue Road Roofing has the capabilities to address and resolve such issues quickly and professionally; based on the knowledge and experience acquired from hundreds of chimney-related projects, the Avenue Road Roofing masonry experts can provide a range of services including but not limited to:
- Fireplace installations
- Chimney repairs/rebuilds
- Complete chimney inspections
- Waterproofing of chimney masonry
- Tuckpointing and brick/mortar replacement
Avenue Road Roofing also respects the value and importance of maintaining curb appeal when completing any exterior chimney repairs, and thus will attempt to match this work to the existing brick and mortar whenever possible.
See chimney repair services for further information on the range of chimney maintenance services, including chimney inspections, cleaning and repairs, offered by the masonry specialists from Avenue Road Roofing.
Avoid the health and safety risks as well as potentially costly structural repairs that could result from a chimney that is blocked or weakened to any extent. Call the professionals from Avenue Road Roofing at 416-785-5129 today or contact us to book a chimney inspection and cleaning at your earliest convenience.
