Here in Middlesex County and Worcester County, we’re no stranger to harsh winter winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures. Fortunately for those with a fireplace in the home, 
staying warm and cozy on even the coldest days isn’t an issue! That is, unless their system is malfunctioning. Fortunately, by working with our team now, folks in the area can ensure their fireplace and chimney operate as efficiently as possible in the chilly months ahead.
Need some care? We would love the opportunity to perform any necessary repair work, sweepings, and maintenance to get your system ready for use, and we can set you up with preventative measures to ensure winter weather doesn’t take a huge toll on your chimney, either. Learn more below, then give us a call today. The Chim Chimney Sweep crew is ready and eager to serve!
Water-Related Threats & The Freeze/Thaw Process
Now, as snow and sleet build up on your roof and surround your chimney, your chances of experiencing water-related damages increase significantly. Your brickwork is very absorbent, and if it soaks in a lot of moisture, it will quickly start breaking down from the inside out. Because of this, investing in waterproofing services is an important part of your wintertime preparations!
Now, you may be considering do-it-yourself options. We advise against this. Store-bought sealers and paints can do an effective job of blocking out water, but they are not vapor permeable, so any pre-absorbed moisture has no way of escaping. You’ll basically be trapping the snow, sleet, and rain inside of your masonry, which means it will continue to deteriorate despite your best efforts at preventative care.
The products we use will protect your masonry without blocking anything in, and they won’t affect the look or function of your structure whatsoever. We use ChimneySaver sealants because they provide the best results around and are consistently reliable. If you’re eager to get our experts on the job, don’t hesitate to reach out today!
Another big reason why waterproofing is so important this time of year is because of something called the freeze/thaw process. You see, if your masonry soaks in water, this water will eventually freeze and expand when temperatures drop low. As you might imagine, this puts a lot of strain and pressure on your structure! As this absorbed moisture freezes and thaws multiple times throughout the winter, your chimney experiences a lot of stress overall, and before you know it, you’ll be facing all kinds of decay and deterioration, which makes you more vulnerable to fires, gas leaks, collapses, and more.
Unfortunately, the freeze/thaw process isn’t the only thing to be wary of in terms of water damage. Snow and sleet can cause your metal components to rust, your liner to break down, and your crown to crumble, as well. Many homeowners also report mold accumulation, clogs, cracks, decay, and more. Fortunately, we have effective resolutions! Services like flashing repair, chimney cap installation, crown restoration, and relining work can all help you stay prepared for anything this winter. Let us set you up right today – we can do it all!
Preventing House Fires & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Another thing to prepare for as cold weather approaches is the threat of fires, gas leaks, and more. With increased fireplace usage comes more creosote accumulation, which heightens your risk of experience a chimney fire. These slow-moving, typically quiet events cause a lot of damage, and usually, the homeowner isn’t even aware one has occurred! This is a big reason why yearly inspections and regular sweepings are such a vital part of fireplace ownership.
It’s always important to be aware of any cracks, holes, or gaps in your structure as these offer easy ways for flames, smoke, and dangerous gases to enter your home. Your likelihood of experiencing a house fire will increase dramatically, and your family will be more prone to inhale deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide, as well.
If you ask us, it’s not worth taking any risks, especially when the wellbeing of your home and loved ones is at stake. By investing in care from our team, you ensure all of your bases are covered before putting your system to use, guaranteeing peace of mind and ultimate relaxation on the snowy nights that are soon to be upon us. Don’t wait any longer – schedule your inspection today!
Along with this, we urge all homeowners to invest in both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Have them installed on every level of the house and outside of all bedrooms to ensure everyone in the household will be alerted at the first sign of trouble. These devices play a big part in saving countless lives every single year!
We’re Qualified To Serve You
The Chim Chimney Sweep team is experienced, certified, and passionate about making homes in Framingham, Natick, Needham, and all of their surrounding cities as safe as possible. We always use high-quality products and we never cut corners, so you’re guaranteed the best care around. Call today to set up your appointment with our techs. We’re excited to work with you soon!
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