Winter Building Maintenance
Basements and attics are bad environments for foundations, support columns, and chimneys:
Any exposed masonry in basements and attics tend to decay faster than any other area, including the outdoors. With them being out of sight out of mind you probably don’t even know it! The reason is due to the atmosphere in these areas: they are either hot and humid in the summer months or cold and dry in the winter months. These extreme environments combined with excess moisture will accelerate the deterioration process tremendously. We would recommend you get these areas inspected, and if needed, repaired immediately before any additional damage is incurred.
- Inside Foundation Repairs
- Support Columns
- Exposed Chimney in Basement and Attic
Heating system failure when you need it the most:
Did you know that most heating and hot water systems vent through the chimney? The chimney, or venting system, is the most important piece to the puzzle to make sure combustion products exit the building reducing carbon monoxide risk. When this area is overly dirty or obstructed, the heating equipment is not able to establish a proper draft and will shut down.
February is the month we get the most “no heat” calls. It’s typically bitterly cold for extended periods of time causing the heating system to run constantly. Regular inspections and sweepings of these heating systems are imperative to ensure continuous heating capabilities.
Indoor winter fireplace projects:
The firebox is the area where the logs are placed when building a fire. This area surrounds the flames and is made with firebricks and a high heat cement mixture called refractory mortar. Not all fireboxes are built with the correct firebricks or heat resistant plaster, and that is why some do not last as long as others. Exposure also plays a factor. A firebox with sustained use exposes the brick to extreme flame temperatures, and over a period of time, promotes deterioration.
Winter maintenance is extremely important, especially here in New England. We encourage you to look, or of course have us take a look, to identify crumbling in the firebox or mortar damage. If you see decay in the mortar, loose bricks or feel air coming through the firebox bricks, do not use it.
Call us at 781-893-6611 or schedule an appointment online today!