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Having a beautiful brick fireplace in your home provides a classic look year-round, as well as keeps you warm and toasty during the winter. It’s also how Santa delivers your presents during the holidays. But to ensure St. Nick can put gifts under your tree safely, you must take care of any necessary chimney or fireplace repairs first. The Chimney Sweep in Kernersville, NC, shares a few telltale signs the structures need professional attention.

Take Care of These Fireplace Repairs Before Santa Arrives

1. Spalling Bricks

fireplace repairThe bricks your chimney and fireplace are constructed with can fall victim to water damage from cracks that allow rain inside. When this occurs, they can crumble and peel, a problem referred to as spalling. If you notice pieces of brick falling into your fireplace or have entire bricks coming loose and crumbling away, schedule a repair immediately. Spalling is a sign of major structural damage and is a serious hazard for Santa if left unattended. 

2. Cracked Mortar 

fireplace-repairYour fireplace and chimney are held together by mortar, and when it cracks, the bricks can come loose, making it dangerous for Santa to slide down. Similar to spalling, the mortar can get saturated with water, causing it to deteriorate. Inspecting your chimney and fireplace occasionally for signs of cracked mortar joints is important because if you do have mortar cracking in vital support area, your home’s chimney could collapse. 

​​​​​​​3. White Staining

Have you noticed white staining on the inside of your fireplace or chimney? They aren’t because Santa spilled his milk while enjoying his cookies! Rather, these stains indicate excessive moisture. In a process known as efflorescence, the salts present in the brick and mortar are pushed to the surface and left behind as the heat from your fireplace causes evaporation. You can remove these stains with soap and water, but the evidence of moisture may indicate you need a chimney inspection or fireplace repairs.

Santa has a big night ahead of him. Make it easy on him by getting all necessary chimney and fireplace repairs taken care of now! It’ll also ensure your home is safe and comfortable throughout the winter. To schedule an inspection, call The Chimney Sweep today at (336) 993-8999. Visit their website for a closer look at their chimney maintenance solutions. 

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