With July heat settling in, Barrington homeowners with older masonry chimneys should act now. Ashbrook Chimney Corp reminds locals that summer is the ideal time to inspect brickwork, liners, and flues before the first summer fires—especially in homes built before 1980 when modern standards weren’t in place.
Check brickwork for summer-ready masonry
Barrington’s historic homes often hide cracked or spalled bricks behind summer’s lush foliage. Walk around your chimney and look for missing mortar, loose bricks, or white efflorescence—common in older masonry. If you spot gaps wider than a credit card, call us for a full masonry inspection. Summer humidity and sudden thunderstorms can worsen hidden damage, turning small cracks into costly repairs. Don’t wait for a leaky flue to ruin your living room ceiling—schedule a sweep now.
Is your stainless steel liner still safe after winter?
Many Barrington homes built before the 1990s have clay tile liners that crack under freeze-thaw cycles. If your home has one, ask yourself: Do I hear popping sounds during summer storms? Is there soot on the firebox floor? These could mean your liner is failing. Older liners often lack the durability of modern stainless steel. If your liner is over 15 years old, consider a stainless steel replacement before August’s humidity sets in. We offer free estimates and can match your home’s historic aesthetic.
Should Barrington homeowners sweep now or wait for fall?
Summer is the perfect time to book a chimney sweep in Barrington because crews aren’t booked for fall rush. Do you really need a sweep now? If you used your fireplace even once this past winter, the answer is yes—creosote builds up faster in older flues. Waiting until fall risks scheduling delays when everyone else panics after the first cold snap. Plus, summer inspections let us spot issues like bird nests or debris before they block airflow. Call us today at /contact/ to lock in a summer slot—we’re licensed, insured, and serving Barrington, Bristol, and East Providence.