Chimney Sweeping & Repair in Germantown, MD

Winters are long: the Washington Dc Dulles Ap station averages 102 nights a year at or below 32°F and 25 at or below 20°F.^1,2 In long winters, chimneys work hard and masonry sees many freeze-thaw cycles; annual inspection and a sound cap and crown are the maintenance baseline. The median home in the community of Germantown was built in 1990, newer than the U.S. median of 1980 and newer than the Maryland median of 1979.³ Most of Germantown's housing is recent: only 15% of units predate 1980 (U.S. 50%) and 7% were built since 2010.³

Rainfall is substantial: about 43 inches a year, 11 days of it an inch or more.^1,2 Heavy rain tests the flashing and crown; most chimney leaks enter there rather than through the brick, and the inspection report should say which. Snowfall averages about 21 inches a year.^1,2 Snow sitting against the stack keeps masonry wet for weeks; a cap, a sound crown and sealed counterflashing are what keep it out.

Heating dominates the year: about 4,604 heating degree days against 1,233 cooling degree days (base 65°F).^1,2 In a heating-led climate, insulation and air sealing carry most of the energy-code weight for any work that opens the envelope. Building permits in Germantown are normally issued by the county, as this is an unincorporated community.^4,5 Any permit is filed with the county for this unincorporated community.