2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Chimney Inspection’ Category

What Is a Level 1 Chimney Inspection?

Friday, March 20th, 2015

Without a clean and properly working chimney, your fireplace won’t operate as needed; it could also be possibly dangerous to operate. This is one of the reasons why it is important to schedule an annual chimney cleaning, also known as a Level 1 inspection. The experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., have the qualifications and training to conduct any kind of chimney inspection for your St. Paul, MN, home, as well as repair, installation and maintenance for your entire fireplace and chimney. If it’s been more than 12 months since your last chimney inspection, call us today and schedule an appointment.

What Happens During the Inspection?

During a Level 1 inspection, the technician inspects all of the readily-visible parts of your chimney and fireplace, including the firebox, damper and smoke chamber on the inside and the crown, cap and condition of the chimney on the outside. The goal of this inspection is to find any existing problems both with the inside and outside of your chimney and fireplace, including any structural issues, problems with the masonry and problems with drafting. Once the inspection is completed, the cleaning process will begin. Your entire chimney will be scoured with a rotating brush that removes the soot, ash and creosote, and all these combustion byproducts will be permanently removed using professional-grade vacuums. If any serious problems were discovered during the inspection process, you’ll be notified immediately.

Why Schedule Inspection?

The first reason you should schedule an annual inspection is for safety. A malfunctioning fireplace and/or chimney can be extremely dangerous, with the worst case scenario being the development of a chimney fire. A second reason chimney inspections are important is that they help your chimney operate as they should. Chimneys do two things at once: they expel the toxic byproducts of combustion while also bringing the right amount of air to feed the fire; if this balance is off in any way, your fireplace and chimney will experience problems.

We bring years of experience to every chimney inspection we do in St. Paul, MN, so Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

Friday, March 13th, 2015

Having a chimney that doesn’t work correctly isn’t just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. Your home’s chimney is the single outlet to expel the toxic byproducts of combustion and also to draw in air to feed your fire the oxygen it needs to burn properly. But when the chimney isn’t healthy enough to do these things, serious problems can ensue. The best way to ascertain whether or not your chimney is in good shape is schedule a chimney inspection. However, there are three levels of chimney inspections and we’ll explain more detail about these below so that you can understand what happens when you need a level 2 chimney inspection in Apple Valley.

Types of Chimney Inspections

The type of chimney inspection you need will depend largely on how you use your fireplace and chimney:

Level 1 Inspection

The level 1 inspection is the most basic type of inspection, and is the equivalent of a chimney sweep. This type of inspection is thorough, but is used when you aren’t changing the equipment in your fireplace, i.e., you aren’t making a change like installing an insert or stove. During a level 1 inspection, your chimney will be cleaned, the fireplace and fireplace box checked, insert or stove checked if there is one, and any blockages will be removed.

Level 2 Inspection

This type of inspection is needed for the following:

When you sell or buy a new home with a chimney
When you need to line your chimney
If you change the fuel type burning in the fireplace
If there are changes to the materials of which the chimney is made

A level 2 inspection will include all of the tasks of a level 1 inspection, but it will also include the areas close to the chimney, including attic space, crawl space and basement space.

Level 3 Inspection

Level 3 typically involves serious hazards. A level 3 inspection occurs when a chimney needs to have certain parts removed or rebuilt due to serious corrosion or damage. The tasks of levels 1 and 2 are also performed as part of level 3 service.

Maintaining your chimney is an important part of you and your home’s safety. The chimney specialists at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., will let you know what level inspection you’ll need for your Apple Valley home, so you don’t need to worry about having this information when you call us.

It’s recommended that your chimney is inspected annually, so if it has been more than 12 months since your last chimney inspection, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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What Is a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

Friday, March 6th, 2015

Although it is natural to think of the chimney in your home as durable almost to the point of invincibility, this is far from the truth. In order for a chimney to safely vent exhaust and avoid creating fire hazards and sustaining damage from moisture, it must receive routine inspections from professionals with licensing from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Inspections will locate any problem areas where a chimney may need repairs, such as relining, masonry work, or a new crown.

If you are unsure of when your chimney last received an inspection, it’s probably overdue for one. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., and our certified inspectors will take care of the job, whether you need a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 chimney inspection in Spring Lake Park, MN. We have many decades of experience with handling chimney issues of all kinds.

What do these levels mean?

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) defines three levels of chimney inspection. A Level 1 inspection is the basic check for a chimney that has not experience any major issues, nor is the homeowner planning on making any changes to the chimney or fireplace in the future. A Level 2 inspection is required if the homeowner had made a change in the fireplace or chimney, such as switching to a new fuel type or putting in a new liner. These inspections are also required when property is transferred or the chimney suffers damage from an event such as building or chimney fire.

Do I need a Level 3 inspection?

The third level of inspection is the most thorough. However, you won’t need to worry about determining whether you need one or not, because the technicians will figure this out when performing either a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection. If the inspectors suspect that a chimney may have serious safety issues during a Level 1 or 2 inspection, they will then do a Level 3.

During a Level 3 inspection, the technicians will check all the parts of the chimney to see that it is sound, the flue venting properly, and combustion systems working correctly. The inspection then moves deeper to normally inaccessible areas of the chimney, which sometimes requires removing the crown or parts of the interior chimney wall to check for damage and serious structural problems. This job takes special tools and techniques that are not used during Level 1 and 2 inspections.

If it’s time for a chimney inspection in your home in Spring Lake Park, MN, a Level 3 chimney inspection may not be necessary. Whatever is required to keep your chimney safe and effective, you can trust to 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. to handle it.

Our certified chimney inspectors will start with either a Level 1 or 2 inspection, and then tell you if you need the higher level. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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When Would I Need a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

A home fireplace is a source of both warmth and beauty for your household. However, the chimney of your fireplace requires routine maintenance and sweeping to keep it safe and properly venting the smoke, heat, and other exhaust. Regular maintenance from certified chimney sweeps involves chimney inspections that will see that your chimney does not have damage or blockages inside it that can lead to safety issues.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) handles the certification of chimney sweeps to perform these inspections. The CSIA categorizes the inspections into three levels. In most cases, a chimney will only require a standard Level 1 inspection to see that it is in good shape and not in need of relining, masonry repairs, or other services. But there are times with a chimney must have additional inspections.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. when it is time for your annual chimney inspection in St. Paul, MN. We are fully certified with the CSIA for all three inspection levels, and we can provide any repairs you need to keep your fireplace and your home safe and cozy.

When the Level 3 inspection is necessary

Level 3 is the most extensive of the inspections, and most chimneys will not require one except in extreme cases. The Level 1 inspection covers the chimney basics and any examination that does not require tools to reach unexposed parts of the chimney interior. Level 2 inspections are needed when you make a change to your fireplace, such as switching to a new fuel source or relining the flue. Level 2 inspections are also appropriate when the chimney has suffered a fire or if a storm may have caused damage to it.

A Level 3 inspection is necessary when either a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection indicates that there are hidden problems in the chimney or that special tools are needed to reach concealed areas. These inspections may require accessing the chimney through construction material around it, such as tearing out drywall. In any situation where the certified inspectors suspect that there are potential serious safety hazards within the chimney, they will recommend a full Level 3 inspection.

When a Level 3 inspection is completed, the technicians will be able to tell you what work needs to be done to keep the fireplace safe. You should not use your fireplace until you have had the work completed and another inspection has checked that the chimney no longer presents immediate safety concerns.

Never trust chimney inspections to anyone who lacks CSIA certification. The issues of safety are too important for you to allow amateurs to work on your fireplace or its ventilation system.

Call on professionals like the trained and certified technicians at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for your chimney inspection in St. Paul, MN.

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How Does Chimney Video Inspection Work?

Friday, June 27th, 2014

Your chimney requires yearly sweeping and inspections to make that it presents no possibility of danger to your home or family. A fireplace should always be a source of warmth and joy, not worry, and regular cleaning with make sure that your fireplace will not turn into a source of safety concerns.

Sometimes, you will need to go beyond the annual chimney sweeping appointment and bring in chimney inspection specialists. You should do this whenever you experience a chimney fire, damage to the chimney, or make significant changes to the heating system such as changing fuel source. One of the key parts of these inspections is special video scanning equipment.

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is a full-service and certified fireplace and chimney company that provides chimney video inspection in Wayzata, MN. From regular sweeping to complete Level 3 inspections, we will take care of making your chimney and fireplace safe. Contact us today to set up an appointment for your chimney.

Chimney video inspection

A video inspection is part of a Level 2 chimney inspection as defined by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA): “A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning equipment or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney.” Using this equipment is part of the mandate of a Level 2 inspection that no “removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required.” They are also part of the extensive Level 3 inspection. One or both of these inspections is necessary in the case of a chimney fire, transfer of property from one owner to another, suspicion of a crack or other major damage, and flue relining or other major upgrades to the fireplace.

To perform video inspection, a certified inspector inserts the camera on a “starter rod” through the damper. (In some cases where it is easier, the camera will go down through the top of the chimney.) The camera then moves up the chimney, with new rods attached to it to stabilize it as it moves farther. The camera rotates as it travels to offer a clear look at the liner so the inspector can view the surface and joints. The image provided allows technicians to see aspects of the flue that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. The inspection looks for cracks down to hairline fractures in the liner, loose or missing mortar joints, broken or missing tile liners, and signs of improper construction.

A Level 2 inspection will tell the technicians what work needs to be done to keep a chimney safe (or if a Level 3 inspection is necessary). Without the aid of video inspections, the job would be far more difficult and the details harder to ascertain.

You can trust all your chimney safety needs to 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. We are certified with the CSIA and use chimney video inspection in Wayzata, MN to give you the best safety inspections possible.

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3 Things to Look for with a Chimney Inspection

Friday, May 2nd, 2014

A chimney is no more dangerous to your home or your family than any other heating system you might have installed. However, just like a furnace or a boiler, a chimney needs to have regular inspections to keep it safe. You should schedule regular chimney sweeping service every year. As part of it, your chimney technician will provide a Level 1 inspection to make sure that your chimney is in excellent shape. Level 2 and Level 3 inspections may be necessary for chimneys that have sustained damage or received recent upgrades. Your chimney sweep will tell you which level you need.

But which chimney sweep do you need? You can call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. today to receive inspectors with all the qualifications necessary to give you the chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN that will keep your fireplace safe and pleasant all year round.

3 qualities to look for in a chimney inspection service

Superintendents certified by the CSIA: This is the key quality to look for in a chimney inspection company. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a non-profit educational organization that has existed for 30 years promoting quality among chimney and venting professionals. Through rigorous testing, the CSIA certifies chimney sweeps and inspectors to perform the three levels of professional inspection. This is considered the industry standard and the first qualification you should look for in anyone who services your chimney.
Certified by the CCP: Certified Chimney Professionals is the other important industry certification along with the CSIA. Like the CSIA, it demands the highest standards from the people it certifies, requiring passing a test and regular re-certification every two years.
Extensive chimney services: A company that offers chimney inspections should have a wide range of services to offer chimney owners. This shows a company that has experience and can bring in hands-on knowledge that goes beyond traditional education. (It also means it’s easy for you to schedule repairs from them—no matter what the repair is.)

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is a comprehensive chimney and fireplace service that handles installation, repairs, masonry work, sweeping, and inspections.

We are certified with the CSIA and CCP, and receive 95% of our business from referrals. You can put your trust in us when it comes to your Chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN.

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Some Benefits of Getting Chimney Inspection Services

Thursday, October 24th, 2013

“You only need your chimney inspected every five years or so. They’re very durable.”

You might have received this advice about your home’s chimneys—but don’t believe it. A chimney left without an annual inspection and sweeping services can pose problems for your home that range from serious annoyances to serious hazards. To keep your chimney a charming and cozy part of your house during the winter, you should schedule regular inspection and sweeping. We’ll go over some of the benefits you’ll receive from these inspection visits.

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. offers three levels of sweeping and chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN to make it simple to find a plan that fits your chimney and budget.

Contact us today before the first winter logs go on the hearth.

Reduced fire hazard from creosote: Although a fireplace is designed to hold flames without causing danger, this safety will vanish if the chimney doesn’t receive regular inspection. Without routine checks and sweeping, your chimney will develop a dangerous build-up of creosote. Creosote is a black, shiny residue left over from burning logs. Creosote is extremely flammable, and if enough of it encrusts the inside of your chimney, it might only take a small spark to ignite it, leading to a fire that spreads into the upper floors of your home.

Stop animal infiltration: The cap on top of a chimney does the important task of preventing animals from entering. Birds in particular like to make nests inside chimneys, but rodents and raccoons frequently invade these spaces as well. Trying to “smoke out” these animals can backfire, so a regular inspection to keep the chimney cap intact against these nuisances is important.

Prevent structural collapse: You might imagine the solid construction materials of most chimneys will mean they have scant danger of falling apart. But mortar can crack, or the lining of your chimney wear away, and this can cause the chimney to collapse. Aside from the aesthetic problem this will cause, a collapsing chimney can allow smoke into other parts of the house, cause a toxic backflow from the fireplace, and create major fire hazards. Inspections will locate structural trouble and get it fixed.

Keep in mind that even though you associate a fireplace with pleasant family moments and cozy holiday charm, it still does the job of containing fire and can become a health hazard without the proper care. Keeping the chimney over your fireplace in good shape is key to fireplace safety, so make sure you sign up for chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN. 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. will help keep your fireplace a joyful part of your household.

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Chimney Inspection Horror Stories

Friday, October 18th, 2013

At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we’re familiar with chimneys that haven’t gotten a proper inspection for many years and the troubles that can form in them. Even though a fireplace makes a wonderful and cozy addition to a home, people don’t like to think about the unseen interior of the chimney that vents the smoke to the outside, so they let those important inspections slide. However, a chimney that goes without any sort of inspection can develop serious issues, such as soot blockages and cracks in the masonry. And then there are issues that go beyond “serious” and enter the “horror story” realm. Here are two of them, both of which you can easily avoid in Eden Prairie, MN with chimney inspections being performed on a regular basis.

Raccoons: Bird nests are a common animal-related trouble you’ll find in chimneys with broken caps. Other creatures known to crawl into chimneys include rats and squirrels. But raccoons are the worst intruders of all. These masked bandits are extremely intelligent, persistent, and have infiltrated far into suburban areas where they have become territorial. They pose a major issue in Minnesota towns today. Raccoons will think uncapped chimneys are hollow trees and try to lair in them, and they are tough to remove. (Don’t try to smoke one out under any circumstances.) An annual inspection will make sure you have a raccoon-proof chimney.

Dangerous creosote build-up: Creosote is the residue left over from the burning of coal or wood. You will find this in any fireplace or chimney—but if you leave a chimney without inspection and cleaning for many years, this buildup can turn into a fire hazard. It will become worse if your chimney has poor airflow. Creosote is highly combustible, and if enough of it chokes up your chimney, a single spark might ignite a large fire that can spread to your roof. Far fewer homes would catch fire each year if people signed up for regular chimney inspections.

You may have heard that chimneys only need inspection every five years. This is a myth, and a potentially hazardous one. We recommend that your chimney receives an annual sweeping service which includes a full inspection to search for common—and uncommon—problems. 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. offers three levels of annual sweeping to fit your needs and budget. Don’t allow any of these horror stories to turn into your horror story: contact us today to sign up for a Eden Prairie, MN chimney inspection service.

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Why Isn’t My Fireplace Venting Smoke Properly?

Monday, September 9th, 2013

Fireplaces are a comforting part of any home, as well as savings providers on heating bills in the cold of winter. If you have a fireplace, it helps to have a trained expert come in for a regular chimney inspection. St. Paul, MN has too much snow and cold weather to chance a problem. In addition to regular maintenance, you should learn to spot signs of trouble when they appear, particularly if your fireplace isn’t venting smoke properly. There are numerous possible causes, many of which can be addressed by a trained professional.

Common Causes of Improperly Vented Fireplaces

Blocked flue. Soot and creosote can built up in your flue, as can leaves and other debris. Birds may make nests in it – especially in the summertime when you’re not using the fireplace – and bricks can come loose as well. All of that can partially or totally block your flue, preventing it from venting smoke properly.
Improper flue sizing or chimney height. Chimneys and flues need to be a certain size, depending on the size of the opening to the fireplace. If it was improperly measured during the chimney’s construction, you may experience smoke backing up into your house. Similarly, chimneys need to be a certain height in order to pull smoke upward: the difference in pressure between the top and the bottom of the shaft helps pull up smoke. If the chimney isn’t high enough, it won’t pull up any air.
A cold flue. Sometimes, if the flue is cold and hasn’t been used in a while, the air inside becomes dense, preventing smoke from rising. You can correct the problem with the addition of insulated liner within the chimney. (You can sometimes prime the flue by lighting balls of newspaper in the chimney, but in the cold of St. Paul, even that might not be enough.)

If your fireplace isn’t venting properly, contact the experts at 2^nd Generation Chimneys for a chimney inspection. St. Paul and the whole of the Twin Cities are part of our regular service area, and we have the experience to address the problem properly.

Give us a call today!

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Chimney Inspection & Maintenance in Your Home

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

Are you looking to buy a home? Part of your home inspection will be an evaluation of the chimney for potential hazards or needed repairs. Inspectors may recommend an additional inspection by a certified chimney sweep. 2nd Generation Chimneys has certified chimney technicians who will complete their own inspection of your chimney and make recommendations for necessary repairs.

Regular cleanings and inspections are an essential part of preventative maintenance. Not only does this help with ventilation, but chimney cleaning can also help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide intrusion. Whether you’re purchasing a home or maintaining a home you’ve loved for years, call 2nd Generation Chimney to schedule a chimney cleaning today. And for long term care, don’t forget to ask about our maintenance program!

Tags: chimney cleaning, Chimney Inspection
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