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

Minneapolis Chimney Cleaning and Repair Tips

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Regular cleaning and inspections are an important part of preventive maintenance for your chimney. Scheduling cleaning and repairs for your chimney will help prevent potential safety hazards in your home such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and poor ventilation.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for any of the following important chimney maintenance services:

  • Firebox inspection and replacement. If your firebox is cracked, it may need replacement. Do not try to replace panels for your firebox on your own. Different types of fireplaces require different types of repairs or replacements, call us for an expert chimney inspection and repair.
  • Water repellant. You do not want to have a cracked and leaking chimney. Many chimneys require water protection to avoid this from happening – and should you have a leaking chimney, it would be dangerous and the repairs are more costly.
  • Do not use your chimney immediately after a chimney fire. You need to be sure your chimney is inspected by a professional. 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is your Minneapolis and Twin Cities chimney expert – call us and have no worries!
  • Chimney Cleaning. You should have your chimney cleaned and inspected once per year. Even if you are not using your chimney very often, animals can nest in the chimney, and other hazards can present themselves, even with light use.

You should definitely call us if you notice a strong odor coming from your fireplace, or notice other issues with your chimney. We can help with these services and more at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

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Why Summer is a Good Time to Schedule a Blaine Chimney Inspection

Monday, June 18th, 2012

While you may not think about your chimney in the summer months, it is a good time to schedule your yearly Blaine chimney inspection service. There are a few reasons to do this, but most importantly, you’ll want to make sure your chimney is in good working order before the heating season begins. Here are a few other reasons to have your chimney inspected by a 2nd Generation Chimney Technician this summer.

  1. Easier access. Because the technician will have to gain access to the top of the chimney to check for cracks or other obvious damages, it is much easier to work with a ladder if there’s no snow on the ground.  If it is a level 2 inspection that requires the use of a video camera, then there’s less chance that the extreme weather or moisture will damage the camera.
  2. Animal control. Animals tend to nest in chimneys more in the spring time, because that’s when mothers look for a place to have their young. It is better to have the animals and nests removed before the fall when you start to use your fireplace or wood stove again.
  3. Time for needed repairs. If your chimney is damaged in any way, we will have more time to make the necessary repairs before winter. This is especially important if you  need a new flue liner. You will have more time to make a decision about which one to install. We can also seal your chimney while the weather is warm if you have cracks in the mortar or crown.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. today to schedule your yearly Blaine chimney inspection and cleaning.

 

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Scaffolding Done Right for Chimney Repairs

Friday, June 1st, 2012

Scaffolding setup is the first step to a smooth Chimney Inspection and Repair. Check out this video to watch the 2nd Generation Chimneys experts at work!

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Height Requirements for Chimney Installations in Ham Lake

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

When contemplating the look of your chimney installation in Ham Lake it is important to follow the specific height requirements set by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).  These height requirements were established to distance the top of your flue from your home’s roof to reduce the amount of heat that your roof is exposed to.  The obvious reason for these requirements is if the top of the flue is too close to the top of your home, the heat could catch your roof on fire.  A not so obvious reason for these height requirements is if the fireplace does not have a sufficient distance from the fire pit to the top of the chimney flue, the smoke will not be sucked up towards the chimney.

The height requirements for a typical chimney, otherwise known as a masonry chimney, is the top of the flue must be 10 feet horizontally from any portion of the roof, and the top of the chimney must extend 3 feet from the roof, where the chimney protrudes.  Typically a chimney inspection professional from 2nd Generation Chimneys should check these distances, but the best way to check if your chimney clears the 10 foot distance between the top of the flue and your roof is by placing a tape measurer on top of your chimney, extend the tape straight out to 10 feet, and make sure you can not touch any portion of your home with this extended length.  You can also measure 3 feet from the top of your flue down to the roof, where your chimney emerges, to see if that height requirement is fulfilled.

If you find out that your chimney flue does not meet the height requirements for the safety of your home please contact 2nd Generation Chimney.  We will be able to fit your flue with a chimney height extension.

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