If you’ve ever wondered what a professional chimney sweep does, you’re not alone. Many homeowners know that regular chimney maintenance is important, but they aren’t sure what the process entails. This blog will provide a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during a professional chimney sweeping. It will also emphasize the benefits of a chimney inspection, such as improving efficiency, reducing fire hazards, and extending the life of the system.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning’ Category
Just What Happens During “Chimney Sweeping”?
Monday, March 24th, 2025How Modern Chimney Sweeps Do Their Jobs
Monday, April 22nd, 2024In the quaint imaginations of many, chimney sweeps conjure up images of soot-covered figures dancing atop rooftops, reminiscent of scenes from classic literature or movies. (A certain Disney film comes to mind.) Yet, the reality of modern chimney sweeping is far removed from these romanticized depictions. As a leading chimney contractor, 2nd Generation Chimneys is here to shed light on the evolution of chimney sweep services and how we do our jobs in the 21st century.
Gone are the days of manual labor and primitive tools. Today’s chimney sweeps are equipped with advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure thorough and efficient cleaning. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of industry advancements, delivering exceptional service with every sweep.
So, what exactly sets modern chimney sweeps apart from their predecessors? Let’s delve into the methods and tools that define our profession today.
3 Ways To Keep Your Chimney In Good Condition This Summer
Monday, July 4th, 2022
You may not be using your fireplace and chimney system pretty much at all for the next few months. We get that. No one is really up to stoking a fire unless it is to roast marshmallows in the backyard (please don’t do this in your living room fireplace). While you may not be using this indoor system at all it doesn’t mean that you should ignore your chimney until you need it again.
Taking the time to double-check that your chimney is in good condition is something that will benefit your home environment now and later on in the fall too. Here are three different ways that you can ensure your chimney is kept in good condition now and later in the year.
Why Chimney Sweeping Is an Important Service
Monday, March 1st, 2021
Spring is right around the corner which means that spring cleaning is probably starting to pop up in conversation. Don’t forget to include your chimney in your cleaning to-do list. You should, of course, keep the exterior of the fireplace dusted and clear of debris. And if you have a wood-burning fireplace, you’ll need to make sure the firebox itself is kept as clean as possible too. But chimney sweeping is a more intense and intricate process that requires the help of a professional, not just a dust rag and some elbow grease.
While we do admire the tenacity of anyone who wants to try to clean their chimney on their own, we don’t advise it. Chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN is a job best left to a professional chimney sweep like those on the team at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Here’s why this is a task for a trained individual and why it is important for you to get it done ASAP.
Chimney Sweeping Is a Job for Pros
Monday, November 9th, 2020
Most of us have watched the iconic “Mary Poppins” movie scene with dancing chimney sweeps hopping from roof to roof and covered in soot. While chimney sweeps around here might be a little less magical, that doesn’t make them any less important. This is because chimney sweeping is a job that is best left to the professionals (that’s us) to ensure your comfort and safety.
It may not come across as a job that requires a lot of skill (you know how to sweep after all) but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The tools and knowledge required for proper chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN are only going to be found with a trained professional. That is why you should always reach out to 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. to keep your chimney and fireplace clean and clear.
A Chimney Sweep’s FAQ About Chimney Cleaning
Monday, May 1st, 2017It may not be the prime time of year for chimney sweeps, but we still want to make sure you get the information you need to stay safe. As the weather warms up, it presents the perfect opportunity to repair a damaged chimney, install a new fireplace, or schedule your routine chimney cleaning. Before you do, however, you might have some questions.
Why It’s So Important to Have Certified Chimney Sweeps on the Job
Tuesday, January 17th, 2017You wouldn’t hire a mechanic to be your doctor—or vice versa—so why would you choose a random “handyman” to clean your chimney? A dirty chimney is dangerous, greatly increasing your chances of a home fire, and it’s something you should have cleaned every year.
Certified chimney sweeps have gone through training and testing to prove their expertise, and you should only hire someone with the right credit for the job.
Why You Should Avoid a Cheap Chimney Sweep
Monday, February 22nd, 2016Cleaning out your chimney once every year (at least!) is so important for your health and wellness, and for the well-being of your home. This process could potentially save your home, as a buildup of debris in the chimney could actually cause a fire to ignite in the chimney and spread to your home.
It’s Summer! Why You Should Still Schedule Chimney Sweeping Today
Monday, July 6th, 2015In the summertime, your home heating system is far from your mind. You love the warmth and comfort that radiates from your chimney in the winter, but once the warm weather hits, you’re unlikely to think of it much until fall rolls around again. But summer is a great time to schedule an annual cleaning visit and an inspection from a certified chimney sweep. Here’s a look at why.
How to Prepare for Chimney Sweeping in Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday, August 12th, 2014Your fireplace chimney should have annual sweeping service from certified chimney sweeps (certification is from the Chimney Safety Institute of America) to keep it clean and safely venting exhaust fumes out of your home. Your chimney sweeps will also check for any safety issues from damaged components, such as a faulty chimney damper.
When you receive chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN from the certified team at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., you will receive a Level 1 chimney inspection along with the cleaning. This visual inspection will make sure that you do not have potential trouble from creosote, debris, or flue damage. We are a full service company for fireplaces and chimneys, and you will have a hard time finding more experienced technicians for caring for your home’s hearth.
When you schedule a chimney sweep visit, there are some ways you can prepare that will make the cleaning process easier and faster:
- First, clear away the area around the fireplace, in particular the mantle. You don’t want to have any valuable decoration you have on the mantle to receive any damage.
- Second, clean out the fireplace itself of any unburnt wood or fuel that is still in it. Remove excess ashes as well. It is advisable that you do not use the fireplace for 24 hours before the sweeping appointment.
- Third, to protect your furnishings that are near to the fireplace (sweeping can produce a large amount of soot) you should either cover them or remove them from the area. The chimney sweeps will take care of laying down floor coverings that will protect your carpet, rugs, floorboards, etc. from damage.
- Fourth, if you are concerned about other parts of your home, you may wish to lay down papers from the door to the fireplace. However, if you have hired a quality company with proper certification, the chimney sweeps will do everything they can to respect your home and wear protective, disposable covers on their shoes.
- Fifth, contact your chimney sweeps if you have additional questions regarding the service or what you can do to help prepare.
The actual sweeping service will go speedily and will create minimal disruption on daily activities. If you have 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. performing your chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN, the technicians will provide you with the findings from the Level 1 inspection. They will recommend whether you need a Level 2 or 3 chimney inspection, as well as recommendations for any repairs you may need.
Make us your first choice when it comes to any service you may need for your fireplace and chimney. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS