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

How Modern Chimney Sweeps Do Their Jobs

Monday, April 22nd, 2024

In 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.

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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.

Tags: chimney sweeping, Minneapolis
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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.

Tags: chimney, chimney sweeping, Minneapolis
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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.

Tags: chimney cleaning, chimney sweeping, Minneapolis
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A Chimney Sweep’s FAQ About Chimney Cleaning

Monday, May 1st, 2017

It 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.

Tags: chimney cleaning, Chimney Inspection in Minneapolis, chimney sweep, Minneapolis
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Why It’s So Important to Have Certified Chimney Sweeps on the Job

Tuesday, January 17th, 2017

You 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.

Tags: chimney sweep, CSIA, Minneapolis
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Why You Should Avoid a Cheap Chimney Sweep

Monday, February 22nd, 2016

Cleaning 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.

Tags: chimney sweep, Minneapolis
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It’s Summer! Why You Should Still Schedule Chimney Sweeping Today

Monday, July 6th, 2015

In 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.

Tags: chimney cleaning, chimney sweep
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How to Prepare for Chimney Sweeping in Minneapolis, MN

Tuesday, August 12th, 2014

Your 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

Tags: chimney sweeping, Minneapolis
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Benefits of Chimney Sweeping

Friday, November 15th, 2013

Chimney sweeping evokes images of cockney street urchins, stovepipe hats and Dick Van Dyke. But the principles involved haven’t changed in 150 years, and while today’s chimney sweeps use modern equipment and techniques, the work they do isn’t all that different from those of their predecessors. Chimney sweeping in St. Paul is a particular necessity, owing to our numerous older homes with fine brick fireplaces.

The benefits of chimney sweeping are numerous and obvious.

Safety. Smoke from your fireplace carries creosote into the chimney, which can coat the walls and ultimately become a fire hazard (it will ignite very easily). Creosote build-up can also prevent carbon monoxide from escaping your home, constituting another hazard.
Comfort. Build up inside the chimney can prevent smoke from escaping as quickly as it should, meaning that more of it could back up into your home. Clean chimneys also improve the amount of heat your fireplace projects into your home, making it more efficient as well as comfortable.
Longevity. Over time, the acidic qualities of soot and other debris can damage your chimney, forcing expensive and unnecessary repairs. A regular cleaning session can prevent that damage and extend the life of your chimney.

A good chimney sweeper understands the benefits of chimney sweeping, but also knows who to deliver them safely and effectively. That means paying close attention to new methods and techniques. Qualified chimney sweeps are licensed, bonded and insured to protect against accidents. They also work with the cleanliness of your home in mind, and guarantee their work once it’s completed.

For chimney sweeping in St. Paul, the professionals at 2^nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. are ready to help. We’ve served the Twin Cities area since 2001 and offer complete programs for inspecting, installing and maintaining your chimney. We’re available 24 hours a day in the event of emergencies, and our trained experts have earned the trusted of over 52,000 loyal customers. If you understand the benefits of chimney sweeping and want to set up a regular maintenance session to help keep yours clean, pick up the phone and give us a call today.

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