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

Should You Upgrade Your Chimney Liner?

Monday, September 21st, 2015

Unless you’re a professional chimney sweep, it can be tough to tell if your chimney is in trouble. Chimneys don’t exactly make noise or show many other outward signs that they need repair. However, there are some ways to determine if you should replace your older chimney liner with a new one. Here is how you can tell that your chimney need relining services from a professional chimney technician.

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Safety Tips to Keep in Mind for Your Chimney

Monday, September 14th, 2015

We know how wonderful it can be to cozy up to the fireplace on a cold evening. We also know that safety is your number one priority, and using your chimney for the first time this upcoming season may be a little nerve-wracking. That’s why we’ve put together this list of safety tips we think every homeowner should keep in mind.

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Cooler Weather Is Approaching: Is Your Chimney Prepared?

Monday, September 7th, 2015

You take your car in for regular inspections and oil changes so that the unexpected repair need does not appear at a dangerous time: while you’re on the road. Similarly, regular maintenance of your chimney helps to ensure that performance and safety issues don’t pop up while you are using your fireplace or stove, when a chimney fire is a real concern for your home.

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3 Things You Can Do for Your Chimney When the Weather Is Warm

Monday, August 31st, 2015

With temperatures outside lingering in the 70s and 80s, you’re probably not thinking much about your chimney right now. We don’t blame you; we want to soak up the sunshine as much as you do. However, as chimney professionals, we feel it is our duty to let you know that putting a little time into your chimney today can save you a lot of hassle and worry later on. Here are 3 things you can do today to ensure safety, efficiency, and the proper operation of your chimney and fireplace in the wintertime.

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Relining a Chimney: A Safe Bet for Many Homes

Monday, August 24th, 2015

Modern safety standards regulate chimneys in many ways, such as the inclusion of the chimney liner in any home. Masonry chimneys were once built without anything lining the inside. While the bricks and mortar used in their construction often held up for several decades, eventual wear and tear made it so that chimneys were at an extremely high risk of catching fire. Beginning in the 1940s, building regulations began to include the mandated addition of a chimney liner in any new construction.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Chimney Sweep?

Monday, August 10th, 2015

Hiring the right technician for any job can seem like the luck of the draw. Thankfully, you have a valuable resource to help ensure that your chimney sweep is completely qualified for the job. The Chimney Safety Institute of America’s online chimney sweep locator tool is one way to find a technician who will have your safety and comfort in mind, armed with all of the latest industry knowledge and the proper tools for the job.

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How to Keep Your Chimney as Clean as Possible

Tuesday, August 4th, 2015

Keeping a chimney clean can make it more effective and efficient and help to protect your home from a chimney fire. Dangerous buildups of substances inside of the chimney can allow a fire to spark, which may then spread to the outside of your home. Here’s how you can prevent such issues from occurring, and why you should always trust the toughest cleaning job to the professionals.

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The Basics of a Basic Level 1 Chimney Inspection

Monday, August 3rd, 2015

Perhaps you did not notice anything unusual with your chimney or fireplace the last time you used it. Even so, your chimney still deserves attention from a professional chimney technician, who can make sure it is safe to use for the upcoming heating season. A chimney may not have many moving parts, but that doesn’t mean it cannot run into trouble. Chimney fires are responsible for a large number of home fires each year, and regular Level 1 inspections help to prevent this from happening to your house.

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How Your Chimney Damper Saves You Money in the Summer

Monday, July 20th, 2015

Most people do not show too much concern for their chimneys in the summertime. But summer gives you a perfect opportunity to work on this part of your home. You’re not using it, technicians aren’t busy at this time of year, and they’ll have more time to focus on your chimney.  Scheduling chimney cleaning protects your home from fires as well. And one chimney service can even save you money on cooling costs: damper installation or repair.

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I Just Got a New Chimney Liner: Do I Really Need to Hire a Chimney Sweep?

Monday, July 13th, 2015

While the brickwork involved in the construction of older chimneys can add an elegant touch to a home, it can also make the chimney quite dangerous. If fire reaches the masonry of a chimney, it can spread to the home quickly, which is why steel (or tile) chimney liners are always included in modern construction. Installing a new metal liner helps to protect your chimney and your entire home, but this doesn’t mean you can neglect to hire a chimney sweep for annual visits.

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