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.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Chimney’ Category
A Chimney Sweep’s FAQ About Chimney Cleaning
Monday, May 1st, 20174 Reasons for a Chimney Leak
Monday, April 17th, 2017
If water leaks through the chimney, you should be worried. Repairing that type of water damage can be difficult and costly. More importantly, though, is that it may create a health risk. There are several reasons you may notice water leaking into the home from the chimney, either towards the top, through the fireplace, or in the walls.
If you suspect a chimney leak, there may be a few different reasons for it. In order to hone in on the problem, call a professional chimney sweep for a diagnosis. The solution may be to make major renovations to the chimney or to repair a small part, but in any case, it’s worth your health and safety.
10 Tips for Fireplace Safety
Monday, March 20th, 2017
Safety is our number one priority. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., our technicians are trained to use safety measures put in place by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We encourage all homeowners to use safe practices anytime a fireplace and chimney is in use, but we know it’s tempting to simply want to start a fire and forget about it.
That’s why we’re here to offer some reminders and, hopefully, some new information to keep your home safe. By all means, use your fireplace this season, but follow these safety tips to ensure a healthy home.
Keep Heat in Your Home with 4 Fireplace and Chimney Tips
Monday, January 23rd, 2017A fireplace is a soothing, comforting source of heat when the whole family is gathered in the living room, playing games or watching television and making the most of a cold evening.
We hope we don’t have to tell you that you shouldn’t be using your fireplace as a primary source of heat. This is expensive, first of all, and it can be unsafe. You should never use a fireplace unattended, and it can only really heat one area of the home anyway.
This winter, you may use both your heating system and your fireplace. If so, we want to make sure your home works as efficiently as possible and that you get the most out of both of these comfort systems. Follow these tips to make sure your fireplace and chimney don’t contribute to higher energy bills than you need.
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.
Start the New Year Right with a Chimney Inspection
Monday, January 2nd, 2017The new year is a time for a new start. If you missed out on chimney maintenance in the beginning of the winter, it’s not too late! We want every homeowner to have the opportunity to ensure that their chimneys are in tip-top shape, so that they can prevent potential home fires, water damage, and other issues.
Schedule a chimney inspection with a local chimney sweep. It’s important!
Plan for Fire Safety in Your Home
Tuesday, December 20th, 2016We cannot overstate the importance of knowing what to do, and ensuring your family knows what to do, in case of a fire in the home. Planning for fire safety means ensuring you have up-to-date working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, along with a plan for what to do in an emergency. Learn more in today’s guide.
How to Tell Your Chimney Needs Sweeping
Monday, December 19th, 2016We recommend that you get your chimney cleaned about once a year. However, there are certain circumstances in which creosote can build up faster (or slower) than it normally would, meaning you may need to clean at a different frequency.
Want to check whether your chimney is in dire need of cleaning? Read on to learn about when to get your chimney professionally cleaned, and find out more from our chimney sweeps.
We Use the Chim-Scan System for Chimney Inspections
Monday, December 5th, 2016We want you to have a safe and happy holiday season. But an uninspected chimney can be a serious barrier to this. Spending the holidays around a warm, welcoming fire may seem like the perfect family time, but hidden dangers could lurk in the chimney and fireplace.
Routine chimney cleaning is a good way to protect your home, but it’s nothing without a complete inspection before and after. Call our team for more information about chimney cleaning services, and find out why we use the Chim-Scan video scanner below.
Could You Fall Victim to a Chimney Cleaning Scam?
Monday, November 28th, 2016The average homeowner does not know too much about the chimney that vents byproducts away from the fireplace and the home, aside from the basics. You may know about the damper and about selecting seasoned firewood. You may have also heard that you are supposed to have your chimney cleaned once a year. But do you know how to spot an honest, legitimate company to take on that job?