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

Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair

Friday, February 27th, 2015

You can’t have a safe or effective fire in your home’s fireplace without a safe, effective chimney. As such, if you are a homeowner who uses your fireplace, whether for a simple, occasional fire or for every day heat, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your chimney may need repair. It’s just as important to hire experts to repair your chimney should it need repair. The fireplace and chimney experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., bring two generations’ worth of experience and expertise to every job we do, so if you have fireplace needs, including repair, call us today!

Chimney Repair Signs

Here are some items to be aware of when it comes to chimney repair:

  • Crumbling mortar – mortar is the cement or other binding substance that holds the stones or bricks of your chimney and fireplace together. If you can see that the mortar is crumbling, or can physically crumble it with your fingers, there is likely a moisture problem with your chimney. Crumbling mortar can lead to loose masonry, which can be very dangerous for your chimney.
  • Loose flue tiles – loose flue tiles, also known as shaling, occurs when you find tiles that are specially-designed for the top of your flue in the lower parts of your chimney or even in the firebox. These tiles are very important for the safety of your chimney and need to be replaced before your next use.
  • White powder on masonry – bricks sometimes develop a white, powdery substance on their surface that can be easily brushed off. Many people take this as normal, but it isn’t. That white powder is there because moisture that has gotten inside the brick and pushed the salt of the brick to the surface. There is a name to this phenomenon, and it is called Moisture isn’t good for any kind of masonry, so if you are seeing efflorescence, it’s time to call for an expert.

Whether you use your fireplace for occasional ambience or every day for additional heat, your chimney needs to be safe and effective.

If you are seeing the signs that your chimney in Roseville needs repair, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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Valentine’s Day: Pagan Revelry, Clandestine Marriage, and 14th Century Poetry

Saturday, February 14th, 2015

What do you think of when you think of Valentine’s Day? Perhaps rushing off to the stationary store after work to choose the perfect card with which to express your feelings towards a loved one? Dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant? Roses, dark chocolates, and other gifts and confections? Whatever Valentine’s Day may look like to you, chances are that it is a far cry from the history surrounding this holiday – or at least we hope so. Here are a few interesting facts about this most romantic of holidays, from your friends here at 2nd Generation Chimneys.

The fact of the matter is that there is no definitive history as to how Valentine’s Day came to be. There are a few different saints with variations of the name Valentine, for example. One of the most prevalent legends, and one certainly in keeping with the romantic nature of the holiday as we know it today, pertains to a priest serving during the 3rd century in Rome. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, who believed that young men made for better soldiers if unfettered by marriage, it was illegal for young men to marry. A true believer in love, Valentine would marry young couples in secret. Until, at least, he was found out, and met a very unpleasant end for his crimes.

Like many of our modern holidays, Valentine’s Day can also be traced back to pagan ritual. Lupercalia, as the pagan festival is known, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, a god of agriculture. As is often the case with Roman celebrations, the details of this celebration are unfit to detail here. Suffice to say that, while there is certainly a touch of the amorous in the proceedings, the festival was a far cry from what we associate with Valentine’s Day today.

How, then, did our modern version of Valentine’s Day come to be? The answer may lie in, of all places, 14th century poetry; particularly, in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer. Famed for his Canterbury Tales, Chaucer may well be the very first writer to associate Valentine’s Day with romantic love, in the manner of which we are familiar with it today. His The Parliament of Fowls details the dream-vision of a narrator consumed with the idea of romantic love and the natural order of finding a mate. Valentine’s Day is mentioned by name a number of times, as the narrator witnesses a parliament of eagles vying for the hand – or, perhaps more aptly, the wing – of a mate.

Whatever you may think of the holiday’s sordid and convoluted history, we here at 2nd Generation Chimneys hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the special someone in your life.

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What Happens During a Chimney Inspection?

Thursday, February 5th, 2015

The safety of your family is important to you, which is why we feel it is so important for every home chimney to receive inspection once a year. Like any other type of heating equipment, a chimney can pose a safety hazard if it is not regularly maintained. Maintenance includes cleaning problem areas and checking for any damage that could increase your chances of a dangerous chimney fire. Heating equipment is the second leading reason for home fires, and chimney fires take the lead in this category.

Scheduling chimney cleaning and inspection every year can significantly lower your risk of a fire, alerting you to any repair needs and giving you some peace of mind over the condition of your unit. Call a company trusted for chimney inspection and repair and recognized by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys today.

The Levels of Chimney Inspection

What happens during your next chimney inspection will depend on your needs, the state of your chimney and firebox, and whether you or your technician suspects trouble. There are three stages or levels of chimney inspections.

  • Level 1 – A level 1 chimney inspection is recommended for most homeowners as part of annual chimney cleaning. Before chimney cleaning, the technician should inspect your chimney for any large debris, like birds’ nests, and areas with a high concentration of creosote. After cleaning up these types of issues, the technician should inspect the chimney again using a strong light to locate any visible damage.
  • Level 2 – Level 2 chimney inspections are a bit more comprehensive, but are necessary after a fire, in case you decide to sell your home, or if you’re upgrading your stove or alternate heating equipment. Technicians will access crawlspaces and use high-tech equipment to assess the state of the chimney.
  • Level 3 – Finally, level 3 chimney inspections are recommended only in extreme cases, as the chimney may be disassembled to an extent for a complete inspection.

The technicians at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. are highly trained and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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What Is My Home’s Risk for a Chimney Fire?

Friday, January 30th, 2015

When you use your chimney, you feel comforted by its warmth, so you’re often not thinking about the potential consequences of a poorly maintained chimney. As it turns out, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., and chimney fires account for the majority of these. Most chimney fires are totally preventable—as long as you understand your risk. Assess whether your chimney has the potential for a sudden fire by asking yourself the following questions and taking action to protect your home.

Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for regular inspections and chimney cleaning in Lakeville. We are a team of certified professionals who take pride in our comprehensive chimney services.

Are there damages to your chimney or fireplace?

The first way to tell whether your chimney is at risk is by taking seriously any damage you may have noticed on the masonry, in the firebox, or with the flue. Cracked or chipped tiles or liners allow a pathway for flames to reach the structure of the home. Excessive creosote buildup in the firebox or chimney is another issue to look out for, as a single spark can ignite the creosote and start a massive fire. Creosote is a gummy, corrosive substance that sometimes forms as condensation collects in the chimney liner.

Have you had a chimney fire in the past?

If you’ve had a chimney fire before, your risk of another chimney fire or a home fire is particularly high. A chimney fire can crack flue tiles, damage the masonry, and spread creosote around the chimney and firebox or stove. In fact, you may be unaware that a chimney fire has occurred once before, so keep an eye out for flakes of creosote, warped TV antennae, masonry cracks, holes, and discoloration.

When’s the last time you scheduled chimney inspection and cleaning?

Perhaps the most important step in protecting your home from a chimney fire is regular chimney inspection and cleaning. This is suggested for most homes annually, although your technician may have different recommendations based on how often your chimney is used. Experts will inspect every portion of your chimney for damage, clean out creosote buildup, and may offer you valuable maintenance tips.

Calling 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney cleaning in Lakeville gives you access to professionals certified by the CSIA, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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What to Look out for When Inspecting Your Chimney

Thursday, January 29th, 2015

Any piece of heating equipment can run into trouble from time to time, and sometimes it comes with some scary consequences. Heating systems are the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., so it’s important to do all you can to prevent this possibility from occurring. And while any piece of heating equipment needs regular inspections and a tune up in order to prevent issues from popping up unexpectedly, chimneys may need a little extra work.

You may wonder: what can I do to prevent a chimney fire? While there are certainly some things you should stay attuned to, at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. we recommend leaving the brunt of the cleaning and inspection work to a professional. We’ve been around since 2001 and are certified by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) or chimney inspection in Circle Pines and the surrounding area.

Some things to look out for

There are a couple of things that should alert you to trouble when you look at your chimney or firebox. The first is cracked masonry. Cracks and holes force heat to distribute unevenly and may allow flames to escape onto the roof of your home. Especially when the liner is damaged as well (which is common with tile liners), flames are likely to spread. Second, you should pay attention if you notice an excessive buildup of flaky or tar-like creosote. Creosote forms in the lining of a chimney as condensation forms, and with high levels of creosote, even a spark can send flames throughout the chimney.

Leave inspection to professionals

However, you should leave any major inspection tasks to professionals. Inspecting a chimney is hard work, and it also requires a trained eye to locate smaller cracks, holes, and hazards. Amateur chimney inspection may pose a health or safety hazard as well. Besides, experts have the right tools for both inspection and cleaning, which could cost the average homeowner thousands of dollars. Professionals are best suited to recommend changes, such as replacing a worn liner, which could end up saving you and your home from danger.

Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. For chimney inspection in Circle Pines by trained experts, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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How Will Professionals Restore My Chimney after a Chimney Fire?

Thursday, January 8th, 2015

You may simply see your chimney as a decorative addition to your home that also requires little maintenance to make your living space warm and welcoming. But according to the National Fire Protection Association, chimney fires are one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Most of these fires are caused by a buildup of creosote, a preventable issue in most cases. After a chimney fire, it takes an expert to figure out the next steps that should be taken, which is why you should always contact professionals for chimney restoration in Minneapolis, MN.

First, the technician will need to assess what may have led to the fire in the first place. It would be irresponsible for a technician to begin repairs without first determining what can be done to improve your chimney and firebox and keep the problem from occurring in the future.

Next, the technician will repair or replace components that were damaged by the fire. Any severe masonry damage will need replacement, as will a cracked chimney liner. Sometimes, the masonry must be replaced because of the extensive damage. However, a technician may instead use a process tuckpointing to correct any issues with the masonry and crown. Trained tuckpointing specialists do their best to fill in any gaps with mortar that is as close as possible in design and texture to the original.

The technician will most likely need to install a new chimney liner after a fire as well. Many homes are equipped with clay tile liners as they are easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and readily available. But these so a poor job of absorbing and distributing heat, which can cause them to crack during a chimney fire, exposing the masonry to damage. Most professionals advise replacing clay tile with a steel or aluminum liner instead.

After a chimney restoration, a technician will recommend that you continue to schedule chimney cleaning and inspection on a regular basis. The most common source of chimney fires is creosote buildup, something that a technician can clean with the proper tools and know-how.

When you call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney restoration in Minneapolis, MN, you’ll get expert advice, assessment, and repairs from specialists in the industry only. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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Why Is Firebox Cleaning an Important Part of Chimney Service?

Thursday, December 18th, 2014

‘Tis the time of year for warm fires, but you could be in for a lot more if your firebox isn’t as clean as it should be. From all appearances, your chimney looks like one large component, but the truth is, your chimney can consist of up to 22 parts, one of which is your firebox. Chimney sweeping should be performed annually by a trained professional, so if you are getting ready to warm some chestnuts by an open fire, make sure you’ve had your chimney swept first. If you haven’t, call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., today and schedule an appointment for fireplace cleaning in Wayzata, MN.

What Is the Firebox?

The firebox is the part of your fireplace where the fire actually burns. Because of this, it is the part of your fireplace that sustains the most heat. Many fireboxes are made of some kind of masonry, like bricks, but some are made of metal, as you’ll find with a pre-fabricated chimney.

Why Is It Important to Clean the Firebox?

During a routine chimney sweep appointment, your firebox isn’t just cleaned, it is also inspected. Due to the high temperatures the firebox sustains, it isn’t unusual for wear and tear to set in. Combustion byproducts can be very acidic, so both masonry and metal can crack; the mortar in the masonry can erode, and metal can corrode over time. If these problems have developed with your firebox, they’ll be detected during your annual chimney sweep and repaired as necessary.

Maintaining Your Firebox

An annual chimney sweep helps you to maintain your firebox through the years, but cleaning out ash after every use is also important. Ash and soot accumulate quickly and can be corrosive; if left to sit in your firebox, you can prematurely age the masonry and/or metal work in the firebox. Cleaning out the ash from your fireplace after every use helps to significantly reduce the potential effects of the soot and ash while keeping your firebox clean for the next warm fire.

Warm fires and winter go hand-in-hand. Keep your winter fires healthy and safe with a clean firebox and chimney.Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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The Importance of Cleaning Your Factory-Built Chimney

Monday, November 3rd, 2014

Factory-built, or pre-fabricated, chimneys allow people to use a fireplace in their homes even if a fireplace wasn’t part of the original architecture. It is no secret that masonry chimneys and fireplaces need annual cleaning, and this is the same for factory-built chimneys. There are thousands of chimney fires each year in the US; properly cleaning your factory-built chimney in Inver Grove Heights can go a long way toward eliminating this possibility. If it’s been more than a year since your last chimney cleaning, call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., and schedule a cleaning today.

What Is a Factory-Built Chimney?

A factory-built chimney is typically a single unit, and is usually made of metal (although there are some masonry ones as well). Because a pre-fabricated chimney is one unit, it cannot be used with an existing chimney or flue. Pre-fabricated chimneys are thoroughly tested with their fireboxes at the factory, and they have very specific installation requirements that need to be adhered to in order to ensure safety and proper function.

Why Does a Pre-Fabricated Chimney Need Cleaning?

  • Remove creosote and soot build-up – soot and creosote can accumulate quickly in your chimney, especially if you use yours frequently. Soot and creosote are flammable; with a large enough buildup, they can catch fire inside your chimney. Chimney fires are dangerous in any type of chimney, but prefabricated chimneys are not built to withstand great amounts of heat; as such, it is very important to have the creosote and soot removed by a trained professional.
  • Helps prevent corrosion – combustion byproducts are very acidic. As such, they can corrode the metal and/or masonry of any chimney. Corrosion in the metal of your pre-fabricated chimney can lead to cracks and holes, which can be very dangerous.
  • Increase efficiency – a large creosote buildup in your chimney can restrict the flow of air in the chimney. In turn, this can reduce the efficiency of your fireplace.

Factory-built chimneys are well-insulated, safe and offer homes without a chimney the ability to have a fireplace. However, it is just as important to clean your factory-built chimney in Inver Grove Heights as it is to clean a masonry one.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., and schedule a cleaning appointment with one of our certified experts. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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What Happens During a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

Monday, October 27th, 2014

Your fireplace adds warmth and décor to your home and is a wonderful source of heat that keeps you feeling cozy and content. But without proper maintenance, any type of heating system—boilers, furnaces, and fireplaces alike—becomes a safety hazard. It’s important to schedule chimney inspection every year to ensure your fireplace has proper ventilation and that there are no serious problems that need to be addressed. The National Fire Association and the Chimney Institute of America have established three levels of inspection which all inspectors now use. Level 1 is the most basic type of inspection while Level 3 is used only in rare instances. We’ll go over all of the levels in this guide.

Chimney inspection and chimney cleaning are jobs for professional technicians who know what specific types of problems to look out for. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we’ve been in the business for two generations, so we know the proper way to perform a chimney inspection in White Bear Lake.

Level 1 and 2 Inspections

Level 1 and Level 2 inspections are the most common types that homeowners schedule. A Level 1 chimney inspection is part of your yearly chimney cleaning service. If your contractor does not inspect your chimney along with cleaning service, you should hire a new contractor. This is a routine inspection, during which an inspector checks all of the exposed portions of the chimney to make sure construction is stable.

You will need a Level 2 inspection whenever you make a change to your fireplace. You may, for example, switch to a different fuel source or decide to reline a chimney flue. A technician will need to access your roof and crawlspace, and may require video cameras for inspection.

Level 3 Inspections

Level 3 inspections are only performed when you or your inspector suspect a problem. For this type of inspection, the inspector may need to remove some components of your chimney, such as the chimney crown or parts of the interior chimney wall. In this case, technicians should limit removal only to areas where a problem may be present.

Trust the safety of your home to the trained and certified experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney inspection in White Bear Lake. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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The Significance of Chimney Dampers

Monday, October 6th, 2014

When you’re getting ready to start a fire in your home’s hearth, what is one of the first things you should always check? You should see that the damper is open so the exhaust fumes from the fire will escape up through the flue and out of your home. (The damper is sometimes erroneously referred to as “the flue”; the flue is actually the opening that allows exhaust to escape, and the damper is what controls whether the flue is open or closed.)

The damper is an essential part of the efficient and safe operation of your home’s chimney. To make sure it continues to work well, you will occasionally need repairs and even a new chimney damper installation in St. Paul, MN. Technicians will locate damper problems during regular inspections, and should you encounter trouble with venting from the chimney or notice that the damper is failing to fully close or is stuck open, you must contact experts like those at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. right away. We offer many services to protect your chimney venting and interior, including cleaning, chimney liners, and services for the damper.

The job of the chimney damper

There are several kinds of chimney dampers. The primary damper is the one located near the hearth which you can manipulate by hand. This damper is important during cold weather since it blocks warm air from escaping up the chimney when there is no fire in the hearth. Heat rises, making the chimney one of the easiest places for heat to escape from a home during the winter. The damper keeps your home energy-efficient, and only needs to open when you have a fire in the fireplace.

The damper is also important for keeping out musty smells and moisture from your home. A top-sealing damper is also helpful for this job. In addition to aiding the control moisture, a top-sealing damper will help trap heat in your home and keep out rain and animals that sometimes try to nest inside chimneys. A qualified technician can install a top-sealing damper (which you can then operate easily from a handle placed down near the hearth).

Aside from chimney damper installation in St. Paul, MN and the surrounding areas, we also install chimney caps, screens, vent covers, and single flue rain covers to help keep your chimney protected and your home energy efficient.

If you need a new damper or repairs for your current one, make sure to call on 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for the work. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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