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

Getting to Know Your Minneapolis Chimney: What is a Chimney Crown?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Using a fireplace or wooden stove to heat a home is an antiquated notion to some. To others, though, there is simply nothing more comforting, relaxing and charming than a fire or wood burning stove keeping your home warm. If you are anything like the Minneapolis chimney experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, the sound and feeling of a comfortable fire is something to really look forward to.

Of course, the condition of your chimney is integral to the safe, successful operation of your fireplace or wood stove. We believe that homeowners should have some general idea of how their chimneys work and what function the different components serve. Here is some information about the chimney crown that sits atop your chimney and the important job that it performs.

Your chimney is exposed all year long to extreme heat and the iciest cold. That can really take a toll over the years. The function of your chimney crown is to protect the structural integrity of your chimney. Generally speaking, the mortar at the top of your chimney is weaker than at other points. To prevent your chimney from degrading from the top down, your chimney crown protects this vulnerable area from the weather throughout the year.

Many homeowners also opt to include a chimney cap on their chimney. Oftentimes the chimney and cap and chimney crown are confused. While the chimney crown is a mortared section of your chimney, the chimney cap is a roofed addition. The function of this chimney component is to prevent rain, snow, leaves and even vermin from entering your chimney. Ideally, a chimney crown and chimney cap will both be utilized in an effort to fully protect your chimney, both inside and out, from any debris or critters that may compromise its integrity.

For more information about the parts and function of your chimney, call the Minneapolis chimney cleaning and sweeping experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys. Our chimney specialists have the answers to any questions you may still have about the importance of your chimney crown. Contact us today for more information.

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Minneapolis Off-Season Fireplace Improvements

Monday, March 4th, 2013

During the cold season when you’re likely using your fireplace almost every day, it can be difficult and sometimes impossible to make any improvements to your fireplace. Waiting until the off-season for fireplace improvements in Minneapolis is a terrific idea for many homeowners. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we have many years of experience working on all kinds of chimney and fireplace projects. We would love to help you make any improvements to your fireplace during the heating off-season in Minneapolis. If you’re looking for ideas of what kind of upgrades you can do to your fireplace check out some of our suggestions below.

Off-Season Fireplace Improvements in Minneapolis

Here are a few of the off-season fireplace improvements in Minneapolis that we recommend.

Get Your Fireplace Water Sealed

During the winter, water and ice can work their way into the cracks between your fireplace’s bricks. When the water expands as it freezes it can cause damage to your fireplace’s bricks and mortar work.

Get Your Chimney Swept and Cleaned

Another great way to make sure that your fireplace works again next winter is to get it cleaned out by a professional chimney sweep. This can help remove any soot or creosote build-up inside the flue. Not only can this increase the efficiency of your fireplace it can also increase its safety. Fires resulting from soot and creosote build-up are actually very common.

Have Your Fireplace’s Crown and Flashing Sealed

The crown and flashing are actually at the base of your chimney where it connects to your roof. These are normally pieces of folded metal that are sealed so that water doesn’t get into your fireplace through the base of the chimney. If you’ve noticed water in or around your fireplace it could be that you need to have your flashing and crown sealed.

Call 2nd Generation Chimney for all your off-season fireplace improvements in Minneapolis. We provide comprehensive fireplace and chimney repair in Minneapolis as well.

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Spring Chimney Maintenance Projects in Plymouth MN

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Chances are that by the end of the winter in Plymouth, MN you will not be too sad to see the cold and the snow get left behind. It is a little sad, though, to realize that your fireplace will be largely out of commission for the next few months. There are not many things in life more comforting and relaxing than a nice, warm fire crackling in the fireplace.

Now is the time to make sure that your fireplace and chimney will be well rested and ready for the coming heating season, though, even if it is a ways off. Contact the Plymouth MN chimney maintenance experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys today for more information. Here are some off-season maintenance tasks to keep your fireplace and chimney in great, safe working condition.

Spring is the perfect time to schedule an additional chimney sweep before putting your fireplace to rest for the season. A cool fire builds up soot and creosote. If you have gone through a lot of wood this winter with slow burning, mild fires, you may benefit greatly from a chimney cleaning in the off-season.

Chances are that no one was up on your roof in the middle of the winter. Now is a great time to have your chimney cap and masonry inspected. There are a lot of things up there that could go wrong in a harsh winter storm. You may as well have the various parts and components of your exposed chimney inspected while the weather is more comfortable.

As the weather warms up a lot of different animals begin to become more active. Don’t let your chimney be converted into a critter condo. When animals set up shop in a chimney they tend to bring in raw materials like leaves, sticks and other things that could potentially lead to a chimney fire or blockage when you put your fireplace back in action.

Remember, before you flip on the air conditioner for the first time make sure that your fireplace is ready to be taken out of commission for the cooling season. There is plenty of maintenance to be done yet. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys today to learn more.

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Chimney Repair – Done the Old Fashioned Way

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

Even with as much technology as we have access to these days, sometimes we still have to get down and dirty and “dive in” to a job. In this case, our technician is climbing into the chimney to finish tiling for a chimney repair job. We stop at nothing to ensure our work is done right! From inspection, to cleaning, to repair and installation, 2nd Generation Chimneys is know for our expertise and craftsmanship in all that we do. Give us a call today!

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Rotary Chimney Cleaning by 2nd Generation Chimneys

Friday, February 15th, 2013

Chimney cleaning is naturally a dirty job, but with 2nd Generation Chimneys specialty equipment, we are able to minimize dust in your home and ensure a thoroughly cleaned chimney. In this video, you will see one of our technicians cleaning a factory built fireplace using a Top-Vac to control the dust. Give the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys a call today!

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Scaffolding Done Right for Chimney Repairs

Friday, February 8th, 2013

What separates us 2nd Generation Chimneys from the other guys? Experience! This video offers terrific perspective for what correctly installed chimney scaffolding should look like. Proper scaffolding ensures that we can clean, inspect or repair your chimney efficiently and safely.

Give 2nd Generation Chimneys a call today to set up an estimate for a chimney clean, repair, or inspection. Your safety and comfort is our top priority!

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We are your Minneapolis full service Chimney Sweep

Friday, January 25th, 2013

The Pixley family has been know for generations for our high quality service and that has not stopped with 2nd Generation Chimneys. We offer full service when it comes to your all your chimney sweeping needs. No need to call on a second company to rent equipment…we have our own! We will arrive at your home prepared with the tools needed to sweep, clean, repair, inspect or replace your chimney. We are certain that you will agree you are making the right choice by calling on the Pixley experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys. Your safety and comfort is our priority! Give us a call today at 1-866-PIXLEYS or complete a service or estimate request online.

 

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Plymouth Chimney Sweeping: Tools of the Chimney Sweeping Trade

Monday, January 21st, 2013

When most people think of chimney sweeping they most likely think of Bert from Marry Poppins leaping across rooftops with a black wire brush filled with soot. 2nd Generation Chimneys provides complete Plymouth chimney sweeping services. While we still to use metal brushes on poles, there are many other tools that we have at our disposal to get your chimney nice and clean.

Why Are Chimney Cleaning Services Necessary?

If you have a fireplace in your Plymouth home, you may have never thought about getting it cleaned. Here are a couple of the benefits of getting your chimney cleaned.

  • Safety – Most people think that once the fuel they put in their fire burns that there’s no risk to them. In reality, the soot and creosote that gather on the inside of your chimney are still flammable. If soot and creosote build up in your chimney they can ignite again. Chimney fires can cause tremendous damage to your chimney and to your home.
  • Efficiency – When you have a fire in your home, you want it to burn as efficiently as possible. If you let soot and creosote build up inside your chimney, it can hinder the flow of smoke, heat and air out of your chimney.

Chimney Sweeping Tools

Here are some of the tools that our skilled Plymouth chimney sweeping professionals will use.

  • Brushes – One of the best tools for chimney sweeps is still a long wire brush. The flexibility and strength of wires brushes allows us to get into tight spaces and scrub out any deposits.
  • Vacuums – Chimney sweeping is a dirty job. We use vacuums to remove any pollutants that enter the air as a result of our cleaning processes. We also make sure to clean up any mess that we make.
  • Chemical soot removers – Sometimes, a brush isn’t enough to get the soot or creosote off of your chimney. In some cases, we use a chemical cleaning agent to remove those deposits.

If you’ve never had your chimney cleaned, it might be a good idea to think about calling 2nd Generation today. We have many years of experience offering chimney cleaning in Plymouth. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys today!

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Everyone Needs a Good Chimney Sweep!

Friday, January 11th, 2013

Let the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys take care of you. We are professionals in the field and are here to make sure your chimney is clean and safe for use. We care about our community and that includes you! If you’ve noticed build up, or extra smoke in your chimney, now is the time to call. It is important to set up a regular chimney sweep to ensure the proper function and safety of your chimney. The Pixley family is at your service, so give us a call today! 1-888-PIXLEYS

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Chimney Sweeps To The Rescue!

Friday, December 28th, 2012

Chimney Sweep experts are a rarity these days. The crew at 2nd Generation Chimneys is committed to keeping the tradition of quality through detail and integrity alive and well. Every chimney needs a chimney sweep, and that’s just what we do! Give us a call to schedule and ensure that your chimney is operational all winter long.

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