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

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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Winter Chimney Cleaning

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

A little snow doesn’t stop the 2nd Generation Chimneys team from getting your chimney cleaned! No matter the season, our crew is ready to work. We have a team of experts that will thoroughly inspect and clean your chimney, as well as offer any additional repair services needed. It is our goal to keep your family safe and warm all winter long.

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Minneapolis Fireplace and Chimney Tip: How to Maintain Efficiency for Your Fireplace or Wood Stove Throughout the Winter

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Are you looking for ways to maintain efficiency while heating your Minneapolis area home with a fireplace or wood stove this winter? At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we can help you heat your home more efficiently with a few tips from our chimney and fireplace experts. You can always call us if you would like to know more about saving energy in your home.

Upgrade Your Damper and Chimney Cap

Whether you heat your home with a fireplace or wood stove, there’s potential for air loss through the chimney. You can prevent this with the right damper and chimney cap. The damper will help keep the warm air inside and the cold air out when you aren’t using your fireplace or wood stove. This will help with efficiency and prevent backdraft.

A sturdy chimney cap will also protect the inside of your flue and your flue liner from moisture issues. A chimney screen can also prevent flying sparks from creating a fire and keep animals out of your chimney. Lastly, burning the right kind of wood can also help with efficiency since it prevents excess creosote build-up.

Improve the Overall Efficiency of Your Home

There are many small tasks you can do to make your home more efficient overall. Adding insulation, sealing off air leaks, and upgrading the components of your heating system are some of the main ways homeowners can lower energy costs. Getting your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney inspected by a professional chimney technician will also help.

Whether you are looking for a new damper, chimney cap, or you need to schedule your next chimney inspection, call the Minneapolis chimney and fireplace experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys any time. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys today!

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Maple Grove, MN Chimney Tips: How Chimney Caps Protect Your Chimney

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Whether you own a traditional fireplace, wood stove, or fireplace insert, installing a chimney cap on the chimney in your Maple Grove, MN home is important for several reasons. Call 2nd Generation for all your chimney needs.

Preventing Moisture Problems

One of the main benefits of a chimney cap is that it keeps moisture out of the inside of the chimney. While all fireplaces and wood stoves create some creosote build-up, adding moisture to excess build-up can create deterioration due to corrosion. Because the cap extends across the crown, it can also protect the crown from damage due to moisture, especially if your chimney masonry is in need of sealing.

Preventing Animal Infestation

You can also install a combination chimney screen and cap to prevent animals from nesting inside the flue liner. Chimneys are a favorite nesting site for small animals, such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons. Not only is animal infestation dangerous to the animals, but when they nest in your chimney, it prevents proper ventilation and airflow. We can also install metal screens designed to cover roof and attic vents to prevent animals from getting inside your home through these openings.

Fire Prevention

Chimney screens installed at the top of your chimney cap prevent flying sparks from catching nearby brush or trees on fire. Sparks can also set fire to your roof under the right conditions. When you install a cap and damper system, you can also save on your heating bills, in addition to preventing safety concerns.

Choosing the Right Chimney Cap

While there are several options for chimney caps, call one of our fireplace and chimney experts to help you decide on the right one for your chimney. We can go over the different models that we sell and install. Remember, if you haven’t scheduled, your annual chimney cleaning and inspection, it’s never too late. We will inspect your cap, screen, and damper to ensure that they are doing their job.

Help protect your chimney and fireplace by calling 2nd Generation Chimneys of Maple Grove, MN today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly technicians. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys today!

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