Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys, we understand the impact of fire damage on your home. If you have experienced a chimney fire or any other damage to your chimney, the 2nd Generation Chimneys team is ready to take care of you. We have experienced professionals on staff to ensure a proper restoration from start to finish. Give the Pixley’s a call today to ensure your chimney is ready for Fall!
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Chimney’ Category
Chimney Restoration in Minneapolis
Friday, September 7th, 2012Chimney Cleaning – Not for the faint of hearts
Friday, August 31st, 2012Chimney cleaning is not a job for just anyone. It takes more than just skilled training get a job done right – it also takes a lot of guts! Check out
our tech up on the chimney top at this chimney inspection job.
2nd Generation Chimneys employs highly skilled and brave men to do the job right and keep your family comfortable and safe. Now is a great time to give us a call for your chimney inspection before the weather changes to colder months. Give us a call today!
Minneapolis Chimney FAQ: Why Do I Need Masonry Repair?
Tuesday, August 14th, 2012In Minneapolis, chimneys are exposed to extreme weather throughout the year. Over the years, water can get into the masonry if it isn’t sealed with the right materials, and once the water settles into the joints, it can weaken the mortar and deteriorate the bricks. During the colder months of the year, water trapped inside the mortar can freeze and cause cracks and other damage to the chimney as a whole.
In older homes, brick and mortar chimneys might simply have worn down due to age. Then when moisture mixes with creosote, it can form mild acids that damage the lining and the masonry. As a result, even a well-maintained chimney may eventually need repairs. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we can take care of all your masonry repair needs, including sealing and resurfacing. Our technicians are trained to thoroughly inspect your entire chimney and make any necessary repairs.
Masonry Repair Services
The goal of masonry repair services is to inspect the chimney and check for common problems, such as deteriorating and loose bricks, crumbling mortar joints, or creosote build-up and other residues inside the liner. The process can vary depending on the condition of your chimney.
While chimney inspections are always done during the replacement of your heating system, you may also want one completed on a regular basis once a year to check for common signs of wear and tear. Masonry repair services can ensure the integrity of your chimney so that you won’t have to worry about it during the heating season.
There are a number of ways you can reduce the impact of excess moisture damaging your masonry chimney. A chimney cap can stop water from getting inside the chimney and damaging the flue liner, or a new liner can provide protection against the acids that develop due to the mixture of creosote and moisture, especially if you just had a new high-efficiency furnace or boiler installed. Sealing and resurfacing (also known as tuckpointing) can help protect the masonry.
If you suspect a problem in your chimney, or if it has not been inspected in the last year or two, call 2nd Generation Chimneys of Minneapolis for a professional chimney inspection.
Now is the time for Chimney Repairs and Inspection!
Friday, August 10th, 2012With your chimney being out of commission during the hot summer months, now is the best time to get any repairs or inspections taken care of. David Pixley of 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. (not to be confused with Jack Pixley Sweeps), has an expert crew ready to serve you. Inspections and repairs are critical to the safety and function of your chimney come those winter months when you need to keep your family warm. Give us a call today!
Three Levels of Chimney Inspection
Friday, August 3rd, 2012Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys Inc., we know the importance of maintaining and inspecting your chimney to ensure proper function and safety. The Pixley family has been maintaining, inspecting and repairing chimneys for generations
and offers three levels of inspection to suite your needs:
- Level 1 Chimney Inspection: During your yearly chimney sweep appointment, our technicians will inspect all the readily accessible components including the damper, smoke chamber and firebox to look for obvious issues that need repair.
- Level 2 Chimney Inspection: Offers a more comprehensive look at your chimney by accessing crawlspace and using special equipment. Flue size will also be assessed for compatibility with your fireplace or furnace and recommendations made to resolve any issues found.
- Level 3 Chimney Inspection: This inspection is the most comprehensive including all components from Level 1 and Level 2 inspections as well as removing the crown or other permanent structures to gain better access to the chimney. This is only done if absolutely necessary, so it is best to receive the professional recommendation from one of our expert technicians to determine which level is best for you.
No matter the level, David Pixley and his team of experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys will provide top notch service and recommendations to keep your chimney well maintained.
New Home Chimney Cleaning and Inspection in Minneapolis
Monday, July 30th, 2012It is essential to have a chimney inspection and chimney cleaning performed when you purchase a new home. You can never know exactly how the chimney and fireplace were maintained by the previous owner, and as such ensuring it is properly ventilated with a correctly functioning liner and flu is essential to making certain you remain free from fire hazards associated with improper chimney maintenance. 2nd Generation Chimneys is a professional chimney company in Minneapolis that performs these vital chimney services such as chimney inspection and chimney cleaning. Let us help you and your family stay safe in your new home before you use your new chimney for the first time.
Chimney Inspection and Chimney Cleaning in New Homes
New homes can come with all sorts of unseen problems which a home inspection will normally uncover. This way you are aware of the potentials prior to purchasing the home. That is why it is important to make certain you schedule a new home chimney inspection and chimney cleaning with a chimney company such as 2nd Generation Chimneys prior to using your new chimney at all. This way you will ensure you have a clean chimney that is free from creosote buildup which is a major cause of chimney fires, free of soot which restricts airflow, and free of debris which can come from outside.
During the chimney inspection any deposits will be swept, a visual inspection of the fireplace and chimney itself will be performed to identify any construction defects which have occurred, as well as an internal inspection of the chimney with video inspection to ensure correct chimney cleaning has occurred and to look for other issues.
Professional Chimney Company
It is important to hire a professional chimney company in Minneapolis such as 2nd Generation Chimneys that performs regular chimney inspections and chimney cleanings for new homes as well as chimney maintenance services. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys and receive quality Minneapolis chimney services for your new home!
Your Insurance Claim is Safe With Us!
Friday, July 27th, 2012The Pixley family name has been around for generations when it comes to your Chimney Repair, Chimney Cleaning, and Maintenance needs. David Pixley began his expertise with his fathers old business, Jack Pixley Sweeps. Now the proud owner of 2nd Generation Chimneys, David Pixley and his crew are here to help you with all your Chimney needs, including your Insurance Claims! Making an insurance claim can be time consuming and stressful and 2nd Generation Chimney’s is here to ensure a smooth process and a high quality repair so that your family stays safe. Give us a call today to get your Chimney inspected for fire safety. If you already are filing an insurance claim, be sure to give the Pixley family a call and we will guide you through the process!
Plymouth Chimney Sweeping FAQ’s
Monday, July 23rd, 2012There are few things more relaxing than making use of your fireplace on a chilly night. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that because it is not a primary heat source your Plymouth chimney does not need to be inspected and cleaned, though. Any use of your fireplace requires basic maintenance to keep it safe. Here are some common questions that people have regarding chimney sweeping.
How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?
Fire safety experts generally agree that yearly maintenance is necessary for a safe chimney. Remember, even though it is not heavily used your chimney could have poor ventilation from animal nests or suffer from a damaged liner or flu. A yearly inspection and cleaning will keep your chimney safe and functional.
How Long Does A Sweeping Take, and Is There a Mess?
Generally a chimney sweeping should be done in about an hour, though if problems are discovered it can take longer. As for a mess, yes, chimney sweeping is messy business. Thankfully a professional service like ours always has the appropriate equipment to leave your fire area cleaner than when we got there.
Why is Video Inspection Necessary?
A video inspection is, simply put, the most thorough way to ensure that your chimney is in safe working order. If our professional chimney sweepers notice any warning signs or safety hazards, the best way to evaluate the level of concern is with video inspection. The accessible parts of a chimney are only part of a complete inspection.
Can I Install My Wood Stove Insert Directly Into My Fireplace?
Maybe. Some prefabricated wood stoves require a specific chimney that is installed with the insert. Some are adaptable to existing fireplaces, but it is important that a qualified contractor do the installation to ensure that the stove and chimney are compatible as well as to properly insulate and seal the components.
If I’ve Had a Chimney Fire Can I Still Use My Fireplace?
The only way to be sure that your fireplace is safe to use is by having it professionally inspected. If you have a tile or clay liner, for example, you may need to have a new liner installed as these materials are very susceptible to heat. If any insulation or other materials are exposed through a crack it is very possible that another chimney fire may occur.
We at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. hope that this information has cleared up a few questions you may have had. Remember, we’re here whenever you need us, so if you have a question that was not addressed or have any other concerns, call us now. We’re here to help with any issues your Plymouth chimney is experiencing.
Chimney Reline in Minneapolis
Wednesday, July 18th, 2012When it comes to quality Chimney Relining, the Pixley family name has been around for generations and remains the name to trust for all your Chimney cleaning, repair, and inspection needs. David Pixley, owner of 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. will ensure the highest quality craftsmanship on your Chimney Relining job. Give us a call today and let the Pixley’s take care of your Chimney needs! See the difference in quality here:
Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Q/A: Why Do I Need Chimney Cleaning if I Have a Pellet Stove?
Monday, July 16th, 2012Using alternative fuel sources for heat is becoming more and more popular in Minneapolis. Sometimes, though, people get misconceptions in their head when switching over to a different fuel source. If you’ve ever used wood to heat your home with a fireplace before then you hopefully know about the importance of chimney cleaning. Don’t think that just because wood pellets are advertised as “clean burning” that you don’t still need to maintain a clean, safe chimney.
Wood pellets are a clean burning source of heat. They consequently create less creosote than burning wood logs in your fireplace or in a wood burning stove. However, the chimney and flue utilized by these stoves still require professional cleaning, not only to work efficiently but to work safely. Don’t take any chances when heating your Minneapolis home with pellet stoves.
Wood stoves rely on the principle of chimney draft in order to operate. Pellet stoves, on the other hand, require a specially sealed exhaust pipe in or to work properly. This prevents exhaust from spilling out into your living space. A combustion blower within pellet stoves creates air pressure, in turn creating a need for double walled ventilation with a stainless steel interior. Thanks to this forced exhaust system, pellet stoves do not require a vertical rise in order to properly vent. They can be vented horizontally, straight through the wall of your living space.
If you do have a preexisting chimney you can choose to vent through that as well, but you will need a correctly sized stainless steel liner for your chimney in order to ensure proper drafting of the exhaust. This will prevent a drop in pressure cause by an oversized flue, allowing smoke to condense within the chimney and adversely affecting the performance of your stove.
However you choose to vent your pellet stove, whether through horizontal piping or straight up your fireplace’s chimney, it is important that you take all the right steps to ensure proper operation and safety. This includes using the right equipment and flue liners. It also includes professional Minneapolis chimney service. Remember, clean burning does not mean creosote free. Call 2nd Generation Chimney now with any questions you may have.