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

Minneapolis Chimney Sweeping Tip: Reasons You May Need a Video Chimney Inspection

Monday, July 9th, 2012

There is nothing quite as comforting on a cold night as making use of your Minneapolis fireplace. For those of you who use your fire places regularly the importance of having them swept out is probably well known. Modern technology offers more in the way of just chimney sweeping, though. If you have heard about video chimney inspection or have had it recommended, we’re guessing that you have a few questions. The first question is whether or not video chimney inspection is really necessary. The second is how to decide when to have a video chimney inspection performed. 2nd Generation Chimneys has some information to help answer these questions, and we encourage you to call with any others you may have.

First of all, like any service, chimney inspection is only necessary when there is reason to believe that you will benefit from the service. Our team will never recommend a service unless we truly believe that it will help diagnose a problem that other methods have failed to. When you have your chimney swept out a basic inspection is performed. If one of our trained chimney sweeps finds evidence of a problem with your chimney but is unable to find the cause, a video inspection may be a viable option. Likewise, if one of our customers is concerned about a performance issue with their chimney and we cannot find a reason for it, we will want to examine your chimney more thoroughly.

There are certain situations where it is pretty obvious that a video chimney inspection may be required. If there is evidence of a potential crack or void during the initial sweeping or inspection, for instance, or following a chimney fire. If you plan on relining your chimney flue it  certainly makes sense to ensure the integrity of your chimney beforehand.

The best way to decide whether or not you need a video chimney inspection is through communication. Only work with a professional Minneapolis chimney sweeping company that you trust and whose advice you feel comfortable in taking. If there does not seem to be any cause for a video inspection that’s fine. If your chimney sweep does recommend one, though, you want to be sure that it is because one is actually necessary. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. if you’re in the Twin Cities area. When you work with our trained, professional and certified team, you’re working with technicians you know you can trust.

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Chimney Fire Restoration Start to Finish

Friday, July 6th, 2012

If you have experienced a chimney fire, then let the Pixley family make the restoration process as easy as possible. David Pixley of 2nd Generation Chimneys is committed to excellence in every aspect of your experience. Unplanned restoration is never convenient, so at the very least you deserve to have peace of mind when it comes to the repair and restoration of your chimney as well as the financial burden. 2nd Generation is here to help! Let the Pixley’s walk you through the process of your insurance claim and get your chimney back in order as soon as possible. Call us today!

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Minneapolis Chimney Cleaning and Repair Tips

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Regular cleaning and inspections are an important part of preventive maintenance for your chimney. Scheduling cleaning and repairs for your chimney will help prevent potential safety hazards in your home such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and poor ventilation.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for any of the following important chimney maintenance services:

  • Firebox inspection and replacement. If your firebox is cracked, it may need replacement. Do not try to replace panels for your firebox on your own. Different types of fireplaces require different types of repairs or replacements, call us for an expert chimney inspection and repair.
  • Water repellant. You do not want to have a cracked and leaking chimney. Many chimneys require water protection to avoid this from happening – and should you have a leaking chimney, it would be dangerous and the repairs are more costly.
  • Do not use your chimney immediately after a chimney fire. You need to be sure your chimney is inspected by a professional. 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is your Minneapolis and Twin Cities chimney expert – call us and have no worries!
  • Chimney Cleaning. You should have your chimney cleaned and inspected once per year. Even if you are not using your chimney very often, animals can nest in the chimney, and other hazards can present themselves, even with light use.

You should definitely call us if you notice a strong odor coming from your fireplace, or notice other issues with your chimney. We can help with these services and more at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

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Why Summer is a Good Time to Schedule a Blaine Chimney Inspection

Monday, June 18th, 2012

While you may not think about your chimney in the summer months, it is a good time to schedule your yearly Blaine chimney inspection service. There are a few reasons to do this, but most importantly, you’ll want to make sure your chimney is in good working order before the heating season begins. Here are a few other reasons to have your chimney inspected by a 2nd Generation Chimney Technician this summer.

  1. Easier access. Because the technician will have to gain access to the top of the chimney to check for cracks or other obvious damages, it is much easier to work with a ladder if there’s no snow on the ground.  If it is a level 2 inspection that requires the use of a video camera, then there’s less chance that the extreme weather or moisture will damage the camera.
  2. Animal control. Animals tend to nest in chimneys more in the spring time, because that’s when mothers look for a place to have their young. It is better to have the animals and nests removed before the fall when you start to use your fireplace or wood stove again.
  3. Time for needed repairs. If your chimney is damaged in any way, we will have more time to make the necessary repairs before winter. This is especially important if you  need a new flue liner. You will have more time to make a decision about which one to install. We can also seal your chimney while the weather is warm if you have cracks in the mortar or crown.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. today to schedule your yearly Blaine chimney inspection and cleaning.

 

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How to Prevent Cracks in Your Plymouth Chimney

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Checking for cracks on the exterior of your chimney is something that any Plymouth homeowner can and should do.  Depending on the size of the crack and the potential soot around it anyone can determine if chimney repairs are needed.  Here are a few characteristics of chimneys in need of inspections, and ways you can prevent future damages.

One of the primary steps contractors and homeowners should know to take is leaving space between the chimney flue and the brick exterior.  This space needs to be present because of the heat expansion that occurs within the chimney while it is being used.  Without this additional space the chimney flue will expand and crack the brick exterior, which will lead to potential smoke leakage and further chimney damage.

Chimneys must be made to withstand some amount of movement, especially in towns that are known to have seismic activity.  Contractors should also be particularly careful of the soil that the place the chimney on, so that the foundation of the chimney is not resting on unsecure ground.  If your chimney does experience some movement it is important for homeowners to check the mortar joints, or the area where the chimney protrudes out of the roof, for gaps between the roof and the chimney.

One quick way homeowners can avoid any chimney sealing and resurfacing issues is by installing a chimney damper or cap.  During the colder months, if water travels down your chimney, and freezes, there is a good chance that the expansion of water to ice will crack your brick mortar exterior.  Right now 2nd Generation Chimneys is offering a discount on chimney inspections and cleanings when homeowners purchase a chimney damper.  By taking advantage of this deal people will be able to save money on their heating bills by restricting air flow through their chimney, reduce water from entering their chimney, and receive a discounted chimney inspection.

To learn more about ways to reduce chimney cracks, and increase chimney efficiency please call 2nd Generation Chimneys today.

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Scaffolding Done Right for Chimney Repairs

Friday, June 1st, 2012

Scaffolding setup is the first step to a smooth Chimney Inspection and Repair. Check out this video to watch the 2nd Generation Chimneys experts at work!

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Height Requirements for Chimney Installations in Ham Lake

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

When contemplating the look of your chimney installation in Ham Lake it is important to follow the specific height requirements set by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).  These height requirements were established to distance the top of your flue from your home’s roof to reduce the amount of heat that your roof is exposed to.  The obvious reason for these requirements is if the top of the flue is too close to the top of your home, the heat could catch your roof on fire.  A not so obvious reason for these height requirements is if the fireplace does not have a sufficient distance from the fire pit to the top of the chimney flue, the smoke will not be sucked up towards the chimney.

The height requirements for a typical chimney, otherwise known as a masonry chimney, is the top of the flue must be 10 feet horizontally from any portion of the roof, and the top of the chimney must extend 3 feet from the roof, where the chimney protrudes.  Typically a chimney inspection professional from 2nd Generation Chimneys should check these distances, but the best way to check if your chimney clears the 10 foot distance between the top of the flue and your roof is by placing a tape measurer on top of your chimney, extend the tape straight out to 10 feet, and make sure you can not touch any portion of your home with this extended length.  You can also measure 3 feet from the top of your flue down to the roof, where your chimney emerges, to see if that height requirement is fulfilled.

If you find out that your chimney flue does not meet the height requirements for the safety of your home please contact 2nd Generation Chimney.  We will be able to fit your flue with a chimney height extension.

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Mendota Heights Wood Burning Tips: How to Select and Store Firewood

Monday, April 30th, 2012

If you have a wood-burning fireplace insert in Mendota Heights home, selecting the right type of wood and storing it properly will help keep your chimney clean and increase the efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Selecting Firewood

Unless you have a pellet stove, there are many types of wood to choose from. While most people opt for premium hardwoods, lighter woods—such as maple or elm—are more plentiful and will burn faster, which makes them good for shorter, hotter fires or for kindling. Regardless of what type of wood you burn, make sure it is well-seasoned. Properly seasoned firewood is wood that has been cut and dried out as much as possible. Trees retain moisture even after they’ve died, so you want to make sure your firewood is cut at least 6 months to a year before you use it. The shorter the pieces are cut the better seasoned your wood will be.

If you have purchased seasoned wood instead of cutting your own firewood, there are a few ways to tell if it has been properly seasoned. First, look at the ends of the pieces. Are the ends darker, or do they have cracks and splits? Those are good indicators of well-seasoned wood. Secondly, check the weight. Seasoned wood is a lot lighter than green wood, which is dense because of the water retained inside the wood. Lastly, you can always buy the wood well in advance, and properly store it for several months before you plan to burn it.  If you end up burning slightly damp wood there will be a significant amount of smoke and you should consider getting your chimney swept and cleaned

Storing Firewood

Even if you’ve bought well-seasoned firewood, you will want to store it properly to prevent it from getting wet. Burning green wood creates more creosote buildup and, therefore, more potential for chimney fires. If the wood is too saturated, you may not get it to burn at all. Always store wood off of the ground and underneath a protective cover. If you are storing it on a porch, make sure there’s a roof over it or that it is in a sunny location and that you cover it with a tarp in inclement weather.

Ideally, you should store wood in a shed with a sturdy roof but that has openings or loose sides to allow air flow and help the wood stay dry should any moisture get trapped in the wood through the openings. A tightly-closed space could promote mold growth if the wood has retained any moisture. If you are trying to season the wood, proper air circulation is an important part of the drying process. Properly seasoned wood should last up to four years if it is stored correctly.

Feel free to call one of the chimney specialists at 2nd Generation Chimneys if you have further questions about choosing or storing your firewood for the wood-burning appliance in your Mendota Heights home.

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Thank You For Your Feedback

Friday, April 27th, 2012

We want to hear from you! In an effort to always provide the most outstanding service, 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. invites you to take our online Satisfaction Survey and let us know how we are doing.

Here is a recent comment from a happy customer:

“My experience with 2nd Generation Chimneys has always been exceptional. As far as I know, they are the most knowledgeable people in the chimney business. There is a reason I keep going back, I am a customer for life.”

– Don C.

Thank you, Don!

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Why Should You Have Water Repellant on Your Minneapolis Chimney?

Monday, April 16th, 2012

In Minneapolis there are a lot of myths about water repellants and when they are useful or not useful for a chimney. The truth is that almost all chimneys should have some sort of chimney sealant and resurfacing applied to them to avoid easily preventable water damage that can not only destroy the chimney face but pose a danger to you and your family.

What Water Repellant Does

Water repellant is used to seal up the masonry on the outside of your chimney. This is necessary because of the constant freeze and thaw cycles that a chimney goes through each winter. Water is absorbed by the mortar and bricks and then freezes in cold temperatures. This weakens the bricks and when it thaws, the bricks crumble or break free. It might take months or even years, but eventually extensive chimney repairs will be needed.

A properly selected water repellant stops this from happening by blocking up to 99% of the moisture that enters the mortar joints and bricks and keeping the chimney dry both inside and out.

The Problem with Some Water Repellants

The problem and the reason many people are hesitant to use water repellants is that they can also trap water inside the chimney if the wrong ones are applied. Sealers that form a film on the masonry, bond to the masonry or don’t allow enough air to breathe through the masonry risk sealing moisture inside the chimney and causing even more damage.

The right ones will penetrate deep into the chimney and bond with the masonry on a chemical level, blocking moisture without blocking everything, thereby stopping water from entering and leaving.

Water Repellants are Important

Chimneys will be subjected to all forms of weather – from rain to snow to sleet and wind – and that means they will deteriorate over time if not treated. To give your chimney the protection it needs and reduce the need for repairs, make sure you have someone you trust use the right kind of water repellant for your chimney.  Call 2nd Generation Chimneys with any questions.

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