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

Why You Want To Get Any Creosote Out Of Your Chimney

Monday, August 15th, 2022

If you saw that you have a lot of debris coating the sides of a pipe in your home, you’d likely start planning to have that pipe cleaned to avoid clogs and addressed bad smells. The same thought process should apply to your chimney.

While your chimney doesn’t get as much use as your kitchen drain, it is responsible for venting out smoke and soot that doesn’t belong in your home. And these substances can leave behind a residue known as creosote that can actually create problems with that venting process.

Let’s examine what you need to know about creosote and why it is so important to get the substance out of your chimney.

Tags: chimney cleaning, Minneapolis
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6 Issues To Contact a Fireplace and Chimney Expert About

Monday, August 1st, 2022

A fireplace and its chimney look lovely in your home but they are far more than a part of the decor. Your fireplace and chimney are considered a home system, kind of like your heater.

While the operation and use of your fireplace and chimney aren’t nearly as complicated as that of your furnace, we want to remind you that this system does still need upkeep. Keep our team in mind when you need fireplace or chimney services in Minneapolis, MN. We are professionals you can rely on.

Tags: Chimney Services, Fireplace Services, Minneapolis
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3 Ways To Keep Your Chimney In Good Condition This Summer

Monday, July 4th, 2022

You may not be using your fireplace and chimney system pretty much at all for the next few months. We get that. No one is really up to stoking a fire unless it is to roast marshmallows in the backyard (please don’t do this in your living room fireplace). While you may not be using this indoor system at all it doesn’t mean that you should ignore your chimney until you need it again.

Taking the time to double-check that your chimney is in good condition is something that will benefit your home environment now and later on in the fall too. Here are three different ways that you can ensure your chimney is kept in good condition now and later in the year.

Tags: chimney sweeping, Minneapolis
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What To Do When Animals Get Into Your Chimney

Monday, June 6th, 2022

Spring is a lovely season when we get to see plants and animals flourish. While this is wonderful to experience in a majority of cases, it can also cause some annoyances. Just ask anyone with allergies how they feel about all of those flowers blooming!

Extra pollen in the air isn’t the only issue that might come from this time of year. All of those little critters may be looking for a nice place to call home and some of them may mistake your chimney for a great piece of real estate. It’s warm, dry, and safe–at least until you start up the fireplace!

Animals getting into your chimney isn’t something that we advise trying to address yourself. Let the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. help you clear out any unwanted squatters from your chimney.

Tags: chimney cleaning, Minneapolis
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Tilting Chimney? Get Repairs Now!

Monday, March 28th, 2022

There are fairytales that describe cottages with tilting chimneys as cozy and quiet. In reality, while the cottage may seem cozy it won’t be for long. A tilting chimney isn’t something quaint. It is a problem that needs to be resolved before it leads to even bigger, and more dangerous, issues.

Your home is comfortable and you want to keep it that way. This is why, if you start to notice that your chimney has started to lean a little bit, we’d strongly encourage you to reach out for professional service. That tilt will only worsen and will have increasingly negative impacts on your home.

Here’s what you need to know about the causes of this issue and why it requires prompt chimney repair in St. Paul, MN.

Tags: chimney repair, St. Paul
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What Are Spalling Bricks?

Monday, October 11th, 2021

Having a chimney that is made with masonry is something that a lot of people love. We love them too–they are quite visually enjoyable, after all. Even chimneys that are on the older side can still be pleasing to the eye. But a “vintage” look can sometimes actually be a sign of a problem.

If you have a chimney with bricks that are in bad shape, it may mean that you need to schedule chimney repair in St. Paul, MN. This is especially important if you notice spalling bricks on your chimney.

Here is what you need to know about getting chimney repairs for problematic masonry.

Tags: chimney repair, St. Paul
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Don’t Ignore Chimney Problems, Even In Summer

Monday, June 21st, 2021

We are rounding into the summer season. That means warm days and nights and likely very little time wanting to be spent by the fire. So, you’ve (hopefully) closed the damper and shut the grill to give your fireplace a break for a few months. Done and dusted right?

Not quite.

While you may not be using your chimney or fireplace for a little while it would be a good idea to still pay attention to how this part of your home is doing. Let’s say you already got your fireplace cleaned and pristine. Great. How is that chimney doing? If you neglect it for several months without checking for any outstanding problems, you may be in trouble come fall.

Tags: chimney repair, Edina
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The Importance of Having a Professional Cleaning Your Chimney

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Would you let an amateur clean your teeth? Or would you make a DIY attempt at a major repair on your car? We certainly hope the answer to these questions would be no!

Some jobs are best left to the professionals. In the examples we just listed, you should visit a dentist or a car mechanic who is trained and licensed to perform the work your need. The same concept applies when it comes to cleaning your chimney. You need to work with a professional.

Professional services for your chimney aren’t just recommended, they’re necessary for the sake of your chimney’s wellbeing and yours too. Let’s look at the difference a professional can make when they perform your chimney cleaning in Minneapolis, MN.

Tags: chimney cleaning, Minneapolis
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When Do You Need a Chimney Inspection?

Monday, April 26th, 2021

The chimney might appear flawless from the outside, but it may be hiding all manners of critical repairs on the inside. So how does a person with an untrained eye know when it’s time for a chimney repair?

A quick chimney inspection from an expert will reveal potential problems that need to be looked into. In some cases, the professional may use a camera scan of the inside walls of the chimney to reveal areas that need urgent repairs.

So when should you schedule a chimney inspection? As a general rule, you should schedule a chimney inspection twice every year (because of soot and creosote buildup). However, you should sign up for an inspection right away if you notice the following 5 signs.

Tags: Chimney Inspection, St. Paul
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Why Chimney Sweeping Is an Important Service

Monday, March 1st, 2021

Spring is right around the corner which means that spring cleaning is probably starting to pop up in conversation. Don’t forget to include your chimney in your cleaning to-do list. You should, of course, keep the exterior of the fireplace dusted and clear of debris. And if you have a wood-burning fireplace, you’ll need to make sure the firebox itself is kept as clean as possible too. But chimney sweeping is a more intense and intricate process that requires the help of a professional, not just a dust rag and some elbow grease.

While we do admire the tenacity of anyone who wants to try to clean their chimney on their own, we don’t advise it. Chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN is a job best left to a professional chimney sweep like those on the team at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Here’s why this is a task for a trained individual and why it is important for you to get it done ASAP.

Tags: chimney, chimney sweeping, Minneapolis
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