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

Why Schedule a Chimney Cleaning?

Monday, April 13th, 2020

Springtime brings to mind the idea of spring cleaning for many people. This is because, after a long winter being cooped up in the house with the doors and windows shut, it is nice to get rid of the dust and debris and let in some fresh air. In the spirit of spring cleaning, we’d like to suggest that you consider scheduling a chimney cleaning in Minneapolis as one of your “spring cleaning to-dos.”

No, we don’t mean you should take a rag and a spray bottle to your fireplace yourself. Chimney cleaning is one of the expert services we offer that is going to help clear out any unwanted and potentially dangerous debris from your chimney. Even though your chimney may be the one thing that has been seeing regular airflow during the past several chilly months, that doesn’t mean it is clean.

Let’s look at what exactly a chimney cleaning service entails and why it benefits you… and your chimney, of course.

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Chimneys FAQ: Your Chimney Flue

Monday, March 30th, 2020

When you light up your fireplace, you can sit back and enjoy the warmth knowing that all the gas and smoke being created that could otherwise be harmful to your home are drifting safely up and out through your chimney. If something is wrong with your chimney flue though, you may not get this experience the way you expect.

For many people, it may come as a surprise that your chimney isn’t just the brick chute you see from the outside. Instead, the brick and mortar act as a visually pleasing cover over the part that is really responsible for getting rid of all that smoke: your chimney flue.

Your flue is quite important to the operation of your fireplace so it is a good idea to brush up on your understanding of this structure so you can be prepared when the time comes for repairs.

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How Do My Fireplace and Chimney Work?

Monday, March 16th, 2020

Have you ever looked at your chimney or fireplace and wondered what exactly it is about them that requires professional services? It’s just a box with a hole at the top right? Actually, there is a lot more to your chimney than you may think. Understanding the basics of what each part of your fireplace and chimney does helps you know when to call for repairs much more easily. This is because, when you know how things are supposed to work, it is easier to identify when they aren’t operating right.

If you are interested in learning something new about your wood-burning fireplace, then you have come to the right place. We have gathered some key pointers for you to enjoy. Hopefully, by the end of this, you will have a better grasp of the mechanics behind your fireplace so you know when to call us for assistance.

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When To Schedule Chimney Cleaning

Monday, March 2nd, 2020

chimney-sweep-cleaning-chimneyThere are different times of year that we recognize as the right time to accomplish certain things. For example, the time after Thanksgiving is when many people start decorating for Christmas, or the start of spring normally triggers spring cleaning in households across the country. So if there is a season for everything, then when might it be the best time to schedule chimney cleaning in St. Paul, MN?

Not only can we answer your questions about when to schedule this vital service but we can also provide the chimney cleaning that you need. All you need to do is keep reading to discover when you should contact us to set your service up.

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When To Call For Repairs: Stinky Smells

Monday, February 17th, 2020

There is something special and somewhat comforting about the smell of a wood-burning fire. Even your gas-fuel fireplace can create a clean, cozy scent once you get used to it. The sights sounds and smells of your fireplace are just as important to improving the comfort in your home as the warmth it provides.

So, what happens when you turn on or light up a fire and you are instead greeted by a less-than-pleasant smell. Hopefully, your first instinct is to reach out for chimney repair in Minneapolis, MN and, while you wait for your technician to arrive, you can use the following information to help you determine what might be the cause.

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When To Call For Repairs: A Drafty Chimney

Monday, February 3rd, 2020

cold-manYour chimney is very obviously a vital part of your fireplace system. Without it, the smoke and debris created by your fire would go into your house rather than being filtered outside, putting you and your loved ones at risk. With that said, however, it is possible for your chimney to become a detriment to your comfort when it is actually supposed to be a benefit.

In our last blog, we discussed the problems that can occur when your damper is stuck. This time we want to address what it means when your chimney is letting cold air into your home and why it is a definite sign that you should reach out for repair services. A broken damper may very well be a partial cause of the problem but we want to make sure you know what else might be causing a draft in your home.

Obviously chimneys and fireplaces age and start to break down over time. This is why we suggest getting a chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN and scheduling repairs sooner than later so issues don’t have a chance to worsen and create a bigger job than you originally expected. Make sure you reach out to us for assistance ASAP if you have a drafty chimney!

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When To Call For Repairs: Your Damper Is Stuck

Monday, January 20th, 2020

fireplace-fire-burningHaving a problem with your chimney is no fun. You want to add that little extra bit of warmth and atmosphere to your home tonight but there is something wrong with your chimney. It is a pain and we understand. That is why we want you to know a little more about when you should call for chimney repairs.

We have a few different topics to discuss on the subject of the different kinds of chimney repair in St. Paul, MN that you may need to address but we don’t want to overwhelm you. That is why we will focus just on issues with your dampers for this particular blog.

Let’s dive in so you can get the repairs you need and enjoy your fireplace again.

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What to Expect from a Chimney Inspection

Monday, December 23rd, 2019

Gathering around the fireplace during a cold evening, or waking up and having breakfast around your fireplace on a Saturday morning, is a great feeling. What isn’t great is when you realize that your fireplace is full of dust and grime, or that there is another problem within your chimney that could threaten the health of everyone in the house.

Taking care of your fireplace and your chimney is an important task. That is why we recommend yearly chimney inspections. An inspection can help to catch a potential problem before you end up needing to evacuate your home or replace your fireplace. But what exactly does a chimney inspection entail and why should you schedule one? We have the answers.

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The Trouble with a Tilting Chimney

Monday, November 25th, 2019

chimney-masonry-worn-brickYou and your friend are standing in your front yard, staring at your house intently. Both of you have begun to tilt your heads just a bit to match the tilt that is beginning to become apparent in your chimney. Your friend says that it seems to add character to your home, emphasizing that it is a long-standing structure that has seen its residents through many a cool winter. However, you know that the mild tilt is an issue that can and will get worse and should be addressed sooner than later.

A tilting chimney can occur in even the most well-maintained chimney. It’s a part of the life cycle in a way. However when you do notice that your chimney is starting to lean one way or another, you really should reach out for chimney restoration in Eden Prarie, MN before the issue escalates to a full replacement.

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Professional Chimney Repairs Could Save Your Life

Monday, November 11th, 2019

chimney-and-fireTell us if this tale sounds familiar.

There is a lovely home on a quiet cul-de-sac that is older than its residents. During winter, a steady plume of smoke can be seen rising from the chimney of this home as the family often gathers around their fireplace to enjoy a quiet evening together in warmth and comfort. That is until one night you hear the sound of sirens as an ambulance and firetrucks come racing onto your street and you see your neighbors outside of their beloved home, coughing strongly.

Honestly, we hope this scene is one you’ve neither seen nor experienced because it is the result of a fireplace that went without necessary care and ended up endangering the lives of its residents.

It is good to know that dangerous situations with your home chimney are avoidable thanks to available chimney repair in St. Paul, MN offered by our team of professionals.

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