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

Why Upgrade Your Old Fireplace with a Gas Log Fireplace Installation

Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

An old fashioned wood-burning fireplace can bring tremendous joy to a home: there really is no way to duplicate the odors of burning wood or the pleasing crackle of the flames. However, wood-burning fireplaces create a tremendous amount of work, not only to load them with wood and keep them burning, but also to maintain them and keep them clean. If you have wondered about the possibility of retro-fitting and older wood-burning fireplace with gas logs, there are some good reasons to make the transition.

At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we are supportive of wood-burning fireplaces as an attractive option for homes. But we also know the major advantages of installing gas logs; in many cases, families will benefit from this upgrade. Here are reasons to think about gas log fireplace installation in St. Paul, MN to replace your wood-burning hearth. Call our fireplace and chimney professionals to learn more about the process.

Heating efficiency

There’s an ineffable pleasing feeling to the warmth from a wood-burning hearth… but that heat isn’t even or efficient compared to a gas log fireplace. In fact, burning wood is one of the least efficient ways of creating heat. With a gas log fireplace, you will have a more effective adjunct to your heating system, and can save as much as 25% from your heating bills.

Convenience

Wood-burning fireplaces are a lot of work. Once you replace an older fireplace with gas logs, you no longer have to worry about storing wood, hauling it inside, or purchasing new logs/chopping logs. The cleaning work is far easier as well, with no ash to scrape up and remove. A gas log fireplace can turn on with the flip of a switch, and when you turn it off there’s no more work to do.

Safety

The lack of sparking from a gas fireplace means your home will be at less risk from fire damage—and this is also safer if you have small children or pets in your house. A gas log fireplace will not threaten to create creosote inside the chimney, which means reduced chances of a dangerous chimney fire occurring.

Easier maintenance

Without the residue that comes from burning wood, the gas log fireplace needs less intense maintenance to keep it clean and safe year after year. Although you will still need maintenance for the fireplace and chimney on a regular basis, the work is simpler because it won’t have to deal with the effects of creosote and other build-up.

Installing a gas log fireplace requires experts to make sure that it vents safely and works its best at generating warmth and fitting in with your décor. Our staff at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. handles comprehensive services for fireplaces and can deliver you a high quality gas log fireplace installation in St. Paul, MN.

To find out more about your options for a wonderful gas log hearth in your home Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS.

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Do Fireplaces Really Need Maintenance?

Friday, June 6th, 2014

“Fireplaces are maintenance free!” This is one of the most unfortunate misunderstandings about fireplaces that homeowners have. Because fireplaces and chimneys are usually made of the sturdiest material available, like stone and brick, and have construction that can stand the test of decades, they give the sense that they are essentially invincible and do not need any regular care.

But nothing could be farther from the truth. You need regular inspection and fireplace maintenance in Minnetonka, MN not only to make sure the fireplace consumes fuel and vents properly, but also to avoid possible dangers from chimney fires. For the necessary professional maintenance for your fireplace, make sure you rely on licensed chimney sweeps like those at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. We are proud members of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Why fireplaces must have maintenance

A fireplace offers cosmetic beauty to the inside of your home, and the chimney to the outside, but they do have the basic function of funneling combustion gases away from the interior of your home and into the outside air. Without regular care, this job will become more difficult for the fireplace.

One particular section of a fireplace that needs regular care is the damper, which opens and closes the fireplace to the flue. A rusty or stuck damper can turn into a significant danger and make your fireplace essentially unusable.

Then there is the problem of creosote: this is the unburned wood energy that will begin to coat the fireplace and the flue, and it will increase in a fireplace that is dirty and not allowing combustion product to easily escape. Creosote is easy to spot: a shiny, tarry black substance. Aside from looking unattractive, creosote is highly combustible, and this leads to the most serious safety concern for a fireplace: chimney fires.

Without regular maintenance, creosote will build up in the flue and fireplace, and when the heat rises high enough, a fire will break out inside the chimney. According to the CSIA, these fires can melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material. Worst of all, this damage can allow heat to reach the combustible building material around the chimney, causing fires to break out on upper floors or the roof.

The CSIA recommends an annual maintenance inspection from a certified chimney sweep to see that the fireplace is venting safely and there is no creosote danger.

To sign up for an excellent program for fireplace maintenance in Minnetonka, MN, contact the team at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. today. Make your fireplace a source of joy, never a source of danger.

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Why Your Fireplaces Firebox Needs Cleaning

Tuesday, April 15th, 2014

When thinking about cleaning and maintaining your fireplace, it’s helpful to remember that a “fireplace” isn’t just the area where you see the flames coming from wood logs or gas jets. It’s a whole system that includes the hearth, the chimney, the mantle, the dampers, and the flue.

One of the most important parts of this system is the firebox, the place where the actual fuel for the fire is combusted. The size of the firebox differs depending on the type of fuel the fireplace burns, but they have one thing in common: they need regular cleaning to make sure the fireplace burns its fuel efficiently and safely.

Firebox cleaning is part of the regular professional fireplace maintenance you should have scheduled for your home’s fireplace every year. The best contractor to take care of your fireplace sweeping in Wayzata, MN is one dedicated exclusively to the care of fireplaces.

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. employs certified chimney sweeps with the Chimney Safety Institute of America and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Call us today to set up an appointment. 

The importance of keeping a clean firebox

Fireboxes will accumulate the leftover, unburnt product or fuel, and this residue must be removed regularly. For a wood-burning fireplace, the firebox will begin to accumulate creosote, which is a shiny black substance that is essentially unburned wood energy. Creosote is also highly combustible and will easily catch fire and can escape from the hearth.

Ash that collects in the firebox will eventually clog it up enough that the fire will not burn as efficiently. Although you can remove much of the ash yourself, a large amount will stain the firebricks, and they can eventually cause cracking, which can be very bad news for a fireplace. This ash contamination will need professional sweepers to remove.

Chimney sweeps will always check for cracks during cleaning. Aside from excess ash, these cracks can occur because of repeated expansion and contraction over time from the intense heat in the firebox, as so even gas fireplaces are susceptible. Cracks can lead to hazards, since they will allow heat to get out of the firebox and toward combustible construction material. You should hire masonry services to repair the firebox damage before you use the fireplace again.

Regular chimney sweeping and inspections

A chimney sweeping takes care of your whole fireplace, not just the firebox. To make sure you have a safe fireplace, technicians can perform Level 1, 2, or 3 inspections, depending on the amount of damage your fireplace may have. Our chimney sweeps at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. are certified to perform all levels of inspections and comprehensive fireplace sweeping in Wayzata, MN, so make us your choice for regular chimney cleaning and maintenance.

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Do I Really Need to Clean My Fireplace?

Monday, November 18th, 2013

No matter how often you use your fireplace—every day, or only a few weekend evenings during the holiday—you need to have it cleaned regularly. People often think that fireplaces don’t require regular cleaning because they are accustomed to the idea of a chimney and hearth having soot all over them. It seems almost… natural. However, it isn’t—and it can lead to hazardous conditions for you and your family. Fire safety experts recommend annual cleaning for fireplaces and chimney in order to avoid potential dangers.

We’ll explain a bit more in this post why it’s important to schedule yearly fireplace cleaning in St. Paul, MN. For comprehensive cleaning for fireplaces and chimneys, as well as installation, repairs, and inspections, call the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. today.

Why You Need Your Fireplace Cleaned

The number one reason fireplaces need regular cleaning is creosote. You’ve seen creosote before: it’s the shiny black substance that starts to appear on the bricks of the hearth and chimney after burning wood. Creosote is unburned energy from wood, and it is highly combustible. Only a small flame can cause creosote to ignite. This is a major safety hazard, as it can lead to fires getting into the upper floors of your house and your roof.

Cleaning will also take care of problems with the flue and its lining. The flue does the job of channeling smoke from the fireplace to the outside, and the inside lining of the flue serves as a thermal barrier between the heat inside the flue and the building material around it. A layer of creosote along the flue will increase the heat and lead to dangerous conditions.

“But what if I don’t burn wood logs or wood pellets in my fireplace?” some people may ask. Well, you still need fireplace cleaning if you use gas logs, because problems with the ventilation can lead to smoke or gas getting into your home. The vents can become blocked with animal nests (a common issue in St. Paul) or outside debris.

Finally, a clean fireplace is a beautiful fireplace. Aside from all the safety benefits you’ll receive from fireplace cleaning, you will also have your fireplace looking its most inviting for the winter season.

Hire Professionals Fireplace Cleaners

Most homeowners know very little about the proper care of fireplaces and chimneys. They may seem simple, but modern chimneys are designed with numerous safety measures that require care to make sure they protect you and your home. Make sure that you hire only experienced chimney cleaning technicians to take care of your keeping your family’s hearth beautiful and safe. Trust to 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. and our many years of experience with fireplace cleaning in Saint Paul.

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Problems Caused by a Dirty Fireplace

Sunday, November 3rd, 2013

Fireplaces are both decorative and functional. Although your home in St. Paul will almost certainly have a modern heating system installed in it (such as a boiler, furnace, or heat pump), a fireplace is a tremendous asset for getting cozy warmth during the winter, and it adds cheer and that special glow that you can’t get from any other source.

However, a dirty fireplace will cut into many of these benefits. A fireplace choked with soot and debris is not only a visual eyesore, but it can present serious dangers to your home and your family. Make sure you have a clean fireplace before the winter season arrives. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for quality fireplace cleaning in St. Paul, MN.

Here are some problems you might encounter because of a dirty fireplace:

Creosote fire hazards

Creosote is the shiny black residue left over from burning wood; basically, it’s unburned wood energy. It is also the No. 1 enemy your fireplace faces. Creosote will gather on the bricks of your fireplace as well as on the inside of the chimney. It looks unattractive, but worse, it’s highly combustible. It can lead to sudden bursts of flame in places you don’t want fire to appear, such as an upper floor. Regular cleaning will remove this common hazard.

Smoke dangers

When you forget to open the flue in your fireplace, the smoke will start to pour into your living space, and you know how unpleasant that can be. But if you neglect cleaning your fireplace, then the chimney will become clogged on its own from creosote and soot buildup, making it harder for smoke to escape. Even a small amount of smoke drifting into your home presents a safety hazard.

Carbon monoxide

If you have a gas fireplace, an accumulation of soot or creosote can create blockages that cause carbon monoxide to enter your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless but highly toxic. Even a small amount can cause bad headaches, breathing problems, and nausea.

The National Fire Protection Association Standard recommends that you have an annual inspection done on your fireplace and chimney in order to see that they meet safety guidelines. Although the NFPA doesn’t provide a specific timeline for fireplace cleaning, based on our experience in the business, we think you should schedule annual cleaning to accompany this inspection.

Keep your family safe and your home beautiful this year with a thorough fireplace cleaning in St. Paul, MN from 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

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Common Gas Fireplace Repairs We Encounter

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

A gas fireplace is an inexpensive and convenient alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They typically still use wood as fuel, but they contain a gas line allowing you to light fires more easily and keep the fire burning until sufficient heat and coals have built up to let it burn on its own. And yes, gas fireplaces become damaged and require repair sometimes, just like everything else. Fireplace repair in Minneapolis is particularly important because our cold winters are no fun without a warm and crackling fire to keep your home heated. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we’ve seen and dealt with all manner of fireplace issues.

Here are some common gas fireplace repairs we encounter.

Most repairs stem from one of two general areas. The first is the gas line itself. If it becomes damaged or the valve malfunctions, gas won’t enter your fireplace and you’ll have to light it the old fashioned way. (Requiring time and effort to do so.) Even worse, if the gas line springs a leak, it constitutes a direct danger to your family and needs to be dealt with immediately. Both situations are fairly common issues and we know how to handle them safely and efficiently.

The second area where repair issues crop up is in the chimney itself. Our calls often involve blocked air flow, which can result from detritus (like leaves or birds’ nests) lodged in the chimney or even damage to the structure of the chimney itself. Another chimney issue arises with the build-up of creosote along the chimney walls. This can create a fire hazard within the chimney and requires professional cleaning to correct.

Regardless of the situation, 2nd Generation Chimneys is here to help. We can handle many, if not all, of the common gas fireplace repairs we encounter, and we know how to work quickly and efficiently. That’s particularly important when it comes to repairing fireplaces in Minneapolis, since our fickle weather often sets a tight schedule for fixing things.

Give us a call today to set up an appointment. We’ll help you get your fireplace back into action!

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Signs That Would Indicate You Need Fireplace Repair

Wednesday, September 18th, 2013

A fireplace is often a welcome addition to your home, helping you save money on heating bills while providing a cozy and pleasant atmosphere in the bargain. Fireplaces are practically necessities in cold weather cities like Eden Prairie, MN. It is essential fireplace repair service providers must respond quickly to an issue, especially during the winter months when homeowners use it as often as possible. You can maintain your fireplace for many years with routine cleaning and maintenance. But eventually, your fireplace is bound to require a little more care.

Here are a few signs that would indicate you need fireplace repair.

The first and most obvious sign of trouble is when smoke backs up from the fireplace into your home. That means that the chimney is either blocked or has suffered damage that make it unable to do its job. There are many possible causes for this. Creosote could build up inside the chimney, birds can build nests in it during the warm season, leaves and other debris could clog it up, and the chimney itself may have suffered structural damage.

A similar but distinct issue concerns poor draw, which takes place when a chimney isn’t tall enough, isn’t wide enough, or doesn’t have sufficient air flow to pull the smoke up when a fire is lit. The effects are similar – a room full of smoke – but correcting it may involve more serious chimney repairs instead of just a thorough cleaning.

You may also experience issues of excessive draft: when too much air comes down your chimney, chilling your home and even putting out a fire you’re trying to light. In many cases, this is caused by external factors, such as a chimney built too low behind a nearby structure or the presence of trees too close to the chimney.

Regardless of the causes, these signs definitely indicate that you need fireplace repair. That means dealing with the issue before the snows falls. Eden Prairie fireplace repair falls under the purveyance of 2nd Generation Chimneys. We can perform a thorough inspection, then advise you on the best way to solve your fireplace problems. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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Fireplace Repair in Minneapolis and St Paul

Friday, May 17th, 2013

If you have a fireplace in your home then you likely use it on a regular basis in order to stay comfortable and also to add ambiance to your home. All that use can really take a toll on your fireplace. If you’re having any issues with your unit call the Minneapolis fireplace repair professionals at 2nd Generation Chimneys. We know how important it is for you to stay comfortable in your home which is why we thought it would be good to put together some of the more common fireplace repairs that we see.

Common Fireplace Repairs

Here at 2nd Generation Chimney we’ve responded to countless calls for Minneapolis fireplace repair. These are a few of the most common issues that we see.

  • Smokey fireplace – When you turn on your fireplace does it produce a lot of smoke? This is a common problem and can be caused by a number of different issues. One of the most common problems is a dirty chimney. If your chimney is dirty it could mean that the smoke isn’t able to efficiently exit. Also, this could also be caused by problems with your flue. The Minneapolis fireplace repair experts at 2nd Generation Chimney can get your system back up and working again soon.
  • Fireplace leaking water – If your fireplace is leaking water it could be a serious problem. This problem is often caused by water freezing in your chimney and then melting. Over time, it will cause the mortar and bricks to separate and allow rain or snow to get in.
  • Fireplace not lighting – If your fireplace isn’t lighting properly it could mean that your home isn’t comfortable. Call the Minneapolis fireplace repair professionals at 2nd Generation today.

No matter what type of fireplace you have or what kind of problem you’re having the experts at 2nd Generation Chimney can help. Give us a call today and one of our friendly technicians can get you back up running again fast.

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Minneapolis Off-Season Fireplace Improvements

Monday, March 4th, 2013

During the cold season when you’re likely using your fireplace almost every day, it can be difficult and sometimes impossible to make any improvements to your fireplace. Waiting until the off-season for fireplace improvements in Minneapolis is a terrific idea for many homeowners. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we have many years of experience working on all kinds of chimney and fireplace projects. We would love to help you make any improvements to your fireplace during the heating off-season in Minneapolis. If you’re looking for ideas of what kind of upgrades you can do to your fireplace check out some of our suggestions below.

Off-Season Fireplace Improvements in Minneapolis

Here are a few of the off-season fireplace improvements in Minneapolis that we recommend.

Get Your Fireplace Water Sealed

During the winter, water and ice can work their way into the cracks between your fireplace’s bricks. When the water expands as it freezes it can cause damage to your fireplace’s bricks and mortar work.

Get Your Chimney Swept and Cleaned

Another great way to make sure that your fireplace works again next winter is to get it cleaned out by a professional chimney sweep. This can help remove any soot or creosote build-up inside the flue. Not only can this increase the efficiency of your fireplace it can also increase its safety. Fires resulting from soot and creosote build-up are actually very common.

Have Your Fireplace’s Crown and Flashing Sealed

The crown and flashing are actually at the base of your chimney where it connects to your roof. These are normally pieces of folded metal that are sealed so that water doesn’t get into your fireplace through the base of the chimney. If you’ve noticed water in or around your fireplace it could be that you need to have your flashing and crown sealed.

Call 2nd Generation Chimney for all your off-season fireplace improvements in Minneapolis. We provide comprehensive fireplace and chimney repair in Minneapolis as well.

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