2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

Have You Scheduled a Chimney Inspection?

June 22nd, 2020

Summer is in full swing and it isn’t likely that you are going to be using your fireplace and chimney for the next several months. With that said, this doesn’t mean that your chimney should be completely off your mind. Much like checking on a car that hasn’t been used for a few months to ensure it is still in working condition, you should want to make sure that your fireplace and chimney aren’t deteriorating while not in use.

This time of year is actually when you want to take the time to schedule a chimney inspection. After all, getting a professional out to check on your chimney when you aren’t using it and don’t need it makes things a lot easier for both you and the technician!

Is That Smell Coming From Your Fireplace?

June 8th, 2020

You don’t have to be using your fireplace to notice it has a problem. Just opening the damper to check things out and see if there is a reason to call in a professional can lead to a discovery that something is up. Of course, even if you aren’t checking on your chimney out of habit, you might be led to look into its upkeep by a strange smell that seems to be coming from it.

There are several different potential causes for chimney smells and none of them are good. This applies to both gas and wood-burning fireplaces too so whatever type you have and wherever it is located, this article is meant for you. A stinking chimney isn’t one you should ignore because it will only get worse!

How to Handle Chimney Squatters

May 25th, 2020

Springtime is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. You can always tell that winter has ended because of the sudden increase of blooming plants, flourishing foliage, and an abundance of furry and feathered critters around the area. It is always a treat to sit on your porch or in your backyard and hear the birds chirping away in the trees or watch squirrels run around in the grass. Spring is always a season full of life that is thriving just outside your door.

And as cute as those squirrels are you probably want them to stay outside.

While springtime and summer are both wonderful times of the year thanks to the great weather and extra sunshine, they can also be seasons during which you start having problems with your animal neighbors because you don’t see eye to eye–where you see a chimney and fireplace built to keep you warm, they see a great place for a nest and a new home.

3 Perks of a a Gas Fireplace

May 11th, 2020

Are you considering switching over to a gas-powered fireplace? If so, we look forward to working with you to get your new fireplace set up. Maybe, however, you have been going back and forth for a while and you still aren’t sure if a gas fireplace is going to be the best option for your home.

We love both wood-burning and gas-powered fireplaces so we can tell you that they both have their perks. With that said, we want to help you out by telling you about some of the great perks that you can enjoy when you switch to a gas fireplace. Below we have detailed some of the best things that we like about gas fireplaces so you can get a better idea of whether or not this system is a good fit for you.

Types of Chimney Flues

April 27th, 2020

When you use your chimney, the smoke and soot it produces are going to go up and out of your home through your chimney, if all is well inside of the said chimney. You can usually tell when something is wrong within your chimney because of cold drafts or smoke entering your home rather than going outside where it belongs.

Much of the operation of your chimney depends on the well being of your chimney flue or chimney liner. This is a part of your chimney that protects the brick masonry from the build-up of creosote, thereby reducing the risk of a chimney fire. It also helps the smoke from your fire exit the way it is supposed to. Your chimney liner is vital to the use of your fireplace and the protection of your home.

So when your chimney liner in St. Paul starts to struggle, it is going to help you to know what type of liner you might be looking to repair or replace.

Why Schedule a Chimney Cleaning?

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.

Chimneys FAQ: Your Chimney Flue

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.

How Do My Fireplace and Chimney Work?

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.

When To Schedule Chimney Cleaning

March 2nd, 2020

There 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.

When To Call For Repairs: Stinky Smells

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.