Perhaps you did not notice anything unusual with your chimney or fireplace the last time you used it. Even so, your chimney still deserves attention from a professional chimney technician, who can make sure it is safe to use for the upcoming heating season. A chimney may not have many moving parts, but that doesn’t mean it cannot run into trouble. Chimney fires are responsible for a large number of home fires each year, and regular Level 1 inspections help to prevent this from happening to your house.
The Basics of a Basic Level 1 Chimney Inspection
August 3rd, 2015How Your Chimney Damper Saves You Money in the Summer
July 20th, 2015Most people do not show too much concern for their chimneys in the summertime. But summer gives you a perfect opportunity to work on this part of your home. You’re not using it, technicians aren’t busy at this time of year, and they’ll have more time to focus on your chimney. Scheduling chimney cleaning protects your home from fires as well. And one chimney service can even save you money on cooling costs: damper installation or repair.
I Just Got a New Chimney Liner: Do I Really Need to Hire a Chimney Sweep?
July 13th, 2015While the brickwork involved in the construction of older chimneys can add an elegant touch to a home, it can also make the chimney quite dangerous. If fire reaches the masonry of a chimney, it can spread to the home quickly, which is why steel (or tile) chimney liners are always included in modern construction. Installing a new metal liner helps to protect your chimney and your entire home, but this doesn’t mean you can neglect to hire a chimney sweep for annual visits.
It’s Summer! Why You Should Still Schedule Chimney Sweeping Today
July 6th, 2015In the summertime, your home heating system is far from your mind. You love the warmth and comfort that radiates from your chimney in the winter, but once the warm weather hits, you’re unlikely to think of it much until fall rolls around again. But summer is a great time to schedule an annual cleaning visit and an inspection from a certified chimney sweep. Here’s a look at why.
Repairing Your Masonry Chimney: It’s Not Just for Looks
July 6th, 2015A masonry chimney—one constructed of masonry materials like brick and mortar—adds an elegant touch to any home. The masonry gives a vintage feel to the house, but it may experience some wear and tear over time, especially when exposed to water. Some people choose to repair their chimneys in order to update the look and feel of their homes. However, you should know that there is more to chimney repair than aesthetics (or, looks).
A Short Guide to Quality Firewood and Your Chimney
June 29th, 2015Don’t Wait for Cold Weather to Think about Your Chimney
June 22nd, 2015As the weather warms up, lighting a fire in your fireplace is probably one of the last things on your mind. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we understand that our customers don’t think about their chimneys as often as we do. But we do feel that it is important for any homeowner to get their chimney swept, even when the weather outside is warm. Here’s why.
3 Things Responsible Wood-Burning Fireplace Owners Do
June 8th, 2015A wood-burning stove or fireplace adds a decorative touch to a room and can provide a warm, cozy area for family to gather. But many people do not always use their wood-burning appliances properly, which can lead to dangerous conditions as well as reduced efficiency. Responsible wood-burning stove and fireplace owners are conscious of the type of wood they burn, the way they build a fire, and how often they schedule service. See why this is in our guide.
Could Winter Weather Have Damaged Your Chimney?
June 8th, 2015In the spring time, you may not be so concerned with the state of your chimney. However, the winter weather may have done some damage to your chimney, whether or not it was used frequently. For your health and safety in the coming winter, it’s important to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection visit with a trained professional in order to make sure your chimney remains safe to operate for another year.
Some of the Tools Used by Chimney Sweeps
June 1st, 2015Spring cleaning means it’s time to break out the heavy duty cleaning products and tools and prepare to clean out spaces you haven’t reached in months. With determination and a little bit of elbow grease, you can effectively clean out some of the hardest to reach spots in your home like the ceiling fans, behind the stove, and all of the light fixtures. But one spot in your home you should probably leave alone is the chimney.