Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we love animals. That’s why we think they belong out in nature, where they can roam free, and not in the confines of your home. One of the most common calls that we get in our office is homeowners frantically looking for a way to get animals out of the chimney. While we’re happy to help, we want you to protect yourself from this possibility, which is why we have a couple of tips to help keep them out.
Keeping Animals Out of the Chimney in the Summer
August 17th, 2015What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Chimney Sweep?
August 10th, 2015Hiring the right technician for any job can seem like the luck of the draw. Thankfully, you have a valuable resource to help ensure that your chimney sweep is completely qualified for the job. The Chimney Safety Institute of America’s online chimney sweep locator tool is one way to find a technician who will have your safety and comfort in mind, armed with all of the latest industry knowledge and the proper tools for the job.
How to Keep Your Chimney as Clean as Possible
August 4th, 2015Keeping a chimney clean can make it more effective and efficient and help to protect your home from a chimney fire. Dangerous buildups of substances inside of the chimney can allow a fire to spark, which may then spread to the outside of your home. Here’s how you can prevent such issues from occurring, and why you should always trust the toughest cleaning job to the professionals.
The Basics of a Basic Level 1 Chimney Inspection
August 3rd, 2015Perhaps 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.
How 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.