2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

Chimney Creosote: The Scariest Halloween Intruder

October 25th, 2016

Halloween is all about things that go bump in the night. But at the end of the day, we know it’s all just pretend. Some of the scariest things that can actually get into your home, however, may already be there.

Creosote is a dangerous substance that you don’t want in your house. But it’s likely in your chimney right now! And unlike a spooky ghost, creosote cannot disappear on its own. You need chimney sweeps to clear out your chimney this fall, leaving you free to worry about more important things—like keeping goblins and vampires away from the home.

Is a Pellet Stove Better than a Woodstove?

October 24th, 2016

Today, you have more options than ever before when you want a wood- or pellet-burning appliance to fill your home with warmth. Rather than traditional wood-burning stoves that require seasoned logs of firewood, pellet stoves burn small wood pellets an inch or less in length.

Pellet stoves certainly have their advantages, but are they the better choice when compared to a traditional woodstove?

Here’s What Creosote Does to Your Chimney

October 17th, 2016

Fall is the time to start preparing your home for the cold. That means you may take on some major home improvement projects—like adding in insulation or a new wood stove to your home. Or you might add some smaller things to your home, like a new throw blanket or some warm pajamas.

But there are also some things you should be doing each year, no matter how prepared your home feels. This includes scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning. This can rid your chimney and fireplace of creosote, a substance that is highly flammable and can be quite dangerous.

Don’t Get Stuck without a Safe Chimney This Winter

October 10th, 2016

You wouldn’t drive your car for years without getting an oil change and general maintenance services. So why would you light a fire in your fireplace without having your chimney cleaned and inspected? This service is important for purposes of comfort, but more importantly, for the safety of your home.

Before winter comes, schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning so that your home is as safe as possible. Call us for more information and learn more here.

Preparing Your Fuel Supply for the Fireplace

October 3rd, 2016

Homeowners in Minneapolis are nearly ready to start their fireplaces and feel the cozy warmth they can bring. But first, they’ll have to make sure they have the right fuel for the job. Is your firewood ready for use in your fireplace? Check out our guide for preparing your fuel supply, and don’t start your fireplace unless you feel confident you have properly sized, well-seasoned firewood on hand.

Read This Before You Use Your Chimney

September 27th, 2016

You’re ready for the low temperatures to give you a chance to light a fire in your fireplace once again. A warm, welcoming fire can make a house feel like home. But don’t rush into using yours just yet. Before you get out the firewood, here are 4 things you should know before you start to use your chimney for the first time this year.

Is It Time to Retire Your Smoke Alarm?

September 26th, 2016

Our chimney techs and fireplace experts want to make sure that your home is protected from the dangers of a chimney fire—and that you have time to act if smoke does begin to fill your home.

Do Not Use Your Fireplace Before You Schedule This Service!

September 19th, 2016

Whether you’re excited about the weather changes to come or you’re dreading colder weather, there’s one thing that many of us look forward to. The feeling of warmth and comfort that comes after you light a fire in your fireplace and the heat radiates into the room is something that’s tough to beat.

How to Maintain Your Clothes Dryer

September 12th, 2016

Certain parts of your home tend to get more attention than others when it comes to cleaning and regular maintenance. You scrub surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom because you see them every day. You vacuum and clean the top of the ceiling fan because the dust makes people sneeze. And you take care of your fireplace because you know that it could be unsafe.

Who Should I Call to Sweep My Chimney

September 5th, 2016

Cooler weather will be sneaking up on us in no time at all. And it’s so important that your home is prepared. As you use your heating equipment, you can, unfortunately, put your home at risk. However, proper maintenance and preparation helps to avoid some of this risk.