The Basics of a Basic Level 1 Chimney Inspection

August 3rd, 2015

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.

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What You Need to Know about Creosote

July 27th, 2015

Did you know that chimney fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the U.S.? Many people who don’t know the facts about their chimneys neglect to schedule regular services to keep them in good shape, and this can lead to some dangerous circumstances. We think any homeowner who uses a chimney should know more about creosote, one of the most unsafe substances found in homes.

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How Your Chimney Damper Saves You Money in the Summer

July 20th, 2015

Most 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.

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I Just Got a New Chimney Liner: Do I Really Need to Hire a Chimney Sweep?

July 13th, 2015

While 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.

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It’s Summer! Why You Should Still Schedule Chimney Sweeping Today

July 6th, 2015

In 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.

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Repairing Your Masonry Chimney: It’s Not Just for Looks

July 6th, 2015

A 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).

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A Short Guide to Quality Firewood and Your Chimney

June 29th, 2015

Are you taking the proper precautions when it comes to choosing your firewood? The quality of the firewood that you use has a major effect on the performance and safety of your chimney. Learn more about how and why to choose the proper firewood in today’s guide.

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Don’t Wait for Cold Weather to Think about Your Chimney

June 22nd, 2015

As 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.

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3 of the Most Common Chimney Repairs

June 15th, 2015

At this time of year, your mind may be far away from the troubles of winter. But if you’re not considering services for your chimney now, it may be too late when the cold weather returns. This is the perfect time to schedule any repairs you may need or to get an inspection so that you can feel confident using your chimney and fireplace in the winter. Right now, it’s a lot easier to get an appointment on your own time, and it is important for your family’s safety. Here are 3 common repairs technicians are happy to make for you this spring or summer.

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3 Things Responsible Wood-Burning Fireplace Owners Do

June 8th, 2015

A 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.

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