2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

3 Signs You Need Fireplace Restoration

May 16th, 2014

Fireplaces are among the most durable of fixtures in a home: they have to be in order to deal with the high temperatures they experience any time they are used. But no fireplace is invincible, and sometimes they can sustain damage due to age or accidents that will require the work of professional restorers to fix.

Here are three indications that you need to call for fireplace restoration in Eden Prairie, MN.

Do not use your fireplace again until you have professionals make sure it is safe once more. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for fast service from experienced and licensed fireplace professionals.

3 warnings you need fireplace restoration

Cracking in the masonry or liner: One of the most severe problems you can encounter with a fireplace is cracking along the masonry or the liner, whether in the chimney, the firebox, or anywhere else. Cracks aren’t restricted to older fireplaces, either: moisture that seeps into a fireplace then freezes will cause bricks and masonry to begin to split apart. These cracks allow heat to escape from the confines of the fireplace and reach combustible building material, possible causing fires. Restoration requires the work of masonry experts who can fill in and smooth over the cracking to keep the heat of a fireplace where it belongs.
A chimney fire: A chimney fire is when combustion occurs within the chimney, instead of down in the fireplace hearth. This is a major emergency, and if your fireplace experiences this, it will need to have major restoration work done afterward to replace and restore tile and clay chimney liners that will endure heavy damage because of the fire. The restorers will also find the cause for the fire in the first place and make sure that the restoration work addresses it.
A leaning chimney: No, that’s not an optical illusion… the chimney is actually starting to lean toward or away from the house. A leaning chimney usually occurs because of deterioration in the chimney’s foundation. Restorers will need to repair the foundation in order to balance the chimney once more. This is an urgent repair job: a leaning chimney poses a safety threat if it collapses, and can cause enormous damage to your home from the stress it will place on construction material.

Fireplace restoration is a highly specialized task. To handle this work, call on technicians with proper certification and training. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we have a staff of Certified Chimney Reliners and superintendents certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. These are the qualifications you can trust for proper fireplace restoration in Eden Prairie, MN, as well as for any other fireplace repairs and sweeping you need.

What to Do if You Spot Cracks in Your Chimney

May 9th, 2014

One the eeriest sights you can see is to come across a wilderness spot where a town stood many years ago. The homes will have long rotted or burned away, but the tall brick and masonry chimneys continue to stand, making a forest of stacks marking the spots where people once lived. This is evidence of the durability of a well-constructed chimney.

However… chimneys are not invincible. Although the brick and masonry may keep the chimney standing upright, the combination of heat and moisture they often encounter—especially in a place with cold and snowy winters like Minnesota—can lead to cracking along the chimney interior. We’ll look into what you should do if you encounter this in your home’s chimney. Our maintenance program is also a great way to spot issues such as cracks in your chimney.

When you know it’s time for chimney repair in Minneapolis, MN, call the experienced and CSIA-certified team at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

What you need to do when you see cracks in your chimney

First of all, do not use the fireplace. Until the issue is resolved, you can cause serious damage to your home if you light the fireplace. Cracks in the chimney liner will allow heat from the fire to escape to combustible material outside, possibly igniting a blaze. Stay safe and keep the hearth cold for the time being.

Next, you need to call for chimney repairs from certified chimney re-liners who also offer masonry services. Fixing cracks in chimneys isn’t a simple task that involves a layer of plaster. Fireplace repair technicians with the proper training and certification from the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) and as professional chimney re-liners will tackle the job of restoring your chimney with repairs that will last.

The chimney re-liner is responsible for protecting the rest of the chimney and the materials outside it. If the liner has suffered too much damage, technicians can reline it. Other ways of repairing cracks include sealing and resurfacing, which will help waterproof the chimney to avoid more cracks in the future. (The most common cause for cracking is when moisture enters the bricks, then freezes and expands.) Skilled repair technicians will use tuck-pointing masonry repair to fix cracks while matching the original surface texture.

What you should not do when you see cracks in your chimney

You should never ignore a chimney crack—or any damage to a fireplace. Although chimneys are sturdy, they must remain in top shape to prevent them from allowing the escape of heat or blocking proper ventilation out of the flue.

The best work you can find for chimney repair in Minneapolis, MN will come from contractors with the proper experience and certification.

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. has a staff of Certified Chimney Reliners with CSIA certification, so you know you’ll receive the finest quality repair work.

3 Things to Look for with a Chimney Inspection

May 2nd, 2014

A chimney is no more dangerous to your home or your family than any other heating system you might have installed. However, just like a furnace or a boiler, a chimney needs to have regular inspections to keep it safe. You should schedule regular chimney sweeping service every year. As part of it, your chimney technician will provide a Level 1 inspection to make sure that your chimney is in excellent shape. Level 2 and Level 3 inspections may be necessary for chimneys that have sustained damage or received recent upgrades. Your chimney sweep will tell you which level you need.

But which chimney sweep do you need? You can call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. today to receive inspectors with all the qualifications necessary to give you the chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN that will keep your fireplace safe and pleasant all year round.

3 qualities to look for in a chimney inspection service

Superintendents certified by the CSIA: This is the key quality to look for in a chimney inspection company. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a non-profit educational organization that has existed for 30 years promoting quality among chimney and venting professionals. Through rigorous testing, the CSIA certifies chimney sweeps and inspectors to perform the three levels of professional inspection. This is considered the industry standard and the first qualification you should look for in anyone who services your chimney.
Certified by the CCP: Certified Chimney Professionals is the other important industry certification along with the CSIA. Like the CSIA, it demands the highest standards from the people it certifies, requiring passing a test and regular re-certification every two years.
Extensive chimney services: A company that offers chimney inspections should have a wide range of services to offer chimney owners. This shows a company that has experience and can bring in hands-on knowledge that goes beyond traditional education. (It also means it’s easy for you to schedule repairs from them—no matter what the repair is.)

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is a comprehensive chimney and fireplace service that handles installation, repairs, masonry work, sweeping, and inspections.

We are certified with the CSIA and CCP, and receive 95% of our business from referrals. You can put your trust in us when it comes to your Chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN.

3 Reasons to Plan Chimney Cleaning in the Spring

April 30th, 2014

Your fireplace can be an invaluable (and romantic) way of keeping warm in the cold of winter, and even those chilly spring days could benefit from a cozy fire in your home. But summer is definitely on the way, which means that your fireplace probably won’t see a lot of additional use until the fall. That means you should probably plan for a thorough chimney cleaning from a qualified professional. When it comes to chimney cleaning, St. Paul MN residents, and those throughout the Twin Cities have a reliable option to call upon. And frankly speaking, the sooner you can schedule a cleaning session the better.

3 Reasons to Schedule Chimney Cleaning in the Spring

The timing is right. We don’t need to tell you how cold it gets around here in the winter, which means your chimney has doubtless seen a lot of use. That means that creosote has probably built up along the sides of the chimney, along with other detritus such as bird’s nests and the like. Now that you’re not using it as often, you can get all of that cleaned up immediately, which means you don’t have to worry about it when heating season comes around again next fall. Your chimney will be clean and ready to go in September as soon as the air gets chilly.
Bigger problems. Similarly, if your chimney is experiencing more significant problems, such as crumbling masonry or a blockage in the shaft, then a cleaning session is an ideal way to spot it. You can then schedule a repair session and get it taken care of before you need your fireplace again.
You have maximum flexibility. If you wait until the fall, you may need to scramble to get the cleaning in on time. That means rearranging work, school and other parts of your busy schedule to handle it. Here in the spring, however, you have lots of time before you need the fireplace again, allowing you to find a cleaning date that fits your schedule rather than the other way around.

We have the tools you need to do the job right and our skill levels are second to none. Give us a call today!

For more reasons to plan chimney cleaning in the spring, or to schedule an appointment for chimney cleaning, St. Paul residents can call on 2^nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

3 Types of Masonry Services

April 22nd, 2014

Chimney and fireplace repairs often involve far more than fixing broken dampers, cleaning out layers of creosote, and clearing clogged gas lines. Sturdy fireplaces need masonry services to repair any damage they can suffer from time and the elements. Masonry services from trained specialists will take care of cracks and breaks, full restorations, leaning chimneys, and more.

When your chimney needs masonry services in Minnetonka, MN, only call on fully qualified technicians.

At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we have a staff that includes chimney repair specialists who can handle masonry jobs from sealing cracks to extensive restorations. Call us today!

3 types of masonry services we provide

Tuckpointing: Also known as re-pointing, this is a masonry repair technique using a mortar that resembles the original to fill in gaps. It is commonly used on old masonry that has begun to deteriorate due to weathering. This is a rare trade and requires specialists who can correctly match the texture and color of older brick and mortar material with new mortar to create a seamless illusion that enhances the look of the older masonry without giving it the appearance of being “patched.”
Repairs to flashing and fire stops: Metal flashing is what seals the point where a chimney meets the roof, and the masonry here needs special care should it become damaged and loosened over the years. Fire stops protect your ceilings and crawlspaces, which often contain flammable material, from the heat in the chimney. The masonry sealing along here must be re-sealed or replaced should it suffer from damage and create fire hazards.
Brick fireplace repairs: The fireplace must be free from cracks along the bricks and mortar to prevent moisture of any kind from seeping in and causing damage, which will create even larger cracking. If the damage enters the firebox—the place where the fuel in the fireplace is combusted—it will turn into a major hazard that can allow toxic gases to enter your home or fire to reach the building material adjacent to the fireplace. Any time you see mortar chunks missing or cracks along the hearth bricks, call for masonry services to repair the area right away.

Maintain regular fireplace inspections

Some masonry damage to your fireplace you can identify on your own with a simple examination of the hearth. Others are more difficult to detect. For this reason, you should schedule regular fireplace inspections to catch places where you need repairs. A Level I inspection done once a year will identify any spot where you need masonry services in Minnetonka, MN for your fireplace.

Make sure that the hearth in your home remains a place of safe, cozy enjoyment for your whole family. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for all the repairs and inspections necessary to keep your fireplace in excellent shape, no matter its age.

Why Your Fireplaces Firebox Needs Cleaning

April 15th, 2014

When thinking about cleaning and maintaining your fireplace, it’s helpful to remember that a “fireplace” isn’t just the area where you see the flames coming from wood logs or gas jets. It’s a whole system that includes the hearth, the chimney, the mantle, the dampers, and the flue.

One of the most important parts of this system is the firebox, the place where the actual fuel for the fire is combusted. The size of the firebox differs depending on the type of fuel the fireplace burns, but they have one thing in common: they need regular cleaning to make sure the fireplace burns its fuel efficiently and safely.

Firebox cleaning is part of the regular professional fireplace maintenance you should have scheduled for your home’s fireplace every year. The best contractor to take care of your fireplace sweeping in Wayzata, MN is one dedicated exclusively to the care of fireplaces.

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. employs certified chimney sweeps with the Chimney Safety Institute of America and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Call us today to set up an appointment.

The importance of keeping a clean firebox

Fireboxes will accumulate the leftover, unburnt product or fuel, and this residue must be removed regularly. For a wood-burning fireplace, the firebox will begin to accumulate creosote, which is a shiny black substance that is essentially unburned wood energy. Creosote is also highly combustible and will easily catch fire and can escape from the hearth.

Ash that collects in the firebox will eventually clog it up enough that the fire will not burn as efficiently. Although you can remove much of the ash yourself, a large amount will stain the firebricks, and they can eventually cause cracking, which can be very bad news for a fireplace. This ash contamination will need professional sweepers to remove.

Chimney sweeps will always check for cracks during cleaning. Aside from excess ash, these cracks can occur because of repeated expansion and contraction over time from the intense heat in the firebox, as so even gas fireplaces are susceptible. Cracks can lead to hazards, since they will allow heat to get out of the firebox and toward combustible construction material. You should hire masonry services to repair the firebox damage before you use the fireplace again.

Regular chimney sweeping and inspections

A chimney sweeping takes care of your whole fireplace, not just the firebox. To make sure you have a safe fireplace, technicians can perform Level 1, 2, or 3 inspections, depending on the amount of damage your fireplace may have. Our chimney sweeps at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. are certified to perform all levels of inspections and comprehensive fireplace sweeping in Wayzata, MN, so make us your choice for regular chimney cleaning and maintenance.

Treat Creosote Build-Up This Spring

April 8th, 2014

Creosote is a byproduct of regular fireplace use: a tarry, flammable substance that coats the interior of your chimney. It’s very natural and as long as you have your fireplace maintained regularly, you shouldn’t have any problems with it. Eventually, however, creosote will build up to sufficient levels to constitute a fire hazard, and even when it doesn’t, it can block the flow of air through your chimney, severely reducing the effectiveness of your fireplace. In terms of chimney repair, St. Paul MN has the experts to handle creosote build-up.

If you need to treat creosote build-up, don’t hesitate to give the fireplace maintenance experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys a call. You’ll be glad you did!

Why Spring is Ideal For Treating Creosote

It’s tough scheduling fireplace cleaning in the winter, because it means giving your fireplace a rest during the coldest parts of the year (as well as opening your home to the frigid temperatures outside). As spring blooms, you’ll have the luxury of scheduling a cleaning session at your convenience. It also makes a golden opportunity to clean up any creosote that has built up since last fall, making your fireplace clean, safe and ready to go when the next heating season rolls around.

Furthermore, spring is an easier time than others to tackle creosote problems. Temperatures are warmer and yet the mugginess of summer hasn’t set in yet. Treating creosote is fairly simple, though it requires specialized brushes provided by chimney sweeps a well as the training and experience to make sure the creosote is all cleaned up.

All of which is a round-about way of saying that you should probably treat creosote build-up every spring, not just when you really need it. And if you’re looking to address issues related to chimney repair, St. Paul MN has ready-to-go experts in the form of 2^nd Generation Chimneys. We’ve been in business since 2001 and have built a strong and successful company based on the quality of our referrals. That means quality work performed for satisfied customers, whether it’s creosote removal or something more substantial.

A Brief History of Chimney Sweeps

March 28th, 2014

The job title “chimney sweep” carries with it connotations both romantic and sooty. The first images that pop into people’s imagination when they hear the words “chimney sweeps” are either Mary Poppins or something close to the world of Charles Dickens. However, the chimney sweep in history goes farther back in time than Victorian London. This is an old profession, and a necessary one from the days of the first chimneys up through today.

Chimney sweeps are still with us, and they may not be as soot-covered as before, but they’re still ready to keep your chimney clean and safe. You can find some of the finest chimney sweeps at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Call on us for fast and effective chimney inspection and chimney cleaning in Eden Prairie, MN.

The Chimney Sweep in History

The ancient Romans usually receive credit for the invention of what we would call a chimney. Since the Bronze Age, homes and palaces used large central hearths vented through a hole in the ceiling to heat rooms. But the Romans started to use fires in individual places of a dwelling that vented out a brick stack. Cleaning this was crucial to making sure the exhaust left the room and didn’t enter it, although there was not yet a single profession dedicated to the job.

It was during the 16th century in England that fireplaces with chimneys developed toward their modern versions, with fireplaces built in each room of a house to spread warmth more evenly. When the Crown levied a hearth tax in the 17th century on the number of chimneys in a house, homeowners would build complex tunnels systems of vents to all connect to single chimney. Coal also started to replace wood as the main fireplace fuel. Now homes were riddled with twisty channels choked with coal soot—and the task of keeping them clean was so large that a new profession arose to deal with it: the full-time chimney sweep.

This was an often hazardous occupation. Soot is dangerous for lungs, and the sweeps were frequently up in high places or required to squeeze up difficult narrow shafts. Orphaned children were often placed into indentured servitude as sweeps in exchange for food and lodging. (The term “light a fire under you” comes from a master threatening a frightened child sweep to continue to climb up a long chimney to complete the cleaning.)

In 1864, this abusive practice thankfully ended when Parliament passed a law to stop child labor as chimney sweeps. New inventions also allowed for much easier cleaning of chimneys.

Today in the U.S., chimney sweeps are highly specialized professionals certified to work to keep people’s fireplaces safe using the finest modern equipment.

For quality chimney cleaning in Eden Prairie, MN from a professional chimney cleaning service, contact the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Give us a call today to schedule your next service appointment!

3 Common Problems Found in Old Chimneys

March 21st, 2014

It’s not uncommon for chimneys to endure beyond the buildings in which they stand; a solid masonry chimney can survive for over a hundred years with the right care and attention to problems that might develop. If you live in a home with an older chimney, take care to look for repairs that it may need. We’ll list three of the more common troubles that can afflict a chimney that has vented smoke for many decades.

2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is your one-stop service for all your needs for chimney restoration in St. Paul, MN. We handle fireplace installation, repair, and maintenance as well.

Here Are 3 Problems We See With Old Chimneys

Leaning chimney:
No, it’s not an optical illusion. The strange slant you see on the chimney that you never noticed before is the chimney beginning to lean away from the house. The cause of this is usually deterioration in the chimney’s foundation, and it will require masonry work to prop it back up. This is an urgent job: a leaning chimney places enormous stress on the side of your home, and when the chimney does fall, it can take large chunk of the wall with it. Of course, a collapsing chimney is immensely dangerous as well to anyone who might be nearby when it happens.
Cracking in bricks and masonry:
No matter how sturdy bricks or masonry may appear, the ravages of weather, heat, and moisture can damage them. The most insidious problem they encounter, especially in Minnesota with our snow-covered winters, is moisture entering into the flue and seeping between bricks. Even without sub-freezing temperatures, water can cause cracking in bricks; but it’s much worse when the water turns to ice and expands, forcing gaps in the bricks and masonry. Make sure you have regular maintenance on your old chimney to see if it needs restoration due to cracked bricks. You should also invest in a chimney cap to keep away moisture.
Cracks in the chimney liner:
The liner of the inside of a chimney is crucial for how it vents. Older chimneys often do not have liners, and you should have installers put one in. As the chimney ages, older liners can fall apart because of creosote damage, and this can lead to heat getting through the exposed bricks and into places it shouldn’t. Have certified chimney reliners take care of this for you.

Our staff at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. has extensive experience and the proper certification to relieve your worries about chimney restoration or chimney repairs in St. Paul, MN. We are certified chimney reliners and members of the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Call us today for any concerns you have about your home’s chimney or fireplace.

Reasons You May Need to Repair Your Fireplace

March 12th, 2014

Because fireplaces and chimneys are usually made of stones or bricks (and other durable materials), they don’t seem like they should need repairs. What could possibly go wrong with them?

Many things, actually—especially if you haven’t scheduled regular fireplace inspections and chimney sweeping. This doesn’t mean your fireplace is particularly dangerous; it’s no more so than any other heating system in your house. But it does mean you need to arrange for repairs whenever you notice a problem. We’ll list a few of the common reasons for scheduling fireplace repair in Minneapolis, MN.

For fast and professional service for your fireplace’s troubles, call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. We have fireplace technicians ready 24/7 to service your hearth.

Common Reasons For Fireplace Repair

Cracks in the firebox:
The firebox is the section of your fireplace at the floor level of a room where fire is combusted. It’s made of firebricks that can withstand extreme temperatures. If cracks appear in the firebrick, it can turn into a major fire hazard that will allow heat to reach combustible material. For this repair work, you’ll need a fireplace masonry expert to remove and replace the firebricks and provide mortar to the joints.
Gas line problems:
For fireplaces with gas logs, you need to have a gas line in good repair or it could cause the fireplace to stop working, or worse, lead to carbon monoxide leaking. Although CO is naturally odorless and colorless, suppliers often add a taint to it to make it easier for homeowners to detect when it is leaking. If you smell a strange odor from your fireplace, hear a hissing noise when it isn’t operating, or if your gas line simply won’t light, call for repairs immediately. Do not tamper with a gas line on your own!
Broken/stuck damper:
The damper at the top of the fireplace that leads to the flue must be in good condition so it can properly vent smoke and combustion fumes to the outside. If the damper breaks and either becomes stuck in an open or closed position, do not use your fireplace. Instead call for professionals to come to your home and repair the damper so your fireplace won’t waft exhaust into your house or suck out all the heat from your living room.

Fireplace Repair Should Be Left to Professionals

You can locate “do-it-yourself fireplace repair guides” all over the Internet. However, because fireplaces consist of heavy masonry or other durable construction material, there is usually little you can (safely) do to repair a major fireplace issue. Leave this task to professionals certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America—like our staff at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Give us a call for quality fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN.