2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

Chimney Inspection Horror Stories

October 18th, 2013

At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we’re familiar with chimneys that haven’t gotten a proper inspection for many years and the troubles that can form in them. Even though a fireplace makes a wonderful and cozy addition to a home, people don’t like to think about the unseen interior of the chimney that vents the smoke to the outside, so they let those important inspections slide. However, a chimney that goes without any sort of inspection can develop serious issues, such as soot blockages and cracks in the masonry. And then there are issues that go beyond “serious” and enter the “horror story” realm. Here are two of them, both of which you can easily avoid in Eden Prairie, MN with chimney inspections being performed on a regular basis.

Raccoons: Bird nests are a common animal-related trouble you’ll find in chimneys with broken caps. Other creatures known to crawl into chimneys include rats and squirrels. But raccoons are the worst intruders of all. These masked bandits are extremely intelligent, persistent, and have infiltrated far into suburban areas where they have become territorial. They pose a major issue in Minnesota towns today. Raccoons will think uncapped chimneys are hollow trees and try to lair in them, and they are tough to remove. (Don’t try to smoke one out under any circumstances.) An annual inspection will make sure you have a raccoon-proof chimney.

Dangerous creosote build-up: Creosote is the residue left over from the burning of coal or wood. You will find this in any fireplace or chimney—but if you leave a chimney without inspection and cleaning for many years, this buildup can turn into a fire hazard. It will become worse if your chimney has poor airflow. Creosote is highly combustible, and if enough of it chokes up your chimney, a single spark might ignite a large fire that can spread to your roof. Far fewer homes would catch fire each year if people signed up for regular chimney inspections.

You may have heard that chimneys only need inspection every five years. This is a myth, and a potentially hazardous one. We recommend that your chimney receives an annual sweeping service which includes a full inspection to search for common—and uncommon—problems. 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. offers three levels of annual sweeping to fit your needs and budget. Don’t allow any of these horror stories to turn into your horror story: contact us today to sign up for a Eden Prairie, MN chimney inspection service.

What Happens During a Chimney Cleaning?

October 11th, 2013

Soot and creosote can build up in your chimney over time. Not only do they interfere with your ability to enjoy your fireplace, but they can constitute a danger to your household. When it comes to chimney cleaning, Plymouth MN and other communities in the Twin Cities need a reliable service in order to make full use of their fireplaces during our long, cold winters. But what happens during a chimney cleaning? The specifics depend on the type of fireplace and the nature of the build-up or damage, though a few general steps are universal.

It starts with an inspection to determine the state of your chimney and note the specific levels of soot or creosote build-up. After that, the chimney sweep lays down tarp and other protective coverings to keep your home clean and safe during the cleaning process. From there, the cleaning can proceed in earnest, using one of three basic methods:

The rod method uses flexible rods with sweepers on the end. The chimney sweep brushes the interior sides of the chimney to clear off the build-up. The deeper he needs to go into the chimney, the more extensions he can add to the rods to extend them. The rod method can be applied “top down” from the roof or “bottom up” from the interior of the home, depending on what’s most effective.
The weight method applies heavy weights to the brushes, then lets gravity help do the scrubbing. The chimney sweep can raise or lower it using a system of pulleys.
The dual line method involves two chimney sweeps: one at the top of the chimney and one at the bottom. They push and pull on a line running the length of the chimney with a brush attached to scrub down the sides of the chimney.

The exact method depends on the type of chimney, the cleaning required, and the proclivities of the chimney sweep. When you need a chimney cleaning in Plymouth MN, we can help. 2^nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. can explain what happens during a chimney cleaning, then clean yours with thoroughness and courtesy. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

When is the Best Time to Have My Chimney Inspected?

October 1st, 2013

A fireplace with a chimney carries an air of romanticism to it: summoning images of a warm and cozy home on a cold winter’s night. Fireplaces are efficient and atmospheric, as well as providing a way to heat your home without costing you an arm and a leg in monthly energy bills. But in order for a fireplace to do its job safely, you need to plan for regular inspections and occasional repair. We provide St. Paul chimney inspection services, so don’t hesitate to contact us when you find yourself asking, “When is the best time to have my chimney inspected?”

Here in St. Paul, every significant home improvement project depends on the weather. In the summer, we face warm temperatures, high humidity, and even thunderstorms and tornados. In the winter, the temperature drops well below freezing, making outdoor repairs difficult in the extreme. When it doesn’t see much use, a chimney can build up plenty of debris such as leaves and birds’ nests, while existing damage can go undetected since you aren’t likely to use the fireplace in the muggy heat of summer.

At the same time, winter makes outdoor repair work extremely difficult, both in terms of its effects on the repair personnel and on the chimney itself. Slippery roofs, icy surfaces and other conditions make such operations extremely hazardous, as well as increasing the possibility of further damage to your chimney.

In light of all that, the best time to have your chimney inspected is the early autumn, when summer temperatures have diminished, but the first snows have not yet begun to fall. That gives the inspector time to perform a thorough examination, then schedule any repairs or upgrades well before you need to use the fireplace. It’s safer, it’s easier on the workmen and it usually results in a more effective repair session.

For St. Paul chimney inspections, it pays to consult the best. 2^nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. can answer the question “When is the best time to have my chimney inspected?” then go about the task with professionalism and care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Common Gas Fireplace Repairs We Encounter

September 23rd, 2013

A gas fireplace is an inexpensive and convenient alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They typically still use wood as fuel, but they contain a gas line allowing you to light fires more easily and keep the fire burning until sufficient heat and coals have built up to let it burn on its own. And yes, gas fireplaces become damaged and require repair sometimes, just like everything else. Fireplace repair in Minneapolis is particularly important because our cold winters are no fun without a warm and crackling fire to keep your home heated. At 2^nd Generation Chimneys, we’ve seen and dealt with all manner of fireplace issues.

Here are some common gas fireplace repairs we encounter.

Most repairs stem from one of two general areas. The first is the gas line itself. If it becomes damaged or the valve malfunctions, gas won’t enter your fireplace and you’ll have to light it the old fashioned way. (Requiring time and effort to do so.) Even worse, if the gas line springs a leak, it constitutes a direct danger to your family and needs to be dealt with immediately. Both situations are fairly common issues and we know how to handle them safely and efficiently.

The second area where repair issues crop up is in the chimney itself. Our calls often involve blocked air flow, which can result from detritus (like leaves or birds’ nests) lodged in the chimney or even damage to the structure of the chimney itself. Another chimney issue arises with the build-up of creosote along the chimney walls. This can create a fire hazard within the chimney and requires professional cleaning to correct.

Regardless of the situation, 2^nd Generation Chimneys is here to help. We can handle many, if not all, of the common gas fireplace repairs we encounter, and we know how to work quickly and efficiently. That’s particularly important when it comes to repairing fireplaces in Minneapolis, since our fickle weather often sets a tight schedule for fixing things.

Give us a call today to set up an appointment. We’ll help you get your fireplace back into action!

Signs That Would Indicate You Need Fireplace Repair

September 18th, 2013

A fireplace is often a welcome addition to your home, helping you save money on heating bills while providing a cozy and pleasant atmosphere in the bargain. Fireplaces are practically necessities in cold weather cities like Eden Prairie, MN. It is essential fireplace repair service providers must respond quickly to an issue, especially during the winter months when homeowners use it as often as possible. You can maintain your fireplace for many years with routine cleaning and maintenance. But eventually, your fireplace is bound to require a little more care.

Here are a few signs that would indicate you need fireplace repair.

The first and most obvious sign of trouble is when smoke backs up from the fireplace into your home. That means that the chimney is either blocked or has suffered damage that make it unable to do its job. There are many possible causes for this. Creosote could build up inside the chimney, birds can build nests in it during the warm season, leaves and other debris could clog it up, and the chimney itself may have suffered structural damage.

A similar but distinct issue concerns poor draw, which takes place when a chimney isn’t tall enough, isn’t wide enough, or doesn’t have sufficient air flow to pull the smoke up when a fire is lit. The effects are similar – a room full of smoke – but correcting it may involve more serious chimney repairs instead of just a thorough cleaning.

You may also experience issues of excessive draft: when too much air comes down your chimney, chilling your home and even putting out a fire you’re trying to light. In many cases, this is caused by external factors, such as a chimney built too low behind a nearby structure or the presence of trees too close to the chimney.

Regardless of the causes, these signs definitely indicate that you need fireplace repair. That means dealing with the issue before the snows falls. Eden Prairie fireplace repair falls under the purveyance of 2^nd Generation Chimneys. We can perform a thorough inspection, then advise you on the best way to solve your fireplace problems. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

Why Isn’t My Fireplace Venting Smoke Properly?

September 9th, 2013

Fireplaces are a comforting part of any home, as well as savings providers on heating bills in the cold of winter. If you have a fireplace, it helps to have a trained expert come in for a regular chimney inspection. St. Paul, MN has too much snow and cold weather to chance a problem. In addition to regular maintenance, you should learn to spot signs of trouble when they appear, particularly if your fireplace isn’t venting smoke properly. There are numerous possible causes, many of which can be addressed by a trained professional.

Common Causes of Improperly Vented Fireplaces

Blocked flue. Soot and creosote can built up in your flue, as can leaves and other debris. Birds may make nests in it – especially in the summertime when you’re not using the fireplace – and bricks can come loose as well. All of that can partially or totally block your flue, preventing it from venting smoke properly.
Improper flue sizing or chimney height. Chimneys and flues need to be a certain size, depending on the size of the opening to the fireplace. If it was improperly measured during the chimney’s construction, you may experience smoke backing up into your house. Similarly, chimneys need to be a certain height in order to pull smoke upward: the difference in pressure between the top and the bottom of the shaft helps pull up smoke. If the chimney isn’t high enough, it won’t pull up any air.
A cold flue. Sometimes, if the flue is cold and hasn’t been used in a while, the air inside becomes dense, preventing smoke from rising. You can correct the problem with the addition of insulated liner within the chimney. (You can sometimes prime the flue by lighting balls of newspaper in the chimney, but in the cold of St. Paul, even that might not be enough.)

If your fireplace isn’t venting properly, contact the experts at 2^nd Generation Chimneys for a chimney inspection. St. Paul and the whole of the Twin Cities are part of our regular service area, and we have the experience to address the problem properly.

Give us a call today!

What Causes My Ducts to Get Dirty?

September 9th, 2013

Ducts form the distribution network for your heating or central air conditioning system. They spread throughout your house via the attic, crawlspace or other unobtrusive location, moving cool or warm air from the central unit to all of your rooms and walkways. Over time, they can accumulate dust, which may have an adverse effect on the quality of air in your home. In Berthoud, duct cleaning may be necessary when the atmosphere gets dry in the winter, creating a lot of dust and similar particles. But what causes your ducts to get dirty?

In many cases, leaks, cracks or loose fittings are what allow dirt in. When ducts get old, they start to break down, just like any other appliance. If the opening occurs in a dirty part of the house, such as the attic or crawlspace, negative pressure from the air passing through the ducts can pull in dirt and debris.

The causes of those leaks can vary. Heat or cold may cause the metal of the ducts to expand or contract, which puts stress on the fittings and may result in a leak. Improper installation may be the culprit as well, especially if the contractor wasn’t properly certified. Older homes may have an older duct system that is no longer up to code, creating similar issues. Besides the reduction in air quality, such leaks also prevent your heater or air conditioner from functioning at peak capacity, forcing you to pay higher energy bills every month.

A thorough duct cleaning from a trained professional is part of the solution – and such operations are standard procedure for most qualified HVAC experts – but that’s only part of the equation. The specialist needs to hunt down the cause of the leaks or loose fittings and repair it. Otherwise, the process will start all over again. For Berthoud duct cleaning services, contact the specialists at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained experts can travel to your home and pinpoint what causes your ducts to get dirty, then perform professional repairs to seal the leaks.

Call us today to set up an appointment.

Why We Celebrate Labor Day

September 2nd, 2013

We wish our present and future customers a pleasant Labor Day this September. We know how hard you work to ensure that you and your loved ones have a good life, and we feel the same way about the work that we do throughout the year. Home comfort is our business, so you can rely on our technicians to take care of any issues that you may have. To us, Labor Day means BBQ, the start of the football season, and spending quality time with our friends and family.

Like many US holidays, the origins of Labor Day are somewhat disputed. While many cite Peter J. McGuire’s (of the American Federation of Labor) suggestion of a demonstration and picnic as the inaugural Monday, others cite Matthew Maguire, then secretary of the Central Labor Union of New York. In the wake of the massive and violent Pullman Strike of 1894, which pitted George Pullman and US Marshals and Military against workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company outside Chicago. Designated as a federal holiday by Congress and President Grover Cleveland in 1894, a mere six days after the strike ended, Labor Day has since become a way of recognizing the contribution that hard working Americans have made to this country.

We wish you all the best this Labor Day. Make sure that you take the time to relax, eat some good food, and take a load off.

What Is the Process for Restoring My Chimney?

August 30th, 2013

Does your fireplace no longer work as it once did? Do you find that your heated air does not effectively radiate into your living space, but escapes through the cracks in the chimney? Has your chimney been damaged by fire? There are various ways in which your chimney can be damaged over the years, whether by wear and tear or by fire and water damage. As an integral part of your fireplace, and therefore directly linked to the comfort of your home during the heating season, your chimney needs to be serviced by a professional. While routine fireplace maintenance tasks like chimney sweeping can be helpful, some problems are so severe as to warrant complete chimney restoration. The scale of this job depends on what the problems are, but we can find a unique solution for your home.

Call 2nd Generation Chimneys today for all of your masonry service needs in St. Paul.

Here are some aspects to consider when dealing with chimney restoration in St. Paul.

Crown. The crown or mortar cap as it also known is the top of the chimney that prevents water from seeping into the chimney over time and down into the firebox. It is critical to ensure that your crown is in good condition at all times. Whether yours has been damaged by fire or water, it can be detrimental to the integrity of your entire chimney, thus putting your home and your comfort at risk.
Mortar damage. The mortar is the material that holds your chimney together. Without it, your dry bricks would simply collapse and the chimney would not be properly sealed. While it tends to last a long time when professionally pointed, it will not last forever. Moisture, as well as fire, can both damage the condition of your mortar joints. When this occurs, your entire chimney is at risk. We can provide comprehensive inspection and repointing as well as sealing to prevent the wear and tear of water over time.

Let 2nd Generation Chimneys take care of your masonry services so that your fireplace and chimney are restored to full functionality and energy efficiency.

Why You Should Fix Crumbling or Cracked Masonry

August 21st, 2013

The chimney and surrounding masonry of your fireplace is vital to the effectiveness and efficiency of your heating system. Over time, your masonry will be subject to the effects of temperature fluctuation, rain, snow and wind, as well as any accidental damage caused by debris. You should always keep your masonry in top condition, whether it’s your fireplace or another part of your home. There are several different techniques that our professional masonry service technicians in Wayzata, MN use to ensure that can restore your home in no time. In today’s post, we’d like to look at some reasons why fixing crumbling or cracked masonry immediately is so critical to the future comfort of your home. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys today.

Air leaks. Your fireplace is only as good as the masonry that encases it. This is not only an efficiency issue but also a safety one. Incomplete combustion can lead to the production of carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that is highly toxic. Any crumbling or cracked masonry may lead to leaking exhaust in your home.
Water leaks. Perhaps even more dangerous to your fireplace and chimney is a water leak. When water is allowed to penetrate into your brickwork, it may actually expand when frozen, thus leading to further damage.
Heat. Crumbling or cracked masonry can also lead to problems with the effectiveness of your heating. If you rely on your fireplace for more than just its looks, then repairing such issues can help you keep your fireplace in good working condition. Such issues tend only to worsen over time. If you are in need of chimney repairs for your Wazata home, then call 2nd Generation Chimneys today!

Our masons use only time-honored and long-lasting repair techniques. The action of using mortar to fill and repair cracks in the mortar is known as repointing. The “pointing” is the external surface of the mortar joints that hold the bricks or stones of your fireplace together. Hence, repointing is the process by which your pointing is restored. It involves assessing what parts of your mortar joints are damaged and removing them. Then, our masons can match new mortar to the color of your existing chimney or fireplace.

Call 2nd Generation Chimneys today for excellent masonry services throughout the Wayzata, MN area.