2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

Which Type of Fireplace Is Safest for My Chimney: Gas, Electric or Wood-Burning?

August 15th, 2013

If you’re replacing your fireplace and are concerned about creosote and soot build-up or about cracks forming in your chimney, then you’re likely weighing your options about which type of fuel you should burn. Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys, we have years of experience working with all different types of chimneys and we wanted to help our customers figure out which type of fireplace is right for them: gas, electric or wood-burning.

Give us a call if you have any questions or if you need any Minneapolis chimney cleaning services.

Types of Fireplaces

There are several different types of fireplaces that you can choose from, but which one will be safest for your chimney? Here’s a quick explanation of the pros and cons of each different type of fireplace in regards to chimney health and safety.

Electric – With electric fireplaces, there isn’t any need for a chimney because there are no byproducts of the fireplace. So if you’re concerned about the health of your chimney, then an electric fireplace is a good option because your chimney won’t actually get any use. However, electric fireplaces tend to use a lot of electricity to generate heat, which can be very expensive.
Gas – While gas fireplaces are very popular because of their efficiency, their exhaust gases can produce acid. They may not create creosote or soot deposits like wood-burning fireplaces, but the acid produced can eat away at the inside of your chimney. Also, water vapor is another by-product of burning gas, which can condense on the inside of your chimney and cause problems.
Wood-burning – If you’re interested in a more rugged experience with your fireplace, then wood-burning might be a good choice. Just be aware that soot and creosote are created as a by-product of burning wood. These substances can build up on the inside of your chimney and are one of the most common causes of chimney fires. Make sure that you always burn well-seasoned and dry wood because green wood can cause even more creosote and soot to build up. And if by chance you’ve already had a chimney fire, you may want to consider calling 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for our chimney restoration services. We can make sure your chimney is safe for use again.

No matter what kind of fireplace you have, getting regular Minneapolis chimney cleaning is a great way to help keep your chimney working well and your fireplace burning safely.

What Types of Fuel Should I Burn to Minimize Soot and Creosote?

August 14th, 2013

Wood-burning fireplaces are rustic, attractive and they provide your home with plenty of warmth. There is a huge variety of fuel that you can burn in your fireplace, but which one produces the least amount of soot and creosote in your chimney? Both creosote and soot are responsible for a large number of chimney fires in the United States, which is why getting regular St. Paul chimney cleaning is so important. Read on below to learn about which types of wood you should burn in your fireplace to avoid creosote and soot build-up in your fireplace.

Whether you need chimney cleaning, repairs, inspections or installations – 2nd Generation Chimneys is here to help!

What are Soot and Creosote?

When you burn wood in your fireplace, it produces a number of byproducts including ash, smoke, soot and creosote. Soot is a black powder that is largely comprised of unburned materials. When it is first produced, soot can be easily vacuumed up or brushed off. But over time, as layers of soot collect on the inside of your chimney, they can form layers that will restrict the flow of air out of your chimney.

Creosote is more tar-like than soot, which is produced by the condensation of many different fire byproducts like wood particles and hydrocarbons. These substances cool as they exit up your chimney and collect as a sticky substance on your chimney walls. In order to remove creosote, you should call 2nd Generation Chimney for your St. Paul chimney cleaning needs. This creosote is incredibly flammable and can create a very hot fire that ignites within your chimney.

What Fuels Should I Burn?

As we mentioned above, there are a lot of different fuels that you can burn in your wood-burning fireplace. Here’s a quick list of some of the things that you can burn to make sure that you limit the amount of soot and creosote that gathers in your chimney.

Avoid wet, young wood – When you try to burn wet wood that hasn’t had a chance to dry out, it will likely smolder and produce more smoke than heat. This can cause more creosote to build up in your chimney.
Dry wood – There are a couple reasons to make sure that you burn seasoned and dry wood. First, the fire will burn hotter. A hotter fire means that more of the wood will be consumed which will reduce creosote. Also, a hotter fire will keep your chimney warmer and prevent the gases from cooling and condensing into creosote.

For any St. Paul chimney cleaning that you need, just call 2nd Generation Chimneys today.

Fixing Your Chimney – Insurance Claims

July 31st, 2013

Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys, we have years of experience working with all different kinds of chimney issues and we wanted to help out our customers who may be experiencing some chimney problems and have questions about insurance claims. Obviously, you will have to consult with your particular insurer, but heck out our short guide below. If you need any Minneapolis chimney repair just give us a call and we’ll be able to get your chimney working again quickly.

Minneapolis Chimney Repair: Insurance

If you’re a homeowner then you almost certainly have homeowner’s insurance. In most cases, your insurance will cover the cost of repair if the repair is sudden as opposed to simple old age. Things like damage from a fallen tree and leaking flashing are what your insurance is there to cover. Again, you’ll have to check with your particular insurance company to see if the damage to your chimney is covered.

However, depending on your deductible, it might actually be a good idea to just pay for the repair yourself. If the cost of the repair is low enough, you could consider paying for it yourself instead of submitting a claim to your insurance. The reason for this is because if you start submitting a lot of insurance claims you might risk getting dropping from your insurance.

But don’t wait to call for repair. Regardless of whether or not you’re going to submit your repair receipts, you should call immediately for Minneapolis chimney repair. This will help you get your chimney back up and running quickly so that you can enjoy your fireplace. Once you call your chimney repair contractor and they perform the repair, make sure that you save your receipts so that you can submit them to your insurance company if you choose to.

When you need any kind of Minneapolis chimney repair just call the specialists at 2nd Generation Chimneys. Whether your chimney is leaking water or if it has any cracks just give us a call and we’ll be able to get your chimney back up and running quickly.

What Will My Chimney Sweeps Actually Remove from My Chimney?

July 24th, 2013

Few home heating methods are both as effective and as aesthetically pleasing as lighting a roaring fire in the fireplace. However, operating a fireplace necessitates special measures that must be taken in order to keep your home safe. A professional chimney sweep must be hired to regularly sweep, clean and inspect your chimney to ensure the safe, effective operation of your chimney. There are a number of different materials and substances that your chimney sweep may find in your chimney, and any issues with such materials must be resolved professionally. Here are a few examples of what your chimney sweep may actually remove from your chimney. If you have any further questions, contact the Minneapolis Chimney Sweeping professionals at 2^nd Generation Chimneys.

Animal infestations are not entirely uncommon in chimneys. During the offseason, critters will sometimes build nests within a residential chimney. This can create health concerns, ventilation problems, and lead to unpleasant odors. This is especially true if an animal gets trapped within the flue and dies, unable to remove itself from the situation when the chimney is put to work. Not only will our chimney sweeps remove any animals from within your chimney, but we can also offer our expertise and quality products to help prevent the problem from occurring again.

Creosote is what you really have to be worried about in your chimney. Creosote deposits are a natural byproduct of burning wood. If enough creosote is allowed to build up, due to a lack of professional chimney cleaning service, it is possible for it to ignite and catch fire. After enough time has passed, these buildups can reach a point where they are defined as level 3 creosote. This is very difficult to remove. It is thick enough that special techniques and, sometimes, even chemicals must be used to remove the buildup from your chimney.

The Minneapolis chimney sweeping technicians at 2^nd Generation Chimneys are always happy to help you enjoy a great, safe performance from your chimney and fireplace. Call today to schedule professional chimney sweeping to ensure that this goal is met. We are always available to answer any questions you may have about the necessity of the chimney sweeping process.

Chimney Safety List: When is it time for Repair?

July 17th, 2013

Chimneys are a great addition to homes as they add a lot of visual appeal. However, like any other component of your home they will eventually break down and need repair. But many homeowners have difficult recognizing the issues with their chimneys. Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys, we have years of experience offering Minneapolis chimney repair and we wanted to help our customers discern when their chimney is having problems. Read below and if you’re having any of these issues just give us a call.

Minneapolis Chimney Repair: How Can I Tell If I Need Them?

There are a few things that homeowners should look for that could indicate that you need Minneapolis chimney repair. Take a quick look and call us if you’re having any of them.

Draft – Your chimney and fireplace create a natural draft that pulls air up through the fireplace and then out the chimney. If you start to notice that smoke is coming into your home or if your fireplace isn’t drafting correctly, it likely means that you need Minneapolis chimney repair. This issue could be caused by blockage in the chimney or from a leak in the actual chimney itself.
Water – Where your chimney and roof meet is a vulnerable spot to water leaks. With proper installation, this junction will be sealed with metal flashing and some kind of sealant. But over time these things can break down and allow rain or melted snow to drip down into your fireplace. If see water dripping into your fireplace call for fireplace repair immediately.
Chimney cracks – Chimneys are typically very durable and some have been known to last for 100 years. But chimney cracks are something that can happen to any chimney. They are often caused by water freezing in the masonry and slowly forcing it open. But it could also be from overheating inside the chimney. As heat travels up your chimney, it will expand. But if your chimney wasn’t built correctly that expansion could also cause cracks.

When you need Minneapolis chimney repair make sure that you call the friendly professionals at 2nd Generation.

How to Prevent Chimney Fires

July 10th, 2013

Every homeowner is interested in St. Paul chimney fire prevention. No one wants to have any issues with their fireplace which is why making sure that you do everything you can to prevent a chimney is so important. Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys we offer complete services for chimneys of all different types. Here are a few things that you can do as a homeowner to make sure that you prevent chimney fires.

St. Paul Chimney Fire Prevention

Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys we have years of experience offering quality chimney services. Read on to see some of the things that you can do to prevent chimney fires.

Get regular chimney cleaning – One of the best things that you can do for your home’s chimney is to get it regularly cleaned and maintained. As you burn fuel in your fireplace, it will create creosote and soot which can build up in the chimney of your home. The mixture of these two substances can heat up and eventually ignite. Creosote and soot are actually the two most common causes of chimney fires in the United States. During regular chimney cleaning visits, our technicians will remove as much of the creosote and soot build-up as possible.
Burn the right fuel in your fireplace – Certain types of fuel in your fireplace can create more creosote and soot build-up. For example, if you burn wood that is young or wet it will actually result in the creation of more creosote and more soot in your chimney. Make sure that if you have a wood-burning fireplace that you only burn wood that is dry.
Check draft – Make sure that before you burn fuel in your home check for draft. The draft is the flow of air out of the chimney that pulls smoke from the fireplace up and out. Make sure that you have good draft going up the chimney as this can indicate that your chimney is healthy and working well.
Protection around the fire – Another way to prevent chimney fires is outside of the chimney. In order to make sure that no sparks or embers get out you can place a protective grate around the fireplace.

If you have any questions about St. Paul chimney fire prevention make sure that you call the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys.

Happy 4th of July!

July 2nd, 2013

In the history of the United States, there are few days that hold such high importance as the 4^th of July. We all remember baseball games, hot dogs, fireworks, ceremonies, patriotic music, and barbecues throughout the years as we’ve celebrated this special day. But we can quickly forget what our Independence Day is really about.

On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence which was a written explanation of why America must be free from Great Britain. The legal separation of the two countries actually occurred on July 2, but Americans have celebrated on the 4^th because that was the date on the much-publicized Declaration.

So whether you go to a ball game, watch the fireworks with family, barbecue some burgers or hoist a cold one with your friends, make sure that you take a moment to remember the sacrifice that many women and men made over 200 years ago to ensure the freedom that we cherish today.

Small Repairs now Save Money in the Long Run

June 28th, 2013

We know the weather doesn’t always cooperate year round in St. Paul, MN, even during the summer. But at 2nd Generation Chimneys, staying on track and doing the job right is our top priority. Our certified and experienced technicians provide outstanding customer service and work hard to meet our deadlines despite the summer showers. Whether your chimney requires a minor repair, masonry repairs, or a partial replacement, you can rely on us to get your chimney in top shape for this winter.

St. Paul’s extreme weather conditions make chimneys susceptible to structural wear and potential long term damage to the chimney’s lining from extensive use. Repairs such as chimney relining and sealing are more cost-effective than having to replace the entire chimney. Keep in mind that routine inspections and annual cleanings can help catch little cracks or other problems early to prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.

To request an estimate or to schedule service, call 2nd Generation Chimneys today!

What Causes Chimney Cracks?

June 27th, 2013

If you have a fireplace and chimney in your home it is something that you want to last as long as possible. With good installation, regular maintenance and repair, some chimneys can actually last for over 100 years. Nevertheless, chimneys are just like any other component of your home and they can develop problems. Chimney cracks are a very common issue for homeowners and one that we get a ton of calls for here at 2nd Generation Chimneys. We are the Minneapolis chimney relining and chimney repair experts! We wanted to shed some light on what can cause chimney cracks so that you can detect them early.

Common Causes of Chimney Cracks

Even though your chimney is very sturdy, it can still run into problems and develop cracks. In some cases, repairing the chimney isn’t enough and it requires Minneapolis chimney relining in order to get it back up and working properly. Here are some common causes of chimney cracks.

Bad installation – If the mason who built your chimney didn’t leave any expansion room between the flue and the chimney bricks, it could cause cracks as the flue expands from the heat of the fireplace. This could cause you to need Minneapolis chimney relining so that the expansion gap can be put in place.
Water leaks – If the flashing around the base of the chimney where it meets your roof isn’t properly installed, water can get in and start to degrade the masonry. Also, during the winter that water could freeze and cause it to expand which would case cracks.
Bad chimney footing – The base of your chimney, called the footing or foundation, needs to be level so that the chimney doesn’t slide over the years. Also, if your chimney isn’t properly secured or braced to your structure it could start to lean and crack.
Weathering – Depending on which side of your chimney gets the most exposure to the elements, you may notice that your chimney curves in one direction. This could cause your bricks and mortar to start to crack.

If you’re starting to have any issues with your chimney, the Minneapolis chimney relining professionals at 2nd Generation Chimneys can help. Give us a call today to learn more and to talk with one of our chimney experts.

How Often Should I Schedule Chimney Sweeping?

June 18th, 2013

Most homeowners probably don’t give much thought to the health of their chimney. However, dirty chimneys are the leading cause of chimney fires in the United States. Getting regular chimney sweeping is a great way to improve the efficiency of your chimney and to potentially protect your home from fires. The Minneapolis chimney sweeping experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys have been providing fast and good quality services for many years. We often get asked how often homeowners should schedule chimney sweeping services. Check out our answer below and give us a call if you have any questions or if you’re interested in scheduling a chimney sweeping visit.

When To Get Minneapolis Chimney Sweeping

Most homeowners understand the value of getting regular maintenance for their home’s components. We get our cars and trucks regular serviced so why wouldn’t regular cleaning and maintenance have benefits for our chimneys as well? But how often should you get Minneapolis chimney sweeping? The answer depends largely on what type of fuel you burn in your fireplace. Check out our quick guide below.

For most types of fuel, you can get your chimney swept once every year. However, there is a big caveat with this. If you use your fireplace a lot you should probably think about getting Minneapolis chimney sweeping twice per year. If you have a wood-burning chimney make sure that you only burn very dry wood in it. Burning young wood that is still wet can produce more creosote and soot in your chimney which would cause it to build up faster. If you have a coal-burning fireplace you should definitely get Minneapolis chimney sweeping twice per year. Coal is a very dirty fuel to burn and produces a lot of creosote that can build up in your chimney and cause a fire.

If you’re interested in setting up regular Minneapolis chimney sweeping visits for your home just call 2nd Generation Chimneys today. We will get to your home, quickly clean your chimney and then get out of your hair. Call us today to learn more and to talk with one of our friendly specialists.