Interior and Exterior Spark Arrestors—What’s the Difference?

July 9th, 2018

police-fireman-doctorWell, let me guess. One is inside, and one is outside, right? Haha, very funny. Sure, you may have a basic grasp of the difference between any components of any system when one is designated as “exterior” and the other “interior”. However, chances are that you may not even understand what a spark arrestor is, let alone how one functions (or should be installed, for that matter). Well, the answer is actually quite simple, so just read on.

As always, we want to remind you that any fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN must be completed by skilled, trained professionals. The last thing that you want to do is pull up an online video and suddenly mistake yourself for being some kind of expert! Work with the professional technicians on our staff, and you’ll be able to use your fireplace safely and reliably. And now, without further ado, let’s take a look at those different types of arrestors that you’re so curious about! 

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Does My Dryer Vent Really Need Cleaning?

May 28th, 2018

You better believe it. We understand that, provided it is doing its job (drying clothes), a lot of homeowners probably do not give all that much thought to their clothes dryers. The responsible ones will remove and clean the lint trap before each and every load, of course. However, the actual vents of their dryers, which release heat and moisture and, yes, lint, into the air outside go largely unconsidered. This is not only irresponsible, but potentially dangerous.

The good news is that keeping your dryer vent clean and functioning safely is really no more difficult than picking up the phone and dialing our number. We offer dryer vent cleaning in Minneapolis, MN, and we have the right tools and training to clean this difficult to access area thoroughly and effectively. If you have never had your dryer vent cleaned out, or if you notice any of the symptoms outlined below, do not hesitate to give us a call.

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What Do I Need to Clean My Chimney Myself?

May 14th, 2018

question-mark-blueReady to get your hands dirty? We hope so, because chimney cleaning can be a messy job! Of course, since we would never advise you to clean your chimney on your own, it’s only our hands that are going to be getting messy. We apologize for the fakeout, but there is absolutely no circumstance in which you are going to be able to clean your chimney on your own.

Chimneys may seem very straightforward. It’s just a brick tube jutting up through your house, right? Well, no. Not at all, really. If that were the case, then water would be pouring into your home when it rained, you’d have smoke blowing into your living space, and so on. It’s not just a matter of knowing how chimneys are designed and laid out, though. It is also a matter of knowing how to navigate that chimney in order to do a thorough job of cleaning it—not to mention having the tools to do so onhand.

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Is Your Chimney Welcoming In Unwanted Visitors?

May 8th, 2018

snowy-chimneyWhat do you immediately think of when it comes to problems with your chimney? Is it damage caused by rainwater? Perhaps issues stemming from freezing, then warmer, then freezing temperatures? Or maybe simply a chimney that is not venting smoke properly? While these are all certainly cause for concern, there is another problem that many homeowners don’t really think about until it is too late.

That problem? Animals setting up shop in your chimney. Sure, the idea of a little critter hunkering down in your chimney may bring to mind the animated films of your youth, but the reality of the situation is far less pleasant. If you do have animals infiltrating your chimney, let us know right away. Our animal removal specialists are here to get those critters out and to prevent them from coming back.

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Fireplace FAQ: What’s Up with This Smoke?

April 16th, 2018

smoke-detectorSome homeowners rely on their fireplaces as their main heat source. Others just cannot resist the cozy comfort that cuddling up with a cup of tea and a good book next to the fireplace can provide.  Regardless of how much you use your fireplace, and regardless of what its main function in your home may be, you need your fireplace to function properly at all times. That means burning wood effectively and removing smoke from the home reliably.

So why does it seem like your home is taking in smoke when you burn wood in your fireplace in Minneapolis, MN? There are actually quite a few reasons why this may be the case. That is why working with a professional and experienced fireplace contractor is so important. You need the problem diagnosed accurately before it can be resolved successfully, after all. Here are a few reasons why your home may be a bit hazy when burning wood.

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3 Reasons to Get a Chimney Cap

April 2nd, 2018

bird-nest-on-chimneyWhen you think of the services that your chimney may eventually need, you might think of problems related to crumbling fireboxes, flue issues, or water damage. Another very common problem that we can help to solve has to do with animal infiltration. True to our word about being your one stop shop for all of your chimney service needs, we offer animal removal in Minneapolis, MN.

What’s better than having a professional come and remove pests from your chimney for you? How about preventing those pests from getting into your chimney to begin with! That is one of the main benefits that you will enjoy when you have a chimney cap professionally installed on top of your chimney. Consider the following benefits of keeping a chimney cap in place, and be sure to let us know if you have any questions or you wish to schedule an installation. 

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Your Guide to Maintaining a Wood-Burning Fireplace

March 19th, 2018

fireplace-fire-burningA wood-burning fireplace is a beautiful thing for any home in Minneapolis. Not only does it keep you warm and cozy, it also looks gorgeous. Many of the homes we visit have a classic look and feel, such as those colonial or craftsman homes that seem to get swept off the market in no time at all. Many others have chimneys or fireplaces renovated after the construction of the home, often adding a chic, modern look and feel.

Although a fireplace may look gorgeous from the inside and a chimney rustic from outdoors, it doesn’t mean everything is just fine inside the chimney and fireplace. We strongly recommend keeping a careful eye on your fireplace and scheduling routine services each year for the chimney, and for your family’s health and safety. Here are our recommendations.

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How to Make Your Chimney Waterproof

March 13th, 2018

water-leak-drippingIt may seem that a home’s chimney was made to withstand anything that comes its way, especially something as simple as water. And yet, water damage is the number one reason chimneys require repair. With time, water can damage the inside of a chimney (especially as water freezes and expands in the winter).

This increases the chance that a chimney fire could spread to the outside of your home. It also increases the presence of creosote in your chimney, a highly flammable substance, which is what makes waterproofing so important.

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Can Animals Get Stuck in My Chimney?

March 5th, 2018

cat-fireplace-hearthWorried about the cute critters that live in your neighborhood? The local wildlife may be majestic, but birds, squirrels, and other critters can be curious creatures. These animals have been known to find themselves in sticky situations in the human world, including getting stuck inside chimneys and wreaking havoc (or remaining undetected for too long).

Of course, you may be worried for the safety and wellbeing of the animals, but you’re also worried for your home. In the worst case scenario, an animal could pass away in your chimney and give off a bad odor, or even create a major fire hazard that you don’t know about. And it could happen to you, but asking yourself these questions might help you take the right steps to avoid it.

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These Are the Substances Lurking in Your Chimney

February 19th, 2018

chimney-fire-top-bottomWe know a lot of people are doubtful that regular chimney cleaning is all that important. How much dirt could be in there? And why should you care? It’s out of your view, after all, and you care much more about the condition of your fireplace. But, of course, chimney cleaning has nothing to do with the way the chimney looks.

For the most part, it’s about your safety. It’s also about your comfort. To understand why we’re so adamant about annual chimney cleanings, we think it’s important to understand, first and foremost, what substances are lurking within, threatening your health and comfort. Here they are:

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