Many people assume that their chimney is strong enough to endure quite a bit. Besides, the chimney is located outdoors, and it is designed withstand fire, so it should be sturdy enough to tolerate any instances of poor weather. However, this way of thinking leads many chimneys to go without service for far too long. And without any maintenance at all, your chimney may deteriorate quickly and become a fire risk for your home, all due in part to a seemingly harmless substance: water.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘chimney cleaning’
The Facts about Water Damage and Chimneys
Monday, April 27th, 20153 Myths about Chimneys that Could Put Your Home at Risk
Monday, April 13th, 2015Many people are fairly unfamiliar with the chimney they make use of every winter. It is such a great feeling to walk into a room kept warm and cozy by the light of a glowing fireplace, that you may not take the time to think about what’s really going on inside of the chimney. Chimneys require a certain level of regular care and maintenance, and believing otherwise could put your home and family members in jeopardy. Today, we’ll take a look at three common myths about chimneys, so that you can get the facts and take the proper steps to keep your unit safe.
Myth #1: Chimneys and fireplaces are a great, maintenance-free source of heating.
One of the most dangerous beliefs about fireplaces is that little needs to be done to keep them in good condition. A standard forced-air heating system such as a furnace contains multiple moving and electrical components, and these must all be in good condition if you want the heater to run efficiently and operate correctly and safely. Although it lacks the mechanical complexity of a furnace, your chimney needs just as much maintenance in the form of annual inspections and cleaning. A dirty chimney can lead to a chimney fire, so be sure to get on a chimney cleaning schedule today.
Myth #2: I don’t use my chimney often, so I can skip an inspection this year.
Chimney fires most commonly result when creosote builds up in the chimney flue. Your chimney is meant to provide a pathway for the dangerous byproducts of combustion to move away from the home. However, as condensation forms in the chimney flue, a residue forms from these byproducts known as creosote. If conditions in your chimney are not quite right—if the damper is not adequately opened, for example—creosote may build up more quickly. So even if you don’t use your chimney very often, you may still have a significant buildup, and it is worth it to get an inspection.
Myth #3: A good chimney sweep will get through the job fast.
If a chimney sweep service promises you fast inspection and cleaning, be wary. A chimney expert will take time to make sure that your chimney is in top shape, something that should take over an hour.
When you decide it is time for quality chimney inspections and chimney cleaning in Minneapolis, MN, 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is the name to trust. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
What Is My Home’s Risk for a Chimney Fire?
Friday, January 30th, 2015When you use your chimney, you feel comforted by its warmth, so you’re often not thinking about the potential consequences of a poorly maintained chimney. As it turns out, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., and chimney fires account for the majority of these. Most chimney fires are totally preventable—as long as you understand your risk. Assess whether your chimney has the potential for a sudden fire by asking yourself the following questions and taking action to protect your home.
Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for regular inspections and chimney cleaning in Lakeville. We are a team of certified professionals who take pride in our comprehensive chimney services.
Are there damages to your chimney or fireplace?
The first way to tell whether your chimney is at risk is by taking seriously any damage you may have noticed on the masonry, in the firebox, or with the flue. Cracked or chipped tiles or liners allow a pathway for flames to reach the structure of the home. Excessive creosote buildup in the firebox or chimney is another issue to look out for, as a single spark can ignite the creosote and start a massive fire. Creosote is a gummy, corrosive substance that sometimes forms as condensation collects in the chimney liner.
Have you had a chimney fire in the past?
If you’ve had a chimney fire before, your risk of another chimney fire or a home fire is particularly high. A chimney fire can crack flue tiles, damage the masonry, and spread creosote around the chimney and firebox or stove. In fact, you may be unaware that a chimney fire has occurred once before, so keep an eye out for flakes of creosote, warped TV antennae, masonry cracks, holes, and discoloration.
When’s the last time you scheduled chimney inspection and cleaning?
Perhaps the most important step in protecting your home from a chimney fire is regular chimney inspection and cleaning. This is suggested for most homes annually, although your technician may have different recommendations based on how often your chimney is used. Experts will inspect every portion of your chimney for damage, clean out creosote buildup, and may offer you valuable maintenance tips.
Calling 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney cleaning in Lakeville gives you access to professionals certified by the CSIA, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
3 Reasons to Plan Chimney Cleaning in the Spring
Wednesday, April 30th, 2014Your 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 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.
A Brief History of Chimney Sweeps
Friday, March 28th, 2014The 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!
What Happens During a Chimney Cleaning?
Friday, October 11th, 2013Soot 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. 2nd 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.
Chimney Inspection & Maintenance in Your Home
Friday, March 22nd, 2013Are you looking to buy a home? Part of your home inspection will be an evaluation of the chimney for potential hazards or needed repairs. Inspectors may recommend an additional inspection by a certified chimney sweep. 2nd Generation Chimneys has certified chimney technicians who will complete their own inspection of your chimney and make recommendations for necessary repairs.
Regular cleanings and inspections are an essential part of preventative maintenance. Not only does this help with ventilation, but chimney cleaning can also help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide intrusion. Whether you’re purchasing a home or maintaining a home you’ve loved for years, call 2nd Generation Chimney to schedule a chimney cleaning today. And for long term care, don’t forget to ask about our maintenance program!
Plymouth Chimney Sweeping: Tools of the Chimney Sweeping Trade
Monday, January 21st, 2013When most people think of chimney sweeping they most likely think of Bert from Marry Poppins leaping across rooftops with a black wire brush filled with soot. 2nd Generation Chimneys provides complete Plymouth chimney sweeping services. While we still to use metal brushes on poles, there are many other tools that we have at our disposal to get your chimney nice and clean.
Why Are Chimney Cleaning Services Necessary?
If you have a fireplace in your Plymouth home, you may have never thought about getting it cleaned. Here are a couple of the benefits of getting your chimney cleaned.
- Safety – Most people think that once the fuel they put in their fire burns that there’s no risk to them. In reality, the soot and creosote that gather on the inside of your chimney are still flammable. If soot and creosote build up in your chimney they can ignite again. Chimney fires can cause tremendous damage to your chimney and to your home.
- Efficiency – When you have a fire in your home, you want it to burn as efficiently as possible. If you let soot and creosote build up inside your chimney, it can hinder the flow of smoke, heat and air out of your chimney.
Chimney Sweeping Tools
Here are some of the tools that our skilled Plymouth chimney sweeping professionals will use.
- Brushes – One of the best tools for chimney sweeps is still a long wire brush. The flexibility and strength of wires brushes allows us to get into tight spaces and scrub out any deposits.
- Vacuums – Chimney sweeping is a dirty job. We use vacuums to remove any pollutants that enter the air as a result of our cleaning processes. We also make sure to clean up any mess that we make.
- Chemical soot removers – Sometimes, a brush isn’t enough to get the soot or creosote off of your chimney. In some cases, we use a chemical cleaning agent to remove those deposits.
If you’ve never had your chimney cleaned, it might be a good idea to think about calling 2nd Generation today. We have many years of experience offering chimney cleaning in Plymouth. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys today!
Minneapolis FAQ: What is the Difference Between Creosote and Level 3 Creosote?
Monday, October 8th, 2012Many of our customers in Minneapolis have asked about level 3 creosote and how it differs from normal creosote build-up, so we’ve created a helpful post to explain the difference and how to prevent level 3 creosote. Don’t hesitate to call 2nd Generation Chimneys any time if you have further questions. We’re here to provide you with all your Minneapolis chimney needs, so call today!
What is Creosote?
Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood inside your fireplace or wood stove. Any type of wood-burning application will create some level of creosote build-up inside the chimney flue. Depending on the type of wood you use and the ventilation inside your home, creosote can build up quickly inside your flue lining. Regular chimney cleanings should take care of any normal build-up, but if your chimney hasn’t been inspected or cleaned in a while, the creosote creates a thick, gummy substance that is more difficult to get rid of. This is categorized as “level 3 creosote,” and it can cause potential fire hazards and corrosion of your chimney liner.
Ways to Prevent Level 3 Creosote Build-up
Annual chimney and fireplace inspections are a good way to prevent level 3 creosote. Scheduling an inspection before the heating season begins is ideal for a few reasons, namely because our chimney technicians can detect and clean out any Level 3 creosote from inside your chimney. In many cases, using chemicals is one of the only ways to get rid of this type of build-up. Ask your technician if you have concerns or questions. In addition to fire hazards, moisture inside the chimney is a common problem, especially if your masonry chimney has cracks, or your chimney cap is not properly installed. When moisture gets inside your flue liner and mixes with creosote build-up, it can create a chemical that can start to corrode the lining.
Wood-Burning Tip
Another important tip to remember is toburn the right type of wood. If you are burning “green” or wet wood, it can create more creosote build-up due to the nature of the unseasoned wood. “Seasoned” wood is wood that has been dried out for at least six months in a proper location. Always try to dry your wood in a covered area, where moisture cannot penetrate the wood pile. If you have questions, call us.
Contact the Minneapolis chimney technicians 2nd Generation Chimneys today to schedule your next chimney inspection. We can help prevent safety concerns with a Level 1. 2. or 3 inspection. Call us any time to schedule an appointment.
Reasons To Get a Chimney Inspection Before the Minneapolis Heating Season
Monday, September 24th, 2012The Minneapolis heating season is almost upon us and that means you need to start thinking of some of the basic maintenance tasks needed before you start using your heating equipment. This is especially true for your chimney, which is responsible for removing the exhaust from your heating system and maintaining steady ventilation throughout your entire home.
Just how important is it to clean your chimney on a timely basis each year? To start, consider the purpose of the chimney. A chimney is designed to remove large volumes of exhaust which means there will be a natural build up of creosote and soot on the flue liner in your chimney. A little bit of build up is normal but when it builds up extensively, such as over the course of a long, cold winter, it can be a problem. At first, it simply slows the flow of exhaust out of the chimney which can put unnecessary stress on your heating system.
However, with time, enough creosote or other debris such as bird’s nests, pests and other debris that got into your chimney over the course of the summer months can create real hazards, potentially even fire hazards.
The Benefits of Annual Chimney Inspection
A chimney inspection will do a few things. First, it ensures all of the creosote and soot build up is removed from your chimney before your heating system is turned on for the first time. Second it checks for damage done as a result of normal operation and any extreme weather since last spring. Finally, it removes other debris that could have built up in there between winters.
Chimney inspection and cleaning needs to be a normal part of your home’s heating maintenance. It is an important preventive step against potential problems and it ensures your chimney works efficiently throughout the coming heating season.
If your chimney has not been inspected in a couple years, contact 2nd Generation Chimneys of Minneapolis for a professional chimney inspection today.