You don’t often think about your chimney, and why would you now that spring has sprung and there’s no longer a need for your fireplace? Well, we are here to tell you that spring is the perfect time to take care of any outstanding chimney repairs and restorations that you may need. Of course, with the weather changing and the rainy season on its way, the need for repairs and replacements might be more imminent.
As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but April showers may also bring a wide range of issues for your chimney and your home. This is especially the case if your chimney liner needs to be replaced. Your chimney liner is one of the most important components of your chimney, as it keeps gasses, smoke, creosote, and water out of your home. There are a number of signs that suggest it’s time you invest in a new chimney liner, and below, we have outlined them for you.Â
Spring is finally here, which means that summer is right around the corner. Of course, that means that now is the perfect time to whip out a pen and notepad to create a checklist of all the things that need to be done before summer officially arrives. Your checklist might include items like stocking up on sunscreen, buying a new bathing suit, and oddly enough, taking care of any outstanding chimney repairs. Yes, that’s right: summer is the perfect time to repair your chimney.
Summer is right around the corner, which means that is time to start thinking about all the ways to prepare! Of course, when temperatures rise, the need to use your fireplace is certainly less likely, so do you really have to worry about your chimney? Well, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”
It’s February in Minnesota, which means winter isn’t letting up anytime soon. With the extreme weather we’ve been having in the Midwest lately, it’s no secret that our fireplaces have been used quite a bit. Of course, during this time of year, we expect our fireplaces to be efficient and effective, so what happens when cold air starts to seep through your chimney and directly into your home?
Water entering your home is certainly a cause for alarm. Inclement weather can make our homes especially susceptible to leaks and water damage. Most homeowners are unaware that their chimneys can be a potential site of a leak in their homes. Your chimney receives exposure to the elements: wind, rain, snow, sleet, etc. Winters here in Minnesota are especially brutal, so in this part of the country, your chimney is more susceptible to damage. Water entering through leaks in a chimney will freeze during the winter, and as the water expands when it turns into ice, it will cause even larger cracks.
You do not need us to remind you that the biting cold of the winter season is coming.
There is a lot to love about winter, from snowshoeing and ice fishing to skiing trips and snowmobiling. It really can be a very fun time of the year for the outdoorsmen and women among us. Even the most rugged individuals, however, and even those with the best gear on the market, look forward to coming home to a warm, comfortable environment at the end of the day. The critters outside are not all that different in this regard.
In the age of not only combustion boilers and furnaces but also modern technology like heat pumps and ductless mini splits, there are undoubtedly those individuals that look upon the old-fashioned fireplace/chimney combo as being a relic from the past. Those of us fortunate enough to have a well-designed and properly maintained fireplace/chimney setup, however, know different. Not only is the heat generated comforting, but the ambiance is incredibly relaxing.
Some 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.
A 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.