Cooler weather will be sneaking up on us in no time at all. And it’s so important that your home is prepared. As you use your heating equipment, you can, unfortunately, put your home at risk. However, proper maintenance and preparation helps to avoid some of this risk.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘chimney sweep’
Who Should I Call to Sweep My Chimney
Monday, September 5th, 2016Creosote: Is This a Risk I Should Worry about with My Chimney?
Monday, March 28th, 2016A common misconception homeowners believe about their chimneys and fireplaces is that they require little to no maintenance. This can unfortunately be a very dangerous mistake to make. Creosote is a real threat, and can not only cause a chimney fire but can also have adverse effects on your health. This substance is a dark brown oil distilled from coal tar that builds up within your chimney.
Why You Should Avoid a Cheap Chimney Sweep
Monday, February 22nd, 2016Cleaning out your chimney once every year (at least!) is so important for your health and wellness, and for the well-being of your home. This process could potentially save your home, as a buildup of debris in the chimney could actually cause a fire to ignite in the chimney and spread to your home.
How Can You Tell You’ve Chosen a Qualified Chimney Sweep?
Monday, December 14th, 2015Unfortunately, there are companies out there in nearly any field that will take your money and sell you a poor quality service or product. An unsafe chimney is a major threat to any home, and the potential for a fire is simply not worth the risk involved with hiring amateurs for an inspection or cleaning. Below, we offer some advice on how you can find a quality chimney sweep in any area.
3 Questions You Should Ask your Chimney Sweep
Monday, October 5th, 2015No matter how often you use your home’s chimney, regular chimney inspections are a key part of keeping your home safe. Whether you use your fireplace several times a week, or you only light a fire when company is in from out of town, your chimney could be filled with debris, creosote, or wear and tear that may damage your home and risk your safety the next time you use it. When you hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace, you’ll want to ensure they have the proper qualifications to do the job right. Here are a few questions to ask your chimney sweep before a cleaning and inspection.
What You Must Do for Your Chimney and Fireplace before Winter
Tuesday, September 29th, 2015Fall is finally here, which means the nights are getting cooler and soon you’ll be able to lounge in front of the fire of your fireplace. But are your fireplace and chimney ready for the fall and the long winter ahead? Make sure that these parts of your home are safe and efficient by following our tips. For more information, contact a local chimney sweep!
What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Chimney Sweep?
Monday, August 10th, 2015Hiring the right technician for any job can seem like the luck of the draw. Thankfully, you have a valuable resource to help ensure that your chimney sweep is completely qualified for the job. The Chimney Safety Institute of America’s online chimney sweep locator tool is one way to find a technician who will have your safety and comfort in mind, armed with all of the latest industry knowledge and the proper tools for the job.
How Your Chimney Damper Saves You Money in the Summer
Monday, July 20th, 2015Most people do not show too much concern for their chimneys in the summertime. But summer gives you a perfect opportunity to work on this part of your home. You’re not using it, technicians aren’t busy at this time of year, and they’ll have more time to focus on your chimney. Scheduling chimney cleaning protects your home from fires as well. And one chimney service can even save you money on cooling costs: damper installation or repair.
I Just Got a New Chimney Liner: Do I Really Need to Hire a Chimney Sweep?
Monday, July 13th, 2015While the brickwork involved in the construction of older chimneys can add an elegant touch to a home, it can also make the chimney quite dangerous. If fire reaches the masonry of a chimney, it can spread to the home quickly, which is why steel (or tile) chimney liners are always included in modern construction. Installing a new metal liner helps to protect your chimney and your entire home, but this doesn’t mean you can neglect to hire a chimney sweep for annual visits.
It’s Summer! Why You Should Still Schedule Chimney Sweeping Today
Monday, July 6th, 2015In the summertime, your home heating system is far from your mind. You love the warmth and comfort that radiates from your chimney in the winter, but once the warm weather hits, you’re unlikely to think of it much until fall rolls around again. But summer is a great time to schedule an annual cleaning visit and an inspection from a certified chimney sweep. Here’s a look at why.