2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘chimney sweeping’

Benefits of Chimney Sweeping

Friday, November 15th, 2013

Chimney sweeping evokes images of cockney street urchins, stovepipe hats and Dick Van Dyke. But the principles involved haven’t changed in 150 years, and while today’s chimney sweeps use modern equipment and techniques, the work they do isn’t all that different from those of their predecessors. Chimney sweeping in St. Paul is a particular necessity, owing to our numerous older homes with fine brick fireplaces.

The benefits of chimney sweeping are numerous and obvious.

  • Safety. Smoke from your fireplace carries creosote into the chimney, which can coat the walls and ultimately become a fire hazard (it will ignite very easily). Creosote build-up can also prevent carbon monoxide from escaping your home, constituting another hazard.
  • Comfort. Build up inside the chimney can prevent smoke from escaping as quickly as it should, meaning that more of it could back up into your home. Clean chimneys also improve the amount of heat your fireplace projects into your home, making it more efficient as well as comfortable.
  • Longevity. Over time, the acidic qualities of soot and other debris can damage your chimney, forcing expensive and unnecessary repairs. A regular cleaning session can prevent that damage and extend the life of your chimney.

A good chimney sweeper understands the benefits of chimney sweeping, but also knows who to deliver them safely and effectively. That means paying close attention to new methods and techniques. Qualified chimney sweeps are licensed, bonded and insured to protect against accidents. They also work with the cleanliness of your home in mind, and guarantee their work once it’s completed.

For chimney sweeping in St. Paul, the professionals at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. are ready to help. We’ve served the Twin Cities area since 2001 and offer complete programs for inspecting, installing and maintaining your chimney. We’re available 24 hours a day in the event of emergencies, and our trained experts have earned the trusted of over 52,000 loyal customers. If you understand the benefits of chimney sweeping and want to set up a regular maintenance session to help keep yours clean, pick up the phone and give us a call today.

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All I Know About Chimney Sweeping I Learned from Mary Poppins: What Else Should I Know?

Friday, November 8th, 2013

The romanticized image of the chimney sweep comes to us from the Disney movie Mary Poppins, where we learn that chimney sweeps are always coated from head to toe with soot, know fantastic dance moves, and say “guv’ner” at the end of every sentence. That’s all good to know if you live in a fantasy version of Victorian London. But if you live in contemporary Minnesota, you need to know the more practical side of keeping a chimney clean so you can enjoy it all through the winter in comfort and safety.

At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. we have decades of experience with chimney sweeping in St. Paul, MN. When you want to go past thinking about getting your chimney cleaned and actually get it clean, contact us.

Here are some jobs that chimney sweeps—well, chimney technicians—perform that you won’t learn about from Disney movies:

Creosote cleaning

The black shiny substance that will start to cover the bricks of your chimney after burning wood and coal in the hearth is called creosote. Basically, it’s unburned wood or coal energy. It is highly combustible and poses a serious fire hazard to your home because it can cause flames to vault up the chimney to the upper floors of your home and the roof. Thick creosote (level 3 creosote) requires special equipment and techniques to remove. You need chimney technicians armed with more than brooms to take care of this problem.

Chimney flue cleaning

The flue serves an important safety and comfort function: it allows smoke from a fire to escape out the chimney when it’s open, and it keeps drafts from entering your home when closed. Damage and soot build-up can become a major issue for the flue, and so it’s one of the important components that technicians inspect when they come to clean your chimney.

Animal removal

Mary Poppins has some adorable animated animals in it: remember the penguins? However, you don’t want animals getting inside your chimney. Penguins shouldn’t be an issue, but birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons can create serious hazards. You don’t want to try to “smoke out” animals from your chimney (especially raccoons; this just makes them mad). Rely on technicians to do this job safely. You should also have the technicians install a chimney cap to help prevent this problem from returning in the future.

Here’s something else Mary Poppins won’t tell you: how often you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned. We recommend you schedule annual cleaning, even if you don’t use the fireplace often (cracks and animal infiltration can occur regardless of how much use the chimney gets). Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. when you want quality chimney sweeping in St. Paul, MN. We can’t sing and dance as well as Dick Van Dyke, but you’ll have a clean and safe fireplace in your home after we leave.

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What Will My Chimney Sweeps Actually Remove from My Chimney?

Wednesday, 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 2nd 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 2nd 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.

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Plymouth Chimney Sweeping: Tools of the Chimney Sweeping Trade

Monday, January 21st, 2013

When 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!

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Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Guide: How To Avoid Chimney Fires

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Chimney fires are scary things to think about, but by taking a few precautions, you can help prevent this problem from happening in your Minneapolis home.

First, here is a little on what causes chimney fires. The wood that you burn in your fireplace or wood stove contains material than can condense on the inside of your chimney. This forms a tar-like substance called creosote, which is very flammable. If enough creosote builds up in your chimney, it can form a serious fire hazard.

While any wood can create creosote, there are some factors that make creosote buildup more likely. Burning green wood, extremely cold temperatures, and poor air supply can lead to more creosote condensing on the chimney. To reduce buildup, it’s best to have small, hot fires with seasoned firewood.

However, since burning any wood will lead to creosote in your chimney, the best way to prevent chimney fires is to have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.  A chimney sweep will remove any creosote buildup and check over your chimney for other problems.

To prepare for your chimney sweep’s visit, there are a few things that you can do:

  • Don’t use the fireplace or wood stove for 24 hours before the appointment
  • Move furniture away from the fireplace
  • Keep pets and children away from the work area

If you haven’t have your Minneapolis chimney cleaned and inspected this year, call 2nd Generation Chimneys today to schedule your appointment!

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Plymouth Chimney Sweeping FAQ’s

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

There are few things more relaxing than making use of your fireplace on a chilly night. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that because it is not a primary heat source your Plymouth chimney does not need to be inspected and cleaned, though. Any use of your fireplace requires basic maintenance to keep it safe. Here are some common questions that people have regarding chimney sweeping.

How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?

Fire safety experts generally agree that yearly maintenance is necessary for a safe chimney. Remember, even though it is not heavily used your chimney could have poor ventilation from animal nests or suffer from a damaged liner or flu. A yearly inspection and cleaning will keep your chimney safe and functional.

How Long Does A Sweeping Take, and Is There a Mess?

Generally a chimney sweeping should be done in about an hour, though if problems are discovered it can take longer. As for a mess, yes, chimney sweeping is messy business. Thankfully a professional service like ours always has the appropriate equipment to leave your fire area cleaner than when we got there.

Why is Video Inspection Necessary?

A video inspection is, simply put, the most thorough way to ensure that your chimney is in safe working order. If our professional chimney sweepers notice any warning signs or safety hazards, the best way to evaluate the level of concern is with video inspection. The accessible parts of a chimney are only part of a complete inspection.

Can I Install My Wood Stove Insert Directly Into My Fireplace?

Maybe. Some prefabricated wood stoves require a specific chimney that is installed with the insert. Some are adaptable to existing fireplaces, but it is important that a qualified contractor do the installation to ensure that the stove and chimney are compatible as well as to properly insulate and seal the components.

If I’ve Had a Chimney Fire Can I Still Use My Fireplace?

The only way to be sure that your fireplace is safe to use is by having it professionally inspected. If you have a tile or clay liner, for example, you may need to have a new liner installed as these materials are very susceptible to heat. If any insulation or other materials are exposed through a crack it is very possible that another chimney fire may occur.

We at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. hope that this information has cleared up a few questions you may have had. Remember, we’re here whenever you need us, so if you have a question that was not addressed or have any other concerns, call us now. We’re here to help with any issues your Plymouth chimney is experiencing.

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Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Q/A: Why Do I Need Chimney Cleaning if I Have a Pellet Stove?

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Using alternative fuel sources for heat is becoming more and more popular in Minneapolis. Sometimes, though, people get misconceptions in their head when switching over to a different fuel source. If you’ve ever used wood to heat your home with a fireplace before then you hopefully know about the importance of chimney cleaning. Don’t think that just because wood pellets are advertised as “clean burning” that you don’t still need to maintain a clean, safe chimney.

Wood pellets are a clean burning source of heat. They consequently create less creosote than burning wood logs in your fireplace or in a wood burning stove. However, the chimney and flue utilized by these stoves still require professional cleaning, not only to work efficiently but to work safely. Don’t take any chances when heating your Minneapolis home with pellet stoves.

Wood stoves rely on the principle of chimney draft in order to operate. Pellet stoves, on the other hand, require a specially sealed exhaust pipe in or to work properly. This prevents exhaust from spilling out into your living space. A combustion blower within pellet stoves creates air pressure, in turn creating a need for double walled ventilation with a stainless steel interior. Thanks to this forced exhaust system, pellet stoves do not require a vertical rise in order to properly vent. They can be vented horizontally, straight through the wall of your living space.

If you do have a preexisting chimney you can choose to vent through that as well, but you will need a correctly sized stainless steel liner for your chimney in order to ensure proper drafting of the exhaust. This will prevent a drop in pressure cause by an oversized flue, allowing smoke to condense within the chimney and adversely affecting the performance of your stove.

However you choose to vent your pellet stove, whether through horizontal piping or straight up your fireplace’s chimney, it is important that you take all the right steps to ensure proper operation and safety. This includes using the right equipment and flue liners. It also includes professional Minneapolis chimney service. Remember, clean burning does not mean creosote free. Call 2nd Generation Chimney now with any questions you may have.

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Minneapolis Chimney Sweeping Tip: Reasons You May Need a Video Chimney Inspection

Monday, July 9th, 2012

There is nothing quite as comforting on a cold night as making use of your Minneapolis fireplace. For those of you who use your fire places regularly the importance of having them swept out is probably well known. Modern technology offers more in the way of just chimney sweeping, though. If you have heard about video chimney inspection or have had it recommended, we’re guessing that you have a few questions. The first question is whether or not video chimney inspection is really necessary. The second is how to decide when to have a video chimney inspection performed. 2nd Generation Chimneys has some information to help answer these questions, and we encourage you to call with any others you may have.

First of all, like any service, chimney inspection is only necessary when there is reason to believe that you will benefit from the service. Our team will never recommend a service unless we truly believe that it will help diagnose a problem that other methods have failed to. When you have your chimney swept out a basic inspection is performed. If one of our trained chimney sweeps finds evidence of a problem with your chimney but is unable to find the cause, a video inspection may be a viable option. Likewise, if one of our customers is concerned about a performance issue with their chimney and we cannot find a reason for it, we will want to examine your chimney more thoroughly.

There are certain situations where it is pretty obvious that a video chimney inspection may be required. If there is evidence of a potential crack or void during the initial sweeping or inspection, for instance, or following a chimney fire. If you plan on relining your chimney flue it  certainly makes sense to ensure the integrity of your chimney beforehand.

The best way to decide whether or not you need a video chimney inspection is through communication. Only work with a professional Minneapolis chimney sweeping company that you trust and whose advice you feel comfortable in taking. If there does not seem to be any cause for a video inspection that’s fine. If your chimney sweep does recommend one, though, you want to be sure that it is because one is actually necessary. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. if you’re in the Twin Cities area. When you work with our trained, professional and certified team, you’re working with technicians you know you can trust.

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Minneapolis Chimney Guide: Professional Chimney Cleaning Steps

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

There are few things as comforting on a cold night as a crackling fire in your living room. No matter how much or how little you use your fireplace it is important to have your chimney cleaned annually. When it comes to cleaning your chimney the only way to ensure that it is safe and structurally sound is to call a Minneapolis chimney cleaning professional. Anyone can sweep the soot out of a chimney, but a professional chimney sweep provides much more service than that. Here is some information about the professional chimney cleaning process.

A professional chimney sweep starts by cleaning and inspecting the fireplace, moving upwards to the flu and chimney. The chimney sweep also inspects the chimney flashing and crown. The chimney flashing is the seal between the joints of your building and the chimney and the crown sits on top of the chimney, protecting the masonry from water and weather damage.

Once the fireplace is cleaned the damper is removed. This is the part of chimney is seals the opening when the fireplace is not in use. Its removal allows for brush access to the smoke shelf and chamber. The smoke chamber functions to reduce backdraft when smoke enters the flue, and the smoke shelf catches falling debris and rain water. It is vital that these areas be clean and unobstructed.

Once the area is cleared it is time to begin the actual sweeping of the chimney. Most professionals will skip the handheld brush for one mounted on a heavy duty drill. This allows for a much more thorough scraping and cleaning of the built up creosote than simply feeding a brush through by hand. Once the brushing is done the crew will vacuum up the mess, being sure to clear the smoke shelf of all debris.

Once the cleaning has been completed, your professional chimney sweep may feed video equipment through the damper opening. This will allow them to inspect the condition and integrity of the chimney flue and mortar joints. Most serious issues with chimneys are discovered during routine chimney sweeping. Video inspection allows for detection of water damage, missing or degraded mortar joints, black stains indicating smoke leakage and a slew of other possible issues.

Once a year, every year, have a Minneapolis chimney professional clean your chimney. If you have any questions regarding this information, the pros at 2nd Generation Chimneys are willing, able and happy to provide answers.

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Handling All Of Your Chimney Needs, 2nd Generations Chimneys

Monday, February 6th, 2012

2nd Generation Chimneys is equipped to handle all of your chimney and maintenance and safety needs. 2nd Generation Chimney Service offers chimney cleaning, restoration, caps and dampers and chimney relining. Whether it’s woodstoves, fireplaces, chimneys, or dryer vents, we get the job done right! Give us a call at 612-922-9600 .  We are Minnesota’s number 1 rated full service chimney company.  To learn more about us visit www.2ndgenerationchimneys.com .

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