Most people are not thinking about their fireplace and chimney in the spring and summertime. But if you notice an odor coming from your fireplace when it’s warm outside, then you certainly are. It’s actually a common problem but still something you should get fixed ASAP. This is partly for the sake of your guests, but also because your annoying fireplace odor could actually be dangerous.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘chimney’
Why Does My Fireplace Smell?
Tuesday, June 7th, 20163 Types of Chimney Cleaning
Monday, May 4th, 2015Winter is finally over in the Minneapolis-St. Paul MN area, and that means one thing for homeowners with chimneys: time to clean. An annual chimney cleaning service can help you keep ahead of build-up and other potential problems, and doing it in the spring leaves your chimney ready to go when fall rolls around and you want to get a fire going again. But not all chimney cleaning services are alike and indeed, which service you need depends on specific circumstances. Here are 3 types of chimney cleaning that you may want to consider this spring – part of keeping your chimney well-maintained.
3 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
Minneapolis Chimney Tip: Why Is Chimney Flashing So Important?
Monday, March 18th, 2013Chimney Flashing is a term for the metal used to wrap exposed parts of your roof and chimney to protect them from water damage. While most of your roof—whether asphalt shingles or metal sheets—is designed to shed water rapidly, the areas at the roof edge, as well as those surrounding vents and chimneys must be protected, for it is in these areas that water tends to seep in. The area around your chimney needs special attention because it is essentially a hole in your roof. Making sure your roofing joins to the outside of your chimney is critical to ensure that water does not cause damage to your roof or create mold problems in your home. For more information about the importance of Chimney Flashing, or for Minneapolis chimney repair, call 2nd Generation Chimneys today!
- What it is. Chimney Flashing is the name for thin metal sheets that act to prevent water from reaching susceptible areas of your home. It is part of weatherproof construction, which uses impervious materials to make your home shed water effectively. Chimney Flashing can be made out of any sheet metal, including aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, or stainless steel. The choice of material depends upon the application and the budget.
- Why it is important. Chimney Flashing is important because it protects water from damaging the area around your chimney. As one of the major areas of potential water damage, your chimney needs to be joined to the rest of the weatherproof design on the roof. Improper or inadequate Chimney Flashing can result in major roof and chimney damages. Because your chimney protrudes, it is the first to undergo wind and water during a storm. Chimney Flashing allows a seamless fit.
- The risk of water damage. If water is permitted to pool in and around your chimney structure, it cannot only require a major roof repair; it can be a breeding ground for mold growth, which can then seep into the interior walls. You need to ensure that your Chimney Flashing material is of high quality and that it lasts long—copper is generally acknowledged to be one of the best materials for Chimney Flashing.
For comprehensive chimney installation, repair, and maintenance in Minneapolis, MN, call 2nd Generation Chimneys today!
Getting to Know Your Minneapolis Chimney: What is a Chimney Crown?
Monday, March 11th, 2013Using a fireplace or wooden stove to heat a home is an antiquated notion to some. To others, though, there is simply nothing more comforting, relaxing and charming than a fire or wood burning stove keeping your home warm. If you are anything like the Minneapolis chimney experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, the sound and feeling of a comfortable fire is something to really look forward to.
Of course, the condition of your chimney is integral to the safe, successful operation of your fireplace or wood stove. We believe that homeowners should have some general idea of how their chimneys work and what function the different components serve. Here is some information about the chimney crown that sits atop your chimney and the important job that it performs.
Your chimney is exposed all year long to extreme heat and the iciest cold. That can really take a toll over the years. The function of your chimney crown is to protect the structural integrity of your chimney. Generally speaking, the mortar at the top of your chimney is weaker than at other points. To prevent your chimney from degrading from the top down, your chimney crown protects this vulnerable area from the weather throughout the year.
Many homeowners also opt to include a chimney cap on their chimney. Oftentimes the chimney and cap and chimney crown are confused. While the chimney crown is a mortared section of your chimney, the chimney cap is a roofed addition. The function of this chimney component is to prevent rain, snow, leaves and even vermin from entering your chimney. Ideally, a chimney crown and chimney cap will both be utilized in an effort to fully protect your chimney, both inside and out, from any debris or critters that may compromise its integrity.
For more information about the parts and function of your chimney, call the Minneapolis chimney cleaning and sweeping experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys. Our chimney specialists have the answers to any questions you may still have about the importance of your chimney crown. Contact us today for more information.
Minneapolis Fireplace and Chimney Tip: How to Maintain Efficiency for Your Fireplace or Wood Stove Throughout the Winter
Monday, December 10th, 2012Are you looking for ways to maintain efficiency while heating your Minneapolis area home with a fireplace or wood stove this winter? At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we can help you heat your home more efficiently with a few tips from our chimney and fireplace experts. You can always call us if you would like to know more about saving energy in your home.
Upgrade Your Damper and Chimney Cap
Whether you heat your home with a fireplace or wood stove, there’s potential for air loss through the chimney. You can prevent this with the right damper and chimney cap. The damper will help keep the warm air inside and the cold air out when you aren’t using your fireplace or wood stove. This will help with efficiency and prevent backdraft.
A sturdy chimney cap will also protect the inside of your flue and your flue liner from moisture issues. A chimney screen can also prevent flying sparks from creating a fire and keep animals out of your chimney. Lastly, burning the right kind of wood can also help with efficiency since it prevents excess creosote build-up.
Improve the Overall Efficiency of Your Home
There are many small tasks you can do to make your home more efficient overall. Adding insulation, sealing off air leaks, and upgrading the components of your heating system are some of the main ways homeowners can lower energy costs. Getting your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney inspected by a professional chimney technician will also help.
Whether you are looking for a new damper, chimney cap, or you need to schedule your next chimney inspection, call the Minneapolis chimney and fireplace experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys any time. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys today!
Maple Grove, MN Chimney Tips: How Chimney Caps Protect Your Chimney
Monday, December 3rd, 2012Whether you own a traditional fireplace, wood stove, or fireplace insert, installing a chimney cap on the chimney in your Maple Grove, MN home is important for several reasons. Call 2nd Generation for all your chimney needs.
Preventing Moisture Problems
One of the main benefits of a chimney cap is that it keeps moisture out of the inside of the chimney. While all fireplaces and wood stoves create some creosote build-up, adding moisture to excess build-up can create deterioration due to corrosion. Because the cap extends across the crown, it can also protect the crown from damage due to moisture, especially if your chimney masonry is in need of sealing.
Preventing Animal Infestation
You can also install a combination chimney screen and cap to prevent animals from nesting inside the flue liner. Chimneys are a favorite nesting site for small animals, such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons. Not only is animal infestation dangerous to the animals, but when they nest in your chimney, it prevents proper ventilation and airflow. We can also install metal screens designed to cover roof and attic vents to prevent animals from getting inside your home through these openings.
Fire Prevention
Chimney screens installed at the top of your chimney cap prevent flying sparks from catching nearby brush or trees on fire. Sparks can also set fire to your roof under the right conditions. When you install a cap and damper system, you can also save on your heating bills, in addition to preventing safety concerns.
Choosing the Right Chimney Cap
While there are several options for chimney caps, call one of our fireplace and chimney experts to help you decide on the right one for your chimney. We can go over the different models that we sell and install. Remember, if you haven’t scheduled, your annual chimney cleaning and inspection, it’s never too late. We will inspect your cap, screen, and damper to ensure that they are doing their job.
Help protect your chimney and fireplace by calling 2nd Generation Chimneys of Maple Grove, MN today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly technicians. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys today!
Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Guide: How To Avoid Chimney Fires
Monday, September 10th, 2012Chimney 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!
New Home Chimney Cleaning and Inspection in Minneapolis
Monday, July 30th, 2012It is essential to have a chimney inspection and chimney cleaning performed when you purchase a new home. You can never know exactly how the chimney and fireplace were maintained by the previous owner, and as such ensuring it is properly ventilated with a correctly functioning liner and flu is essential to making certain you remain free from fire hazards associated with improper chimney maintenance. 2nd Generation Chimneys is a professional chimney company in Minneapolis that performs these vital chimney services such as chimney inspection and chimney cleaning. Let us help you and your family stay safe in your new home before you use your new chimney for the first time.
Chimney Inspection and Chimney Cleaning in New Homes
New homes can come with all sorts of unseen problems which a home inspection will normally uncover. This way you are aware of the potentials prior to purchasing the home. That is why it is important to make certain you schedule a new home chimney inspection and chimney cleaning with a chimney company such as 2nd Generation Chimneys prior to using your new chimney at all. This way you will ensure you have a clean chimney that is free from creosote buildup which is a major cause of chimney fires, free of soot which restricts airflow, and free of debris which can come from outside.
During the chimney inspection any deposits will be swept, a visual inspection of the fireplace and chimney itself will be performed to identify any construction defects which have occurred, as well as an internal inspection of the chimney with video inspection to ensure correct chimney cleaning has occurred and to look for other issues.
Professional Chimney Company
It is important to hire a professional chimney company in Minneapolis such as 2nd Generation Chimneys that performs regular chimney inspections and chimney cleanings for new homes as well as chimney maintenance services. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys and receive quality Minneapolis chimney services for your new home!
Recommended & Reliable Chimney Cleaning in Minnesota
Monday, January 23rd, 20122nd Generations Chimney’s is Minnesota’s most reliable source for chimney flue safety solutions. They are certified chimney specialists for all types and sizes of chimneys. They provide chimney inspections, sweeping, relining & restoration in Minnesota. They are the most trusted and recommended chimney service company servicing the Minnesota area. Professional, thorough and clean. Call them at 612-922-9600 and to learn more about all their services go online to www.2ndgenerationchimneys.com .