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

Interior and Exterior Spark Arrestors—What’s the Difference?

Monday, July 9th, 2018

police-fireman-doctorWell, let me guess. One is inside, and one is outside, right? Haha, very funny. Sure, you may have a basic grasp of the difference between any components of any system when one is designated as “exterior” and the other “interior”. However, chances are that you may not even understand what a spark arrestor is, let alone how one functions (or should be installed, for that matter). Well, the answer is actually quite simple, so just read on.

As always, we want to remind you that any fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN must be completed by skilled, trained professionals. The last thing that you want to do is pull up an online video and suddenly mistake yourself for being some kind of expert! Work with the professional technicians on our staff, and you’ll be able to use your fireplace safely and reliably. And now, without further ado, let’s take a look at those different types of arrestors that you’re so curious about! 

Continue Reading

You Need Chimney Repairs? You Need Great Masonry Services!

Monday, June 25th, 2018

chimneyChimney services are not as cut and dry as they used to be. These days, we are nearly as likely to respond to calls regarding gas fireplace inserts or gas log fireplaces as we are masonry chimneys. That being said, brick and mortar chimneys are still a major part of our service offerings, and they are still a major responsibility!

When you need chimney repairs, you need professional masonry services in Minneapolis, MN. You just cannot trust your local handyperson or maintenance worker with the type of services that masonry chimneys demand. There is a lot more to it than slapping up some fresh mortar. Schedule your masonry services with us, and know that the job is done right.

Continue Reading

Does My Dryer Vent Really Need Cleaning?

Monday, May 28th, 2018

You better believe it. We understand that, provided it is doing its job (drying clothes), a lot of homeowners probably do not give all that much thought to their clothes dryers. The responsible ones will remove and clean the lint trap before each and every load, of course. However, the actual vents of their dryers, which release heat and moisture and, yes, lint, into the air outside go largely unconsidered. This is not only irresponsible, but potentially dangerous.

The good news is that keeping your dryer vent clean and functioning safely is really no more difficult than picking up the phone and dialing our number. We offer dryer vent cleaning in Minneapolis, MN, and we have the right tools and training to clean this difficult to access area thoroughly and effectively. If you have never had your dryer vent cleaned out, or if you notice any of the symptoms outlined below, do not hesitate to give us a call.

Continue Reading

What Do I Need to Clean My Chimney Myself?

Monday, May 14th, 2018

question-mark-blueReady to get your hands dirty? We hope so, because chimney cleaning can be a messy job! Of course, since we would never advise you to clean your chimney on your own, it’s only our hands that are going to be getting messy. We apologize for the fakeout, but there is absolutely no circumstance in which you are going to be able to clean your chimney on your own.

Chimneys may seem very straightforward. It’s just a brick tube jutting up through your house, right? Well, no. Not at all, really. If that were the case, then water would be pouring into your home when it rained, you’d have smoke blowing into your living space, and so on. It’s not just a matter of knowing how chimneys are designed and laid out, though. It is also a matter of knowing how to navigate that chimney in order to do a thorough job of cleaning it—not to mention having the tools to do so onhand.

Continue Reading

Is Your Chimney Welcoming In Unwanted Visitors?

Tuesday, May 8th, 2018

snowy-chimneyWhat do you immediately think of when it comes to problems with your chimney? Is it damage caused by rainwater? Perhaps issues stemming from freezing, then warmer, then freezing temperatures? Or maybe simply a chimney that is not venting smoke properly? While these are all certainly cause for concern, there is another problem that many homeowners don’t really think about until it is too late.

That problem? Animals setting up shop in your chimney. Sure, the idea of a little critter hunkering down in your chimney may bring to mind the animated films of your youth, but the reality of the situation is far less pleasant. If you do have animals infiltrating your chimney, let us know right away. Our animal removal specialists are here to get those critters out and to prevent them from coming back.

Continue Reading

Here’s Why a Gas Fireplace Insert May Be Right for You!

Monday, April 30th, 2018

gas-fireplaceIt is impossible to ignore the way that technology has and continues to affect every aspect of our lives. Fans of hard copy books may be turned off by the popularity of E-readers, vinyl nuts may take issue with the cold sound of digital music files, and so on. While there are always going to be people that prefer the low-tech options, this obviously does not mean that others aren’t going to jump at modern convenience.

Remember, even household vacuum cleaners were a novel idea at one time, and you don’t see many people refusing their benefits because they’re loyal to their brooms and dustpans! Even something as simple in theory as building a fire in a fireplace is not immune to the creep of modern technology, as evidenced by the popularity of gas fireplace inserts. Are you curious about the benefits of using gas fireplace inserts in Minneapolis, MN?

Continue Reading

Fireplace FAQ: What’s Up with This Smoke?

Monday, April 16th, 2018

smoke-detectorSome 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.

So why does it seem like your home is taking in smoke when you burn wood in your fireplace in Minneapolis, MN? There are actually quite a few reasons why this may be the case. That is why working with a professional and experienced fireplace contractor is so important. You need the problem diagnosed accurately before it can be resolved successfully, after all. Here are a few reasons why your home may be a bit hazy when burning wood.

Continue Reading

Do All Chimney Flues Need Cleaning?

Monday, April 9th, 2018

couple-at-fireplaceMost homeowners that use woodburning fireplaces in their residences understand just how important it is that they have their fireplace, flue, and chimney inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. The problem here is that, like everything else, fireplaces, flues, and chimneys have changed over time. When those changes happen, it is always possible that someone will fail to get the memo. If you are wondering if your chimney flue needs cleaning, then the simple answer is yes.

There are more options than ever when it comes to the type of fireplace that you use in your home, how you fuel it, and even how you vent potentially harmful gases out of your home. The one constant is the fact that you really need to know for certain that your fireplace is kept in great working condition. Scheduling your chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN with our team ensures that this is the case.

Continue Reading

3 Reasons to Get a Chimney Cap

Monday, April 2nd, 2018

bird-nest-on-chimneyWhen you think of the services that your chimney may eventually need, you might think of problems related to crumbling fireboxes, flue issues, or water damage. Another very common problem that we can help to solve has to do with animal infiltration. True to our word about being your one stop shop for all of your chimney service needs, we offer animal removal in Minneapolis, MN.

What’s better than having a professional come and remove pests from your chimney for you? How about preventing those pests from getting into your chimney to begin with! That is one of the main benefits that you will enjoy when you have a chimney cap professionally installed on top of your chimney. Consider the following benefits of keeping a chimney cap in place, and be sure to let us know if you have any questions or you wish to schedule an installation. 

Continue Reading

Your Guide to Maintaining a Wood-Burning Fireplace

Monday, March 19th, 2018

fireplace-fire-burningA 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.

Although a fireplace may look gorgeous from the inside and a chimney rustic from outdoors, it doesn’t mean everything is just fine inside the chimney and fireplace. We strongly recommend keeping a careful eye on your fireplace and scheduling routine services each year for the chimney, and for your family’s health and safety. Here are our recommendations.

Continue Reading