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

How to Handle Chimney Squatters

Monday, May 25th, 2020

nest-on-top-of-chimney

Springtime is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. You can always tell that winter has ended because of the sudden increase of blooming plants, flourishing foliage, and an abundance of furry and feathered critters around the area. It is always a treat to sit on your porch or in your backyard and hear the birds chirping away in the trees or watch squirrels run around in the grass. Spring is always a season full of life that is thriving just outside your door.

And as cute as those squirrels are you probably want them to stay outside.

While springtime and summer are both wonderful times of the year thanks to the great weather and extra sunshine, they can also be seasons during which you start having problems with your animal neighbors because you don’t see eye to eye–where you see a chimney and fireplace built to keep you warm, they see a great place for a nest and a new home.

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Got an Old Chimney? Be On the Lookout For These Problems!

Monday, September 30th, 2019

snowy-chimneyThere’s a reason we’ve decided to build our chimney out of brick and mortar — they’re sturdy as heck! In fact, with the right care and attention, a masonry chimney can last well over 100 years, which is certainly a long time!

If you want your chimney to last for years and years to come, it’s important to be aware of the problems that may occur and that you address them right away! In fact, there are a number of common problems that older chimneys face, and below, we have listed them for you. All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more! (And, of course, remember to contact us for your chimney repair in Minneapolis, MN!)

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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. 

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A Few Chimney Basics Any Homeowner Should Know

Monday, February 15th, 2016

If you’ve got a chimney that you use, even once or twice a year, there are a few things you should know about the way it works and about keeping it safe and efficient. We’ve compiled a list of just 3 things we wish every homeowner knew about the chimney, facts that can help you to understand proper maintenance procedures and that can save you some time and hassle down the road.

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Keeping Animals Out of the Chimney in the Summer

Monday, August 17th, 2015

Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we love animals. That’s why we think they belong out in nature, where they can roam free, and not in the confines of your home. One of the most common calls that we get in our office is homeowners frantically looking for a way to get animals out of the chimney. While we’re happy to help, we want you to protect yourself from this possibility, which is why we have a couple of tips to help keep them out.

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What Is a Chimney Cap?

Monday, May 25th, 2015

One of the most important features of your chimney is the chimney cap, also known as the chimney crown. Some older chimneys do not have a chimney cap in place, and if yours is one of these chimneys, you need to seek installation ASAP. A chimney cap is a simple installation, often a metal crown that sits atop your chimney, but still leaves enough space to vent (usually in the form of a mesh opening). Here’s what makes a chimney cap such a vital installation throughout the year.

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The Facts about Water Damage and Chimneys

Monday, April 27th, 2015

Many people assume that their chimney is strong enough to endure quite a bit. Besides, the chimney is located outdoors, and it is designed withstand fire, so it should be sturdy enough to tolerate any instances of poor weather. However, this way of thinking leads many chimneys to go without service for far too long. And without any maintenance at all, your chimney may deteriorate quickly and become a fire risk for your home, all due in part to a seemingly harmless substance: water.

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Why You Should Schedule Professional Masonry Chimney Cleaning Today

Monday, April 20th, 2015

The masonry chimney is just what you picture when you think of a traditional chimney and fireplace. Masonry chimneys are built of various materials such as brick, mortar, stone, and concrete. This is different from a prefabricated chimney which is preassembled (factory built) and packaged as a single unit with the prefabricated fireplace. These are usually made of metal, though they may be designed to look like a traditional firebox and chimney. Masonry chimneys are often thought to be so durable (often more so than prefab) that they need little care through the year, but this is not the case. Here’s why you should schedule masonry chimney cleaning today (especially if it’s been a long time).

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Maple Grove, MN Chimney Tips: How Chimney Caps Protect Your Chimney

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Whether 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!

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