2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog : Archive for June, 2012

Win a $100 Giftcard!

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Check out our Facebook page for a shot at winning a $100 Gift Card!

 

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Minneapolis Chimney Cleaning and Repair Tips

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Regular cleaning and inspections are an important part of preventive maintenance for your chimney. Scheduling cleaning and repairs for your chimney will help prevent potential safety hazards in your home such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and poor ventilation.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for any of the following important chimney maintenance services:

  • Firebox inspection and replacement. If your firebox is cracked, it may need replacement. Do not try to replace panels for your firebox on your own. Different types of fireplaces require different types of repairs or replacements, call us for an expert chimney inspection and repair.
  • Water repellant. You do not want to have a cracked and leaking chimney. Many chimneys require water protection to avoid this from happening – and should you have a leaking chimney, it would be dangerous and the repairs are more costly.
  • Do not use your chimney immediately after a chimney fire. You need to be sure your chimney is inspected by a professional. 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is your Minneapolis and Twin Cities chimney expert – call us and have no worries!
  • Chimney Cleaning. You should have your chimney cleaned and inspected once per year. Even if you are not using your chimney very often, animals can nest in the chimney, and other hazards can present themselves, even with light use.

You should definitely call us if you notice a strong odor coming from your fireplace, or notice other issues with your chimney. We can help with these services and more at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.

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Dryer Vent Cleaning – Experts At Work

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

If you don’t have the right tools for a Dryer Vent Cleaning  job, then it is impossible to effectively remove the build up and maintain the function and safety of your dryer. Clothes dryers cause house fires all the time due to the unattended buildup of lint in the ventilation system. Keeping your dryer vent clean will prevent the possibility of a house fire and will also save you money on your energy bill! Never a better time than now to ensure your dryer is functioning properly. Give us a call today!

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Why Summer is a Good Time to Schedule a Blaine Chimney Inspection

Monday, June 18th, 2012

While you may not think about your chimney in the summer months, it is a good time to schedule your yearly Blaine chimney inspection service. There are a few reasons to do this, but most importantly, you’ll want to make sure your chimney is in good working order before the heating season begins. Here are a few other reasons to have your chimney inspected by a 2nd Generation Chimney Technician this summer.

  1. Easier access. Because the technician will have to gain access to the top of the chimney to check for cracks or other obvious damages, it is much easier to work with a ladder if there’s no snow on the ground.  If it is a level 2 inspection that requires the use of a video camera, then there’s less chance that the extreme weather or moisture will damage the camera.
  2. Animal control. Animals tend to nest in chimneys more in the spring time, because that’s when mothers look for a place to have their young. It is better to have the animals and nests removed before the fall when you start to use your fireplace or wood stove again.
  3. Time for needed repairs. If your chimney is damaged in any way, we will have more time to make the necessary repairs before winter. This is especially important if you  need a new flue liner. You will have more time to make a decision about which one to install. We can also seal your chimney while the weather is warm if you have cracks in the mortar or crown.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. today to schedule your yearly Blaine chimney inspection and cleaning.

 

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How the Experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys Break Terra Cotta Tiles in Chimneys

Friday, June 15th, 2012

Only a trained chimney technician can tell when it is imperative to change out the interior of a chimney. In this video the chimney inspectors have discovered cracks in the terra cotta interior of a chimney, so in order to repair the chimney properly they will have to break the terra cotta interior and replace it. Take a look at the experts at work!

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The Importance of a Fully Functional Chimney Liner in Andover

Monday, June 11th, 2012

During recent chimney cleaning appointments in Andover we have noticed a few homes that have a “single wythe” chimney style, which means they do not have a chimney liner or chimney flue.  These single wythe chimneys only consist of a single layer of brick, which threatens the safety and structure of the entire chimney.  Problems venting gases and smoke also quickly arise with these types of chimneys if there are any cracks or structural damage with the chimney.  Sparks, ambers and hot smoke can easily escape from these cracks in single wythe chimneys as well.

In many cities across the country it is actually illegal to build a chimney without a chimney liner.  There are so many benefits to having a chimney liner that it has become a mandatory aspect of chimneys.

Another old chimney building trend that we have noticed during chimney sweeping assignments is using one chimney column to vent chimney smoke and gases from combustion based heating equipment.  This is never a good idea to do because the ventilation of a chimney is not built the same as the ventilation of a fireplace, so the ability for a chimney to remove harmful gases from a home will be reduced.

If you notice a reduction in your chimney’s ability to vent smoke or fumes out of your home it is time to call 2nd Generation Chimneys.  We will inspect your entire chimney to determine what the problem is.  Whether all you need is a quick chimney cleaning, or a few chimney repairs we will be able to help.

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Commercial Exhaust Cleaning Done Right

Friday, June 8th, 2012

Call 2nd Generation Chimneys today for expert duct cleaning in the Minneapolis area.

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How to Prevent Cracks in Your Plymouth Chimney

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Checking for cracks on the exterior of your chimney is something that any Plymouth homeowner can and should do.  Depending on the size of the crack and the potential soot around it anyone can determine if chimney repairs are needed.  Here are a few characteristics of chimneys in need of inspections, and ways you can prevent future damages.

One of the primary steps contractors and homeowners should know to take is leaving space between the chimney flue and the brick exterior.  This space needs to be present because of the heat expansion that occurs within the chimney while it is being used.  Without this additional space the chimney flue will expand and crack the brick exterior, which will lead to potential smoke leakage and further chimney damage.

Chimneys must be made to withstand some amount of movement, especially in towns that are known to have seismic activity.  Contractors should also be particularly careful of the soil that the place the chimney on, so that the foundation of the chimney is not resting on unsecure ground.  If your chimney does experience some movement it is important for homeowners to check the mortar joints, or the area where the chimney protrudes out of the roof, for gaps between the roof and the chimney.

One quick way homeowners can avoid any chimney sealing and resurfacing issues is by installing a chimney damper or cap.  During the colder months, if water travels down your chimney, and freezes, there is a good chance that the expansion of water to ice will crack your brick mortar exterior.  Right now 2nd Generation Chimneys is offering a discount on chimney inspections and cleanings when homeowners purchase a chimney damper.  By taking advantage of this deal people will be able to save money on their heating bills by restricting air flow through their chimney, reduce water from entering their chimney, and receive a discounted chimney inspection.

To learn more about ways to reduce chimney cracks, and increase chimney efficiency please call 2nd Generation Chimneys today.

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Scaffolding Done Right for Chimney Repairs

Friday, June 1st, 2012

Scaffolding setup is the first step to a smooth Chimney Inspection and Repair. Check out this video to watch the 2nd Generation Chimneys experts at work!

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