2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog : Archive for March, 2013

St. Paul Chimney: How Is Chimney Relining Done?

Monday, March 25th, 2013

Chimneys are very rugged and durable components of your home. They can sometimes withstand a fire and, in some cases, may last up to 100 years or more. However, they can still start to develop cracks, holes or leaks. Sometimes this is cause by water damage or just by old age. That’s why it’s often necessary to reline a chimney. This has huge benefits for homeowners and can help make your chimney more efficient and safer. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we have many years of experience working with all different kinds of chimney and chimney problems. We offer total chimney relining and St. Paul masonry services. We wanted to help our customers understand exactly what happens during the chimney relining process and why it might be a good idea to consider getting their chimney relined.

How to Tell If You Need Chimney Relining in St. Paul MN

One of the first things you should know is how to tell if your chimney liner is damaged and needs to be replaced. If your chimney isn’t pulling smoke out or if you have a smelly fireplace it is likely an indication that you need chimney relining. These symptoms are caused by holes or soot and creosote build-up in the chimney and must be repaired before the fireplace is used. Also, if you start to notice pieces of clay or tile collecting in your fireplace it usually means that the clay tile liner is being eaten away from a corrosive combination of sulfur and moisture.

Types of Chimney Liner Materials

Clay tiles – This chimney liner is very common because it is cheap and can be found almost anywhere. This is a good option for many homeowners but it does have its drawbacks. Check with the technicians at 2nd Generation Chimney about if clay tiles are right for you.
Metal liner – These types of liners are normally made out of stainless steel. Stainless steel liners can be used with wood stoves as well as gas or oil-burning appliances. Metal liners normally require insulation around them to protect your home from the heat of the fire.
Cast-in place – This is a very interesting type of chimney relining process. It involves pouring slurry down into your chimney around a mold that will hold it in place against the inside of your chimney. It creates a brand new liner made out of a cement-like product. This is ideal for chimneys that have suffered damage because it will act as support.

For all your St. Paul masonry cervices and chimney relining contact the friendly experts at 2nd Generation Chimney.

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Chimney Inspection & Maintenance in Your Home

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

Are you looking to buy a home? Part of your home inspection will be an evaluation of the chimney for potential hazards or needed repairs. Inspectors may recommend an additional inspection by a certified chimney sweep. 2nd Generation Chimneys has certified chimney technicians who will complete their own inspection of your chimney and make recommendations for necessary repairs.

Regular cleanings and inspections are an essential part of preventative maintenance. Not only does this help with ventilation, but chimney cleaning can also help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide intrusion. Whether you’re purchasing a home or maintaining a home you’ve loved for years, call 2nd Generation Chimney to schedule a chimney cleaning today. And for long term care, don’t forget to ask about our maintenance program!

Tags: chimney cleaning, Chimney Inspection
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Minneapolis Chimney Tip: Why Is Chimney Flashing So Important?

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Chimney 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 2^nd 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 2^nd Generation Chimneys today!

Tags: chimney, Minneapolis
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Getting to Know Your Minneapolis Chimney: What is a Chimney Crown?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Using 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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.

Tags: chimney, Minneapolis, St. Paul
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Minneapolis Off-Season Fireplace Improvements

Monday, March 4th, 2013

During the cold season when you’re likely using your fireplace almost every day, it can be difficult and sometimes impossible to make any improvements to your fireplace. Waiting until the off-season for fireplace improvements in Minneapolis is a terrific idea for many homeowners. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we have many years of experience working on all kinds of chimney and fireplace projects. We would love to help you make any improvements to your fireplace during the heating off-season in Minneapolis. If you’re looking for ideas of what kind of upgrades you can do to your fireplace check out some of our suggestions below.

Off-Season Fireplace Improvements in Minneapolis

Here are a few of the off-season fireplace improvements in Minneapolis that we recommend.

Get Your Fireplace Water Sealed

During the winter, water and ice can work their way into the cracks between your fireplace’s bricks. When the water expands as it freezes it can cause damage to your fireplace’s bricks and mortar work.

Get Your Chimney Swept and Cleaned

Another great way to make sure that your fireplace works again next winter is to get it cleaned out by a professional chimney sweep. This can help remove any soot or creosote build-up inside the flue. Not only can this increase the efficiency of your fireplace it can also increase its safety. Fires resulting from soot and creosote build-up are actually very common.

Have Your Fireplace’s Crown and Flashing Sealed

The crown and flashing are actually at the base of your chimney where it connects to your roof. These are normally pieces of folded metal that are sealed so that water doesn’t get into your fireplace through the base of the chimney. If you’ve noticed water in or around your fireplace it could be that you need to have your flashing and crown sealed.

Call 2nd Generation Chimney for all your off-season fireplace improvements in Minneapolis. We provide comprehensive fireplace and chimney repair in Minneapolis as well.

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