2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Chimney Inspection’ Category

Scaffolding Done Right for Chimney Repairs

Friday, February 8th, 2013

What separates us 2nd Generation Chimneys from the other guys? Experience! This video offers terrific perspective for what correctly installed chimney scaffolding should look like. Proper scaffolding ensures that we can clean, inspect or repair your chimney efficiently and safely.

Give 2nd Generation Chimneys a call today to set up an estimate for a chimney clean, repair, or inspection. Your safety and comfort is our top priority!

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Chimney Fire Top to Bottom

Friday, November 30th, 2012

If you have experienced a Chimney Fire, the Pixley family at 2nd Generation Chimneys is here to help you with the repairs and restoration. We are experienced in walking our clients through the insurance process and ensuring piece of mind with quality restoration from our expert technicians. Maintenance and inspection is the ideal way to prevent chimney fires, so remember to call us to schedule an appointment!

Here are a couple photos from a home that experienced a chimney fire. This is what it looks like inside from top to bottom:

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Documentation Is Key!

Friday, November 16th, 2012

The chimney repair experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys know that the only way to be certain that your chimney is clear of debris or damage is if you can see it with your own eyes. This is why we use the Chim-Scan to photograph our chimney inspection work. This device also allows us to scope your chimney for visual assistance that cannot be attained with the use of a flashlight or natural sunlight. Check out the images below and to “see” the difference:

 

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Does Your Chimney Need Fixing?

Friday, October 5th, 2012

The Pixley family does it all! We clean, sweep, inspect, install, and of course repair chimney’s and fireplaces. If your chimney is beginning to fall apart from age or other unforeseen damage, give 2nd Generation Chimneys a call to get it fixed! Our team is equipped with the skills and tools to take care of all your chimney needs.

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Reasons To Get a Chimney Inspection Before the Minneapolis Heating Season

Monday, September 24th, 2012

The Minneapolis heating season is almost upon us and that means you need to start thinking of some of the basic maintenance tasks needed before you start using your heating equipment. This is especially true for your chimney, which is responsible for removing the exhaust from your heating system and maintaining steady ventilation throughout your entire home.

Just how important is it to clean your chimney on a timely basis each year? To start, consider the purpose of the chimney. A chimney is designed to remove large volumes of exhaust which means there will be a natural build up of creosote and soot on the flue liner in your chimney. A little bit of build up is normal but when it builds up extensively, such as over the course of a long, cold winter, it can be a problem. At first, it simply slows the flow of exhaust out of the chimney which can put unnecessary stress on your heating system.

However, with time, enough creosote or other debris such as bird’s nests, pests and other debris that got into your chimney over the course of the summer months can create real hazards, potentially even fire hazards.

The Benefits of Annual Chimney Inspection

A chimney inspection will do a few things. First, it ensures all of the creosote and soot build up is removed from your chimney before your heating system is turned on for the first time. Second it checks for damage done as a result of normal operation and any extreme weather since last spring. Finally, it removes other debris that could have built up in there between winters.

Chimney inspection and cleaning needs to be a normal part of your home’s heating maintenance. It is an important preventive step against potential problems and it ensures your chimney works efficiently throughout the coming heating season.

If your chimney has not been inspected in a couple years, contact 2nd Generation Chimneys of Minneapolis for a professional chimney inspection today.

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Now is the time for Chimney Repairs and Inspection!

Friday, August 10th, 2012

With your chimney being out of commission during the hot summer months, now is the best time to get any repairs or inspections taken care of. David Pixley of 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. (not to be confused with Jack Pixley Sweeps), has an expert crew ready to serve you. Inspections and repairs are critical to the safety and function of your chimney come those winter months when you need to keep your family warm. Give us a call today!

 

 

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Three Levels of Chimney Inspection

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

Here at 2nd Generation Chimneys Inc., we know the importance of maintaining and inspecting your chimney to ensure proper function and safety. The Pixley family has been maintaining, inspecting and repairing chimneys for generations and offers three levels of inspection to suite your needs:

  • Level 1 Chimney Inspection: During your yearly chimney sweep appointment, our technicians will inspect all the readily accessible components including the damper, smoke chamber and firebox to look for obvious issues that need repair.
  • Level 2 Chimney Inspection: Offers a more comprehensive look at your chimney by accessing crawlspace and using special equipment. Flue size will also be assessed for compatibility with your fireplace or furnace and recommendations made to resolve any issues found.
  • Level 3 Chimney Inspection: This inspection is the most comprehensive including all components from Level 1 and Level 2 inspections as well as removing the crown or other permanent structures to gain better access to the chimney. This is only done if absolutely necessary, so it is best to receive the professional recommendation from one of our expert technicians to determine which level is best for you.

No matter the level, David Pixley and his team of experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys will provide top notch service and recommendations to keep your chimney well maintained.

 

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Your Insurance Claim is Safe With Us!

Friday, July 27th, 2012

The Pixley family name has been around for generations when it comes to your Chimney Repair, Chimney Cleaning, and Maintenance needs. David Pixley began his expertise with his fathers old business, Jack Pixley Sweeps. Now the proud owner of 2nd Generation Chimneys, David Pixley and his crew are here to help you with all your Chimney needs, including your Insurance Claims! Making an insurance claim can be time consuming and stressful and 2nd Generation Chimney’s is here to ensure a smooth process and a high quality repair so that your family stays safe. Give us a call today to get your Chimney inspected for fire safety. If you already are filing an insurance claim, be sure to give the Pixley family a call and we will guide you through the process!

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Chimney Reline in Minneapolis

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

When it comes to quality Chimney Relining, the Pixley family name has been around for generations and remains the name to trust for all your Chimney cleaning, repair, and inspection needs. David Pixley, owner of 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. will ensure the highest quality craftsmanship on your Chimney Relining job. Give us a call today and let the Pixley’s take care of your Chimney needs! See the difference in quality here:

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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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