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.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Chimney’ Category
What Is a Chimney Cap?
Monday, May 25th, 20153 Mistakes You May Be Making with Your Chimney
Monday, May 18th, 2015The way a chimney works is fairly simple, unlike other heating systems, which have many mechanical parts that could run into trouble. Because of this, many people do not realize that a chimney requires a certain amount of attention in order to keep problems from occurring. Over time, your chimney may suffer from water damage or creosote buildup if it does not receive the proper maintenance. Learn about some of the mistakes you may be making with your chimney and what can be done to keep it in good condition.
All about Chimney Liners
Monday, May 11th, 2015Without a liner, your chimney would be a major safety hazard. Chimney liners keep heat away from any potentially combustible areas of the home, preventing fires and protecting your family. Homes in the U.S. with chimneys are required to have a flue liner in place, but your flue liner may not necessarily be in the best shape it can be. A chimney professional can tell you what needs to be done in order to maintain your chimney liner, and whether yours requires a replacement, but here is a bit more information to keep you up-to-date about this important safety feature.
3 Types of Chimney Cleaning
Monday, May 4th, 2015Winter is finally over in the Minneapolis-St. Paul MN area, and that means one thing for homeowners with chimneys: time to clean. An annual chimney cleaning service can help you keep ahead of build-up and other potential problems, and doing it in the spring leaves your chimney ready to go when fall rolls around and you want to get a fire going again. But not all chimney cleaning services are alike and indeed, which service you need depends on specific circumstances. Here are 3 types of chimney cleaning that you may want to consider this spring – part of keeping your chimney well-maintained.
The Facts about Water Damage and Chimneys
Monday, April 27th, 2015Many 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.
3 Myths about Chimneys that Could Put Your Home at Risk
Monday, April 13th, 2015Many people are fairly unfamiliar with the chimney they make use of every winter. It is such a great feeling to walk into a room kept warm and cozy by the light of a glowing fireplace, that you may not take the time to think about what’s really going on inside of the chimney. Chimneys require a certain level of regular care and maintenance, and believing otherwise could put your home and family members in jeopardy. Today, we’ll take a look at three common myths about chimneys, so that you can get the facts and take the proper steps to keep your unit safe.
Myth #1: Chimneys and fireplaces are a great, maintenance-free source of heating.
One of the most dangerous beliefs about fireplaces is that little needs to be done to keep them in good condition. A standard forced-air heating system such as a furnace contains multiple moving and electrical components, and these must all be in good condition if you want the heater to run efficiently and operate correctly and safely. Although it lacks the mechanical complexity of a furnace, your chimney needs just as much maintenance in the form of annual inspections and cleaning. A dirty chimney can lead to a chimney fire, so be sure to get on a chimney cleaning schedule today.
Myth #2: I don’t use my chimney often, so I can skip an inspection this year.
Chimney fires most commonly result when creosote builds up in the chimney flue. Your chimney is meant to provide a pathway for the dangerous byproducts of combustion to move away from the home. However, as condensation forms in the chimney flue, a residue forms from these byproducts known as creosote. If conditions in your chimney are not quite right—if the damper is not adequately opened, for example—creosote may build up more quickly. So even if you don’t use your chimney very often, you may still have a significant buildup, and it is worth it to get an inspection.
Myth #3: A good chimney sweep will get through the job fast.
If a chimney sweep service promises you fast inspection and cleaning, be wary. A chimney expert will take time to make sure that your chimney is in top shape, something that should take over an hour.
When you decide it is time for quality chimney inspections and chimney cleaning in Minneapolis, MN, 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is the name to trust. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
Do All Chimneys Need Annual Inspection and Cleaning?
Friday, March 27th, 2015As we head into warmer temperatures, many people are shifting their focus from the indoors to the outdoors. However, spring offers a great time to schedule a chimney inspection for your Roseville, MN, home, especially for those who use their chimney and fireplaces heavily during the winter months. So to answer the question, “do all chimneys need inspection?” the answer is a resounding yes. It doesn’t matter if you have a pre-fab chimney, use a pellet stove with low ash or use your chimney only a few times a year: you’ll need your chimney inspected. And the best people to inspect and clean your chimney are trained experts, like the ones at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.
Why Do I Need to Inspect My Chimney?
There are multiple reasons why you need to have your chimney inspected:
- Home insurance coverage – some policies require that homes with working chimneys have annual chimney inspections to keep the policy in force.
- Safety issues – a fireplace and/or chimney that is in disrepair or in need of cleaning can be a dangerous one.
- Reduce and avoid corrosion of your fireplace and flue – combustion by products such as ash, soot and creosote are highly acidic and eat away at masonry and metal. An annual inspection and cleaning removes these acidic byproducts, keeping your chimney in good working order.
- Reduce the chance of a chimney fire developing – creosote, a combustion byproduct that coats the inside of chimneys, is highly flammable; as such, your chimney shouldn’t have more than 1/8th of an inch build-up of creosote. Annual inspection and cleaning help keep the creosote build-up in your chimney low.
- Improves operation and efficiency – chimneys do two things at the same time: they vent and expel combustion byproducts and they help bring oxygen to the fire; when your chimney is dirty, it can’t do these two things properly.
There’s a lot of “rule of thumb” kind of information around about chimney inspection and cleaning, but many of these pieces of advice aren’t correct.
If you have questions about how to maintain your chimney in Roseville, MN, call the people you can trust: 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.
What Is a Level 1 Chimney Inspection?
Friday, March 20th, 2015Without a clean and properly working chimney, your fireplace won’t operate as needed; it could also be possibly dangerous to operate. This is one of the reasons why it is important to schedule an annual chimney cleaning, also known as a Level 1 inspection. The experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., have the qualifications and training to conduct any kind of chimney inspection for your St. Paul, MN, home, as well as repair, installation and maintenance for your entire fireplace and chimney. If it’s been more than 12 months since your last chimney inspection, call us today and schedule an appointment.
What Happens During the Inspection?
During a Level 1 inspection, the technician inspects all of the readily-visible parts of your chimney and fireplace, including the firebox, damper and smoke chamber on the inside and the crown, cap and condition of the chimney on the outside. The goal of this inspection is to find any existing problems both with the inside and outside of your chimney and fireplace, including any structural issues, problems with the masonry and problems with drafting. Once the inspection is completed, the cleaning process will begin. Your entire chimney will be scoured with a rotating brush that removes the soot, ash and creosote, and all these combustion byproducts will be permanently removed using professional-grade vacuums. If any serious problems were discovered during the inspection process, you’ll be notified immediately.
Why Schedule Inspection?
The first reason you should schedule an annual inspection is for safety. A malfunctioning fireplace and/or chimney can be extremely dangerous, with the worst case scenario being the development of a chimney fire. A second reason chimney inspections are important is that they help your chimney operate as they should. Chimneys do two things at once: they expel the toxic byproducts of combustion while also bringing the right amount of air to feed the fire; if this balance is off in any way, your fireplace and chimney will experience problems.
We bring years of experience to every chimney inspection we do in St. Paul, MN, so Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?
Friday, March 13th, 2015Having a chimney that doesn’t work correctly isn’t just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. Your home’s chimney is the single outlet to expel the toxic byproducts of combustion and also to draw in air to feed your fire the oxygen it needs to burn properly. But when the chimney isn’t healthy enough to do these things, serious problems can ensue. The best way to ascertain whether or not your chimney is in good shape is schedule a chimney inspection. However, there are three levels of chimney inspections and we’ll explain more detail about these below so that you can understand what happens when you need a level 2 chimney inspection in Apple Valley.
Types of Chimney Inspections
The type of chimney inspection you need will depend largely on how you use your fireplace and chimney:
Level 1 Inspection
The level 1 inspection is the most basic type of inspection, and is the equivalent of a chimney sweep. This type of inspection is thorough, but is used when you aren’t changing the equipment in your fireplace, i.e., you aren’t making a change like installing an insert or stove. During a level 1 inspection, your chimney will be cleaned, the fireplace and fireplace box checked, insert or stove checked if there is one, and any blockages will be removed.
Level 2 Inspection
This type of inspection is needed for the following:
- When you sell or buy a new home with a chimney
- When you need to line your chimney
- If you change the fuel type burning in the fireplace
- If there are changes to the materials of which the chimney is made
A level 2 inspection will include all of the tasks of a level 1 inspection, but it will also include the areas close to the chimney, including attic space, crawl space and basement space.
Level 3 Inspection
Level 3 typically involves serious hazards. A level 3 inspection occurs when a chimney needs to have certain parts removed or rebuilt due to serious corrosion or damage. The tasks of levels 1 and 2 are also performed as part of level 3 service.
Maintaining your chimney is an important part of you and your home’s safety. The chimney specialists at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., will let you know what level inspection you’ll need for your Apple Valley home, so you don’t need to worry about having this information when you call us.
It’s recommended that your chimney is inspected annually, so if it has been more than 12 months since your last chimney inspection, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
Why Spring Chimney Cleaning Is Important
Friday, March 6th, 2015“Spring cleaning” is a term everyone knows, and today we apply it to more than just cleaning homes. Any thorough clean-up job done to maintain orderliness, whether at your office or on your computer’s hard drive, can be thought of as spring cleaning.
A part of your home that definitely needs true spring cleaning is your chimney. Spring is one of the best times to arrange for a professional chimney sweep to come to your home and give your chimney a complete cleaning, from firebox to crown. If you are looking for excellent spring chimney cleaning in White Bear Lake, MN, you have come to the right place: 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. has certified chimney sweeps on staff with the experience and equipment to handle the job while keeping your home protected from soot. Contact us today to arrange for your chimney cleaning. When our technician arrives, they will confirm the details of the appointment to ensure all your needs are addressed.
Introduction to Chimney Services
Chimney services are essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of your home. A certified chimney sweep can provide a range of services, including chimney cleaning, inspection, and repair. Experienced employees are crucial for ensuring proper handling of various chimney-related issues, which in turn enhances customer satisfaction and safety. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual chimney inspections to ensure that your chimney is functioning properly and safely. In the Greater Twin Cities area, including Minneapolis, MN, it’s crucial to hire a CSIA certified technician to perform these services. By doing so, you can trust that your chimney and fireplace are in good hands, and you can enjoy your wood-burning fireplace with peace of mind. Attempting to sweep your own chimney without proper experience can be dangerous, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Why spring cleaning is recommended for chimneys
You use your fireplace the most during the winter, and all that exhaust going up the chimney can lead to the development of creosote, a combustible material that needs removal. If creosote continues to build up, it can lead to chimney fires that can damage the chimney and even lead to fires in the upper floors or roof of your house. Extensive soot will also develop inside the chimney over the winter, and it’s important for chimney sweeps to eliminate this so the fireplace can vent properly. Many chimneys have clay flue tiles that can crack and expand with heat, further emphasizing the need for regular maintenance and cleaning.
Annual fireplace inspections are recommended by reputable organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association to maintain safety and prevent fire hazards.
The Minnesota winters can be exceptionally cruel to chimneys, and once the cold and snow are gone during the spring, it’s a good time to get rid of some of the troubles the chimney may have picked up during the last few months. Moisture inside a chimney from snow and rain can lead to cracking along the masonry, and cleaning will catch these problems before they become serious. Over time, chimneys can deteriorate, making regular inspections essential to identify and address issues early, preventing costly repairs.
One common trouble that chimney cleaners encounter during spring cleaning is animal nests. Many birds and mammals seek shelter inside chimneys during the cold weather, which provide warmth and shelter. Bird nests are a frequent issue, often placed near the crown. Even raccoons can try to lair inside a chimney, and you certainly don’t want to attempt to remove a raccoon on your own!
It is also important to protect your home from debris during chimney cleaning. Professionals use drop cloths and floor runners to ensure that any mess generated does not damage your living space.
Finally, chimney cleaning in spring is easy to plan, since chimney professionals are not as busy as in the winter and fall. You arrange to have your cleaning done on a convenient schedule.
We are certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild.
Benefits of Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping is a critical maintenance task that offers numerous benefits for customers, ensuring their safety and satisfaction. Regular sweeping can help prevent chimney fires, reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and improve the overall efficiency of your fireplace. Additionally, chimney sweeping can help remove soot and creosote buildup, which can cause damage to your chimney and pose health risks. Removing soot build-up is essential to prevent potential fire hazards and maintain the efficiency of your fireplace. By hiring a professional chimney sweep, you can ensure that your chimney is clean and safe, and you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace without worrying about potential hazards. The CSIA certified technicians at our company use the latest techniques and equipment to provide thorough and efficient sweeping services, including dryer vent cleaning and chimney inspection.
Importance of Hiring a Certified Chimney Sweep
Hiring a qualified certified chimney sweep is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of your chimney services. A certified sweep has undergone extensive training and has the necessary expertise to identify and address potential issues with your chimney. Our co-owner, who guides our certified technicians, ensures that high standards are maintained throughout our services. They will perform a thorough visual inspection of your chimney, including the chimney liner, chimney cap, and surrounding masonry, to identify any signs of damage or wear. Routine inspections by professionals catch early signs of wear, preventing larger issues and ensuring the longevity of your chimney. By hiring a certified sweep, you can trust that your chimney is in good hands, and you can enjoy the benefits of a safe and efficient fireplace. Our company is committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction, and we offer free estimates for all our services, including installation services and repair.
Chimney and Fireplace Services
At London Chimney Services, we offer a comprehensive range of chimney and fireplace services to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s heating system. Our certified technicians are trained to handle all types of chimney services, including cleaning, inspections, and repairs. We prioritize quality, safety, and excellent customer service in all our work, making us the go-to choice for homeowners in the Minneapolis area.
Our services include chimney sweeping, chimney cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning, all designed to keep your home safe and your fireplace functioning efficiently. We also offer installation services for chimney liners, caps, and other components to ensure your chimney is in top condition. Our team of CSIA certified technicians is dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring customer satisfaction with every job.
We serve the greater Twin Cities area, including Minneapolis, MN, and surrounding communities. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complex repair, our team is equipped to handle the job with professionalism and expertise. Trust London Chimney Services to keep your chimney and fireplace in excellent working order.
The Role of a Chimney Sweep in Maintenance
A certified chimney sweep plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of your chimney and fireplace. Our technicians are trained to inspect and clean chimneys, identifying potential hazards and preventing costly repairs. A thorough visual inspection is performed to assess the condition of your chimney, including the flue, liner, and masonry.
We use specialized equipment to clean and inspect your chimney, ensuring a thorough and safe process. Our technicians are knowledgeable about the latest industry standards and best practices, ensuring your chimney is in compliance with safety regulations. Regular chimney sweeping and maintenance can help prevent fires, reduce creosote buildup, and improve the overall efficiency of your fireplace.
By hiring a certified chimney sweep, you can trust that your chimney is in good hands and your home is safe from potential hazards. We take pride in our work and strive to provide excellent customer service, ensuring you’re satisfied with our services.
Safety Precautions for Chimney Use
At London Chimney Services, we emphasize the importance of safety precautions when using your chimney and fireplace. Our technicians are trained to identify potential hazards and provide guidance on safe usage and maintenance. We recommend regular inspections and cleaning to prevent creosote buildup and reduce the risk of fires.
It’s essential to keep the area around your fireplace clear of debris and combustible materials to prevent accidents. We also recommend installing a chimney cap to prevent animal infestations and debris from entering your chimney. Our team is knowledgeable about the latest safety standards and regulations, ensuring your chimney is in compliance.
By following safety precautions and maintaining your chimney regularly, you can enjoy your fireplace with peace of mind. We’re committed to helping homeowners in the Minneapolis area prioritize chimney safety and efficiency.
Chimney Repair and Maintenance
Chimney repair and maintenance projects are critical for ensuring the longevity and safety of your chimney. A certified chimney sweep can identify potential issues with your chimney, such as damaged or missing mortar, cracked or broken flue tiles, and worn-out or damaged chimney caps. As a certified cleaning contractor, we provide quality chimney services with a commitment to safety, craftsmanship, and customer service. They can also provide repair services, including tuckpointing, masonry repairs, chimney restoration, and relining chimneys with premium liners. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and ensure that your chimney is functioning properly. Most masonry chimneys are built with clay tile flue liners exposed to extreme conditions, which can lead to premature failure if not properly maintained. Our company offers a range of chimney repair and maintenance services, including sweeping services, fireplace services, and chimney inspection, to help you keep your chimney in top condition. We pride ourselves on our quality work and efficient service, and we strive to protect your home and family from potential hazards.
For quality spring chimney cleaning in White Bear Lake, MN, give 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. a call. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS