Chimney Posts

What Kind of Tools We Use For Chimney Sweeping in St. Paul

April 30th, 2013

Homeowners throughout the St. Paul, MN area enjoy the comforting glow of fireplaces for much of the year. But creosote, animals, and other debris present challenges to this comfort, which is why you need routine professional chimney sweeping. Unfortunately, many customers have a somewhat antiquated image of what we do, usually associated with lots of soot and black dust, perhaps something out of Mary Poppins. While we retain the chimney sweeper’s cheer of the Disney film, we use only clean, modern techniques to keep your chimney working well throughout the year.

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What You Need to Know About Chimney Fires and Insurance

April 22nd, 2013

Whenever you use a fireplace or stove that requires the use of a chimney to heat your home, there is the possibility of a chimney fire. While scheduling routine chimney maintenance and professional chimney sweeping services will keep your chimney as safe as possible, you should still understand some basics about chimney fires and insurance. Here is some information about the Minneapolis chimney insurance claims procedure. If you have any further questions, or need to schedule any services for your chimney, contact 2nd Generation Chimneys. We have the answers to any questions you may have about Minneapolis chimney insurance claims.

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Twin Cities: The Importance of Chimney Resurfacing

April 19th, 2013

Check out our video of one of our certified technicians performing smoke chamber resurfacing. As part of our chimney repair services, resurfacing is an important part of maintaining and preserving your chimney and masonry work. Don’t wait until your chimney becomes irreparable to schedule a maintenance call. Schedule an appointment today!

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From Mary Poppins to 2nd Generation – A Brief History of Chimney Sweeping

April 8th, 2013

Originally based on a series of children’s books written by P. L. Travers, the popular Walt Disney film Mary Poppins instilled in the American imagination a delightful portrait of the chimney sweep, played by Dick van Dyke, who sings and dances well, even when covered in soot. We might call this the romantic image of the late 19th and early 20th century English chimney sweep who performs difficult labor with a smile on his face.

Of course, as with many of our modern professions, the history of chimney sweeping was not always as pleasant as the Plymouth, MN chimney sweeping experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys make it!

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How Water Can Damage Your Chimney in St. Paul

April 1st, 2013

While most homeowners associate their chimneys with fire, water can pose significant challenges to the parts and materials of your chimney. While the rest of your home is protected from water and snow by roofing material and eaves, your chimney stands exposed to all of the elements. When professionally installed and maintained, your chimney is built to last, but over time it may require repair. Remember that professional chimney and fireplace repair in St. Paul, MN requires expertise and experience.

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Chimney Inspection & Maintenance in Your Home

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 […]

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Minneapolis Chimney Tip: Why Is Chimney Flashing So Important?

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.

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

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 2nd Generation Chimneys, the sound and feeling of a comfortable fire is something to really look forward to.

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Minneapolis Off-Season Fireplace Improvements

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.

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