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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Chimney, Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning

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, Chimney Repair

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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Chimney, Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning

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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Chimney

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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Chimney, Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning

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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Chimney, Fireplace

Spring Chimney Maintenance Projects in Plymouth MN

February 25th, 2013

Chances are that by the end of the winter in Plymouth, MN you will not be too sad to see the cold and the snow get left behind. It is a little sad, though, to realize that your fireplace will be largely out of commission for the next few months. There are not many things in life more comforting and relaxing than a nice, warm fire crackling in the fireplace.

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Chimney

Chimney Repair – Done the Old Fashioned Way

February 22nd, 2013

Even with as much technology as we have access to these days, sometimes we still have to get down and dirty and “dive in” to a job. In this case, our technician is climbing into the chimney to finish tiling for a chimney repair job. We stop at nothing to ensure our work is done right! From inspection, to cleaning, to repair and installation, 2nd Generation Chimneys is know for our expertise and craftsmanship in all that we do. Give us a call today!

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Chimney, Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Repair, Chimney Repairs, Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning

Rotary Chimney Cleaning by 2nd Generation Chimneys

February 15th, 2013

Chimney cleaning is naturally a dirty job, but with 2nd Generation Chimneys specialty equipment, we are able to minimize dust in your home and ensure a thoroughly cleaned chimney. In this video, you will see one of our technicians cleaning a factory built fireplace using a Top-Vac to control the dust. Give the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys a call today!

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Chimney, Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning