2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Chimney Services’

6 Issues To Contact a Fireplace and Chimney Expert About

Monday, August 1st, 2022

A fireplace and its chimney look lovely in your home but they are far more than a part of the decor. Your fireplace and chimney are considered a home system, kind of like your heater.

While the operation and use of your fireplace and chimney aren’t nearly as complicated as that of your furnace, we want to remind you that this system does still need upkeep. Keep our team in mind when you need fireplace or chimney services in Minneapolis, MN. We are professionals you can rely on.

Continue Reading

Got Critters in Your Chimney? Consider a Chimney Cap!

Monday, July 22nd, 2019

Sure, you might find birds, squirrels, and chipmunks to be quite cute, especially when they’re OUTSIDE! But of course, sometimes these little critters can make their way into your chimney and fireplace, which is certainly not something that you want! Of course, when this happens, you can call on us for animal removal services, but how do you stop the problem from occurring in the first place?

Well, for one, you can consider installing a chimney cap! Installing a chimney cap is a great way to keep those little pests outside, so you can enjoy peace of mind inside. In fact, there are quite a number of benefits of having a chimney cap installed in your chimney, and below, we have listed a few of them for you. All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more!

Continue Reading

Is Your Chimney Ready for Summer?

Monday, April 1st, 2019

Summer is right around the corner, which means that is time to start thinking about all the ways to prepare! Of course, when temperatures rise, the need to use your fireplace is certainly less likely, so do you really have to worry about your chimney? Well, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”

Spring and summer are perhaps the best times to schedule a chimney inspection and tune-up. By scheduling these services, you can prevent a number of potential issues that can occur anytime throughout the year, especially those that may arise in the winter.  There are many reasons as to why your chimney might not be safe for summer yet, and below, we have listed these reasons. Keep reading to learn more about why you should schedule your chimney services now! 

Continue Reading

Getting to Know Your Chimney Liner

Monday, November 26th, 2018

chimneyNobody expects you to be an expert on your chimney and all of the different materials and components that it uses in order to safely and effectively vent smoke and combustion gases out of your home. If you were an expert, after all, it wouldn’t exactly be great for our business! That being said, we do believe that it is in every homeowner’s best interest to have a basic idea of how their chimney works (provided that they’re using a fireplace, of course).

There is more to the chimney than may meet the eye—literally! Take the lining within your chimney, for instance. If there is an issue with crumbling masonry on your chimney, then it will probably be pretty easy to spot. This is not really the case with your chimney liner, though, which is held within your chimney itself. So today, we are going to talk about your chimney liner in Minneapolis—what it is, what it does, and what problems it could potentially run into along the way.

Continue Reading

Now Is a Good Time for That Chimney Inspection!

Monday, September 17th, 2018

vanYou do not need us to remind you that the biting cold of the winter season is coming.

Nonetheless, we want to remind you that the biting cold of the winter season is coming! 

If you are anything like the rest of our clients, then you are eager to start firing up the, well, fires in your fireplace. And you certainly do not need to wait for winter to officially start before doing so.

You do, however, need to wait until you’ve had your chimney inspected before doing so.

Now, we know what you may be thinking.

Hey, I’m lookin’ right at my chimney—and it looks fine!

We don’t really want to remind you that looks can be deceiving.

Nonetheless, we want to remind you that looks can be deceiving! 

You need to have your chimney swept out every year, and a level 1 chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN should always be a part of that service. However, there is really more to chimney inspection to this.

Continue Reading

Animals Will Seek Shelter in Chimneys This Winter!

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

chimneyThere is a lot to love about winter, from snowshoeing and ice fishing to skiing trips and snowmobiling. It really can be a very fun time of the year for the outdoorsmen and women among us. Even the most rugged individuals, however, and even those with the best gear on the market, look forward to coming home to a warm, comfortable environment at the end of the day. The critters outside are not all that different in this regard.

Of course, it can be more difficult for those critters to find warm, comfortable shelter—unless, that is, your chimney is available! Now, we know that there are a lot of animal lovers out there, and we don’t want to think about those cute little fellas being stuck outside in extreme cold. But you also really don’t want them setting up shop in your chimney, either. That is why you want to schedule your animal removal services in Minneapolis, MN with our team.

Continue Reading

Signs That Your Chimney Is in Trouble!

Monday, July 23rd, 2018

thumbs-upIn the age of not only combustion boilers and furnaces but also modern technology like heat pumps and ductless mini splits, there are undoubtedly those individuals that look upon the old-fashioned fireplace/chimney combo as being a relic from the past. Those of us fortunate enough to have a well-designed and properly maintained fireplace/chimney setup, however, know different. Not only is the heat generated comforting, but the ambiance is incredibly relaxing.

Of course, that roaring fire is going to be a lot more difficult to enjoy if your chimney is not in great working condition. Even worse, you may not be able to use your fireplace safely if it is not functioning properly! The last thing that you want to do is to put your safety—and that of your family—at risk when simply trying to use the fireplace in your home. So read on, learn about some warning signs that may mean you need chimney repair in St. Paul, MN, and give us a call with any concerns that you may have.  

Continue Reading

Interior and Exterior Spark Arrestors—What’s the Difference?

Monday, July 9th, 2018

police-fireman-doctorWell, let me guess. One is inside, and one is outside, right? Haha, very funny. Sure, you may have a basic grasp of the difference between any components of any system when one is designated as “exterior” and the other “interior”. However, chances are that you may not even understand what a spark arrestor is, let alone how one functions (or should be installed, for that matter). Well, the answer is actually quite simple, so just read on.

As always, we want to remind you that any fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN must be completed by skilled, trained professionals. The last thing that you want to do is pull up an online video and suddenly mistake yourself for being some kind of expert! Work with the professional technicians on our staff, and you’ll be able to use your fireplace safely and reliably. And now, without further ado, let’s take a look at those different types of arrestors that you’re so curious about! 

Continue Reading

You Need Chimney Repairs? You Need Great Masonry Services!

Monday, June 25th, 2018

chimneyChimney services are not as cut and dry as they used to be. These days, we are nearly as likely to respond to calls regarding gas fireplace inserts or gas log fireplaces as we are masonry chimneys. That being said, brick and mortar chimneys are still a major part of our service offerings, and they are still a major responsibility!

When you need chimney repairs, you need professional masonry services in Minneapolis, MN. You just cannot trust your local handyperson or maintenance worker with the type of services that masonry chimneys demand. There is a lot more to it than slapping up some fresh mortar. Schedule your masonry services with us, and know that the job is done right.

Continue Reading

Fireplace FAQ: What’s Up with This Smoke?

Monday, April 16th, 2018

smoke-detectorSome homeowners rely on their fireplaces as their main heat source. Others just cannot resist the cozy comfort that cuddling up with a cup of tea and a good book next to the fireplace can provide.  Regardless of how much you use your fireplace, and regardless of what its main function in your home may be, you need your fireplace to function properly at all times. That means burning wood effectively and removing smoke from the home reliably.

So why does it seem like your home is taking in smoke when you burn wood in your fireplace in Minneapolis, MN? There are actually quite a few reasons why this may be the case. That is why working with a professional and experienced fireplace contractor is so important. You need the problem diagnosed accurately before it can be resolved successfully, after all. Here are a few reasons why your home may be a bit hazy when burning wood.

Continue Reading