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

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.

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Do All Chimney Flues Need Cleaning?

Monday, April 9th, 2018

couple-at-fireplaceMost homeowners that use woodburning fireplaces in their residences understand just how important it is that they have their fireplace, flue, and chimney inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. The problem here is that, like everything else, fireplaces, flues, and chimneys have changed over time. When those changes happen, it is always possible that someone will fail to get the memo. If you are wondering if your chimney flue needs cleaning, then the simple answer is yes.

There are more options than ever when it comes to the type of fireplace that you use in your home, how you fuel it, and even how you vent potentially harmful gases out of your home. The one constant is the fact that you really need to know for certain that your fireplace is kept in great working condition. Scheduling your chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN with our team ensures that this is the case.

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3 Reasons to Get a Chimney Cap

Monday, April 2nd, 2018

bird-nest-on-chimneyWhen you think of the services that your chimney may eventually need, you might think of problems related to crumbling fireboxes, flue issues, or water damage. Another very common problem that we can help to solve has to do with animal infiltration. True to our word about being your one stop shop for all of your chimney service needs, we offer animal removal in Minneapolis, MN.

What’s better than having a professional come and remove pests from your chimney for you? How about preventing those pests from getting into your chimney to begin with! That is one of the main benefits that you will enjoy when you have a chimney cap professionally installed on top of your chimney. Consider the following benefits of keeping a chimney cap in place, and be sure to let us know if you have any questions or you wish to schedule an installation. 

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How to Make Your Chimney Waterproof

Tuesday, March 13th, 2018

water-leak-drippingIt may seem that a home’s chimney was made to withstand anything that comes its way, especially something as simple as water. And yet, water damage is the number one reason chimneys require repair. With time, water can damage the inside of a chimney (especially as water freezes and expands in the winter).

This increases the chance that a chimney fire could spread to the outside of your home. It also increases the presence of creosote in your chimney, a highly flammable substance, which is what makes waterproofing so important.

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Can You Use an Existing Chimney with a New Furnace?

Monday, February 12th, 2018

question-mark-blueAll heating systems that use oil, solid fuel, or natural gas to run need some sort of ventilation. Your gas furnace uses combustion to produce heat, but the process also leads to the development of some pretty unpleasant byproducts, including carbon monoxide—a dangerous, toxic gas.

Sometimes, we see multiple appliances using the same flue vent system for multiple appliances, but this isn’t always a possibility. In fact, we almost always recommend against it if you have an older chimney and a new high-efficiency furnace. Can your new furnace be vented through the chimney?

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What You Should Know about Gas Heating and Your Chimney

Monday, December 18th, 2017

gas-furnace-burnerMany people in Minnesota have homes with classic masonry chimneys and wood-burning fireplaces that add charm and elegance to a home. Of course, these older fireplaces produce a lot of creosote, which means they need to be cleaned frequently. This is something most homeowners in our area know.

What some people do not realize, though, is that some gas heating appliances—including fireplaces, stoves, boilers, and furnaces—use the masonry chimney too, and that the chimney still requires just as much maintenance in these cases.

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Is Your Chimney Safe for the Summer?

Monday, June 12th, 2017

chimney-treesYou may have heard before that it’s so important to clean out and inspect your chimney each year. Chimney cleaning is a professional service that can protect your home from fires, but should you really worry about this now that temperatures are rising and you don’t plan to use your chimney and fireplace for several months?

We think so. Spring and summer are perhaps the best times to schedule a chimney inspection and sweeping. You can prevent problems that would cause a potential fire in the colder seasons, and even help to prevent damage to your home that can occur at any time of year. Here’s why your chimney might not be safe for summer and why you should call chimney sweeps this season.

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Busting 4 Myths about Chimneys

Tuesday, February 7th, 2017

fireplace-fire-burningChimneys are fairly simple structures when compared to other types of devices we use to stay comfortable. They use the laws of physics to vent smoke outside of the home, and there are not many moving parts aside from, perhaps, a damper you open and shut as needed.

It’s precisely this simplicity, however, that allows for so many misconceptions about fireplaces and chimneys. Many people skip the maintenance necessary to keep a home safe, or decide to try it their own, and this is a huge risk. Below, we break down 4 myths about chimneys that we hear all too often, so that you have the information necessary to keep your household safer.

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Keep Heat in Your Home with 4 Fireplace and Chimney Tips

Monday, January 23rd, 2017

A fireplace is a soothing, comforting source of heat when the whole family is gathered in the living room, playing games or watching television and making the most of a cold evening.

We hope we don’t have to tell you that you shouldn’t be using your fireplace as a primary source of heat. This is expensive, first of all, and it can be unsafe. You should never use a fireplace unattended, and it can only really heat one area of the home anyway.Chimney-Heating-Efficiency

This winter, you may use both your heating system and your fireplace. If so, we want to make sure your home works as efficiently as possible and that you get the most out of both of these comfort systems. Follow these tips to make sure your fireplace and chimney don’t contribute to higher energy bills than you need.

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Why Does My Fireplace Smell?

Tuesday, June 7th, 2016

Most people are not thinking about their fireplace and chimney in the spring and summertime. But if you notice an odor coming from your fireplace when it’s warm outside, then you certainly are. It’s actually a common problem but still something you should get fixed ASAP. This is partly for the sake of your guests, but also because your annoying fireplace odor could actually be dangerous.

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