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

Don’t Forget to Have Your Chimney Cleaned

Monday, August 31st, 2020

chimney-cleaningWe know that summer is still in full swing and no one in the area is thinking about lighting up a hearty fire in their fireplace for a while. This makes now the perfect time to get your chimney cleaned! When you don’t need the use of your fireplace and your chimney, it means that you don’t have to worry about interrupting the warmth in your home to safely clean your chimney and provide chimney repair in St. Paul, MN if they are needed.

If you haven’t gotten your chimney cleaning taken care of just yet, don’t delay getting it done! You don’t want to get caught with a dirty chimney when you really want to be enjoying a nice warm fire.

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Is That Smell Coming From Your Fireplace?

Monday, June 8th, 2020

You don’t have to be using your fireplace to notice it has a problem. Just opening the damper to check things out and see if there is a reason to call in a professional can lead to a discovery that something is up. Of course, even if you aren’t checking on your chimney out of habit, you might be led to look into its upkeep by a strange smell that seems to be coming from it.

There are several different potential causes for chimney smells and none of them are good. This applies to both gas and wood-burning fireplaces too so whatever type you have and wherever it is located, this article is meant for you. A stinking chimney isn’t one you should ignore because it will only get worse!

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How Do My Fireplace and Chimney Work?

Monday, March 16th, 2020

Have you ever looked at your chimney or fireplace and wondered what exactly it is about them that requires professional services? It’s just a box with a hole at the top right? Actually, there is a lot more to your chimney than you may think. Understanding the basics of what each part of your fireplace and chimney does helps you know when to call for repairs much more easily. This is because, when you know how things are supposed to work, it is easier to identify when they aren’t operating right.

If you are interested in learning something new about your wood-burning fireplace, then you have come to the right place. We have gathered some key pointers for you to enjoy. Hopefully, by the end of this, you will have a better grasp of the mechanics behind your fireplace so you know when to call us for assistance.

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Spring is the Best Time for a Sweeping!

Monday, May 13th, 2019

Spring has sprung! The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and homeowners all across the country are starting their spring cleaning extravaganza! Now is the perfect time to clean out your garage, sort through your summer clothes, and get rid of the stockpile nick-nacks that have accumulated in your home. Oh, and don’t forget! Now is the perfect time to schedule your chimney sweeping services!

If you haven’t already, be sure to schedule your chimney cleaning in Minneapolis as soon as possible! Spring is the perfect time to invest in these services, and if you keep reading below, we will explain why! So, what are you waiting for?

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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.  

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Don’t Use a Chimney in Need of Repair

Monday, December 11th, 2017

chimney-masonry-worn-brickIt’s the perfect time of year to light a fire and bask in the warmth and comfort a fireplace can provide. That is, of course, as long as your chimney is not a risk to your health and safety. However, many people don’t realize that problems within a chimney exist. Or, they may think that they can still use their chimneys despite the problems that exist.

Even a seemingly “small” problem, or anything that seems to affect only the aesthetics of the chimney, may be a bigger safety risk than you think. If your chimney is in need of repair, you should NOT use your fireplace, sticking to traditional central heating until the issue is resolved. Here’s what else you should know.

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Read This Before You Use Your Chimney

Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

You’re ready for the low temperatures to give you a chance to light a fire in your fireplace once again. A warm, welcoming fire can make a house feel like home. But don’t rush into using yours just yet. Before you get out the firewood, here are 4 things you should know before you start to use your chimney for the first time this year.

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Spring and Summer Chimney Problems: What Might Come Up

Monday, June 6th, 2016

If you think that you can ignore your chimney and fireplace in the spring and summertime, think again. There are a number of problems that tend to come up in the summertime and spring, though some may be more noticeable than others. Here, we list some common problems, and why we think it’s so important to stay on top of chimney inspections and making sure your chimney is safe all year round.

What Can Happen in the Spring and Summer

In the off-period for your chimney and fireplace, new problems can still appear. Or, older problems can start to reveal themselves, especially if it’s been a long time since you’ve scheduled an inspection and cleaning. Here are some examples:

  • Smells in the chimney – In the summer, smells from animal droppings or creosote become more obvious thanks to the humidity in the air.
  • Excessive creosote – This is a dangerous problem you might start to notice in the summer, and it can allow a chimney fire to ignite and spread to your home. Have your chimney cleaned each and every year to eliminate this danger.
  • Structural problems – Structural problems with the masonry of a chimney may help a fire to spread to the outside of a home. Some may think they add “charm” but remember than this charm could be short-lived.
  • Unwanted guests – One common problem that comes up in warm weather is the presence of critters like rodents or birds in the chimney. While bird nest removal of some species may be illegal as long as the nest is active, you can call in a technician afterwards to help you prevent the problem in the future.

What You Should Do

We cannot reiterate this enough: work with a quality chimney and fireplace contractor to have your chimney cleaned out each and every year. And schedule inspections if you suspect a structural problem. It helps you feel better about your family’s safety. And you can be prepared to use your fireplace in the winter.

Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney cleaning and inspections in Minneapolis, MN.

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A DIY Chimney Sweep Vs. A Professional Chimney Cleaning: 3 Major Differences

Monday, January 18th, 2016

You know that your chimney could use a good cleaning, but you don’t want to go through the process of hiring a company to do the work for you. We understand that it can be tough to tell if you’ve got a quality chimney technician working for you, but attempting to do the job on your own is not the way. Professional chimney cleaning helps you to stay safe, and it’s worth it to do some research and find a quality company rather than to attempt it on your own.

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A Short Guide to Quality Firewood and Your Chimney

Monday, June 29th, 2015

Are you taking the proper precautions when it comes to choosing your firewood? The quality of the firewood that you use has a major effect on the performance and safety of your chimney. Learn more about how and why to choose the proper firewood in today’s guide.

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