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

Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Guide: How To Avoid Chimney Fires

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Chimney fires are scary things to think about, but by taking a few precautions, you can help prevent this problem from happening in your Minneapolis home.

First, here is a little on what causes chimney fires. The wood that you burn in your fireplace or wood stove contains material than can condense on the inside of your chimney. This forms a tar-like substance called creosote, which is very flammable. If enough creosote builds up in your chimney, it can form a serious fire hazard.

While any wood can create creosote, there are some factors that make creosote buildup more likely. Burning green wood, extremely cold temperatures, and poor air supply can lead to more creosote condensing on the chimney. To reduce buildup, it’s best to have small, hot fires with seasoned firewood.

However, since burning any wood will lead to creosote in your chimney, the best way to prevent chimney fires is to have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.  A chimney sweep will remove any creosote buildup and check over your chimney for other problems.

To prepare for your chimney sweep’s visit, there are a few things that you can do:

  • Don’t use the fireplace or wood stove for 24 hours before the appointment
  • Move furniture away from the fireplace
  • Keep pets and children away from the work area

If you haven’t have your Minneapolis chimney cleaned and inspected this year, call 2nd Generation Chimneys today to schedule your appointment!

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How to Prevent Cracks in Your Plymouth Chimney

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Checking for cracks on the exterior of your chimney is something that any Plymouth homeowner can and should do.  Depending on the size of the crack and the potential soot around it anyone can determine if chimney repairs are needed.  Here are a few characteristics of chimneys in need of inspections, and ways you can prevent future damages.

One of the primary steps contractors and homeowners should know to take is leaving space between the chimney flue and the brick exterior.  This space needs to be present because of the heat expansion that occurs within the chimney while it is being used.  Without this additional space the chimney flue will expand and crack the brick exterior, which will lead to potential smoke leakage and further chimney damage.

Chimneys must be made to withstand some amount of movement, especially in towns that are known to have seismic activity.  Contractors should also be particularly careful of the soil that the place the chimney on, so that the foundation of the chimney is not resting on unsecure ground.  If your chimney does experience some movement it is important for homeowners to check the mortar joints, or the area where the chimney protrudes out of the roof, for gaps between the roof and the chimney.

One quick way homeowners can avoid any chimney sealing and resurfacing issues is by installing a chimney damper or cap.  During the colder months, if water travels down your chimney, and freezes, there is a good chance that the expansion of water to ice will crack your brick mortar exterior.  Right now 2nd Generation Chimneys is offering a discount on chimney inspections and cleanings when homeowners purchase a chimney damper.  By taking advantage of this deal people will be able to save money on their heating bills by restricting air flow through their chimney, reduce water from entering their chimney, and receive a discounted chimney inspection.

To learn more about ways to reduce chimney cracks, and increase chimney efficiency please call 2nd Generation Chimneys today.

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Golden Valley Wood Burning Tips: What NOT to Burn in your Fireplace or Wood Stove

Monday, May 14th, 2012

In addition to proper ventilation and annual chimney inspections in Golden Valley, burning the right type of fuel in your wood burning application is part of preventing chimney fires and other safety hazards. Making sure that you have installed interior and exterior spark arresters is also important in protecting your home and your property from potential fires created by embers.

If you have questions about choosing firewood, check our blog archives for more information on how to select and store your firewood. You can always call 2nd Generation Chimneys any time, and our fireplace and chimney experts will be glad to answer any further questions you might have.

In the meantime, here are some of the more common items that should NOT be burned in a fireplace or wood stove:

  • Cardboard and Garbage:  While this may seem obvious, many people think that burning trash and paper products, such as cardboard and magazines , is safe because they do not burn too hot; however, these products are typically treated with toxic chemicals that can be released into the air you breathe when you burn them.
  • Treated Wood and Construction Materials:  Like household garbage and cardboard, pressure-treated wood contains harmful chemicals that are released when burned, particularly stained or water-treated wood from decks or landscaping and rail road ties. This applies to construction scraps, such as plywood, particle board, gypsum board, press board, or any material that contains glue.
  • Ocean Driftwood:  When ocean driftwood is burned, it can release the sea salt and minerals that will turn into corrosive and toxic gases, which are harmful to your health and can damage your flue lining.
  • Green or Moldy Wood:  Wet or “green” wood causes excess smoking, creosote buildup, foul odors, and could potentially cause illness if the wood contains bacteria, mold, mildew, or other fungi.
  • Christmas Trees or Evergreens:  While all wood will create some creosote buildup, evergreens and trees that contain sap or heavy amounts of resin can create excess creosote. If you choose to burn this type of wood, be sure that you have your chimney cleaned and inspected  at least once a year, if not twice a year.

We also get many questions about burning artificial logs. Most fire safety experts agree that while these are convenient, they should only be used to start a fire if you do not have proper kindling. In addition, they should be burned in an open fireplace, and one at a time.

If you use fire starters, make sure you are careful about stirring the fire before they have completely burned, since moving them around could cause the fire to get too hot or out of control. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before you start the fire.

Don’t hesitate to give the fireplace experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys a call any time you have questions or concerns.

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