Fireplace Cleaning and Chimney Repair
With fireplace cleaning, chimney repair, and even masonry services on the chimney caps and structure, our chimney cleaners (aka chimney sweeps) can restore your fireplace and perform the necessary chimney cleaning Minneapolis MN residents need to stay warm - and safe - this season.
Chimneys and fireplaces are loved by Minnesota homeowners. There's no feeling quite like being warmed by a roaring fire in the comfort of your home - perhaps sipping a hot cocoa and gazing into the dancing flames as they slowly burn and release the fine woodsy scent of aged logs.
Why clean my fireplace and chimney?
Over time, however, fireplaces and chimneys can break down due to the freezing and thawing process and extreme temperature shifts that we experience in the Twin Cities area. Your precious fireplace and chimney can become damaged and cause everything from chimney fires to water leakage to noxious fumes entering your home. To prevent fireplaces and chimneys from becoming hazardous, regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance is needed.
Midwest Home Services is able to perform the most commonly required maintenance and repair needs for your fireplace and chimney. These include installing proper chimney caps, chimalators and chimney liners, Tuck pointing, gas fireplace to wood-burning fireplace conversion, waterproofing, crown repair, and other Chimney and Masonry work. We use the latest video scanning tools to ensure a safe fireplace and chimney.
Midwest Home Services also provides animal removal if a critter has lodged itself in your chimney. We use quality, professional-grade materials to insure that your chimney and fireplace are kept in top condition for your family’s health and safety.
Chimneys and fireplaces are loved by Minnesota homeowners. There's no feeling quite like being warmed by a roaring fire in the comfort of your home - perhaps sipping a hot cocoa and gazing into the dancing flames as they slowly burn and release the fine woodsy scent of aged logs.
Why clean my fireplace and chimney?
Over time, however, fireplaces and chimneys can break down due to the freezing and thawing process and extreme temperature shifts that we experience in the Twin Cities area. Your precious fireplace and chimney can become damaged and cause everything from chimney fires to water leakage to noxious fumes entering your home. To prevent fireplaces and chimneys from becoming hazardous, regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance is needed.
Midwest Home Services is able to perform the most commonly required maintenance and repair needs for your fireplace and chimney. These include installing proper chimney caps, chimalators and chimney liners, Tuck pointing, gas fireplace to wood-burning fireplace conversion, waterproofing, crown repair, and other Chimney and Masonry work. We use the latest video scanning tools to ensure a safe fireplace and chimney.
Midwest Home Services also provides animal removal if a critter has lodged itself in your chimney. We use quality, professional-grade materials to insure that your chimney and fireplace are kept in top condition for your family’s health and safety.
What method does MHS use for Chimney and Fireplace Cleaning?
Midwest Home Services uses the "European chimney sweep" cleaning method. This method utilizes a wire brush sized for your chimney and long, flexible rods to clean the length of the chimney’s flue. This technique eliminates the chance of a chimney fire by removing creosote build-up. Our Technicians prefer to work from the roof, however they can attain the same results from inside the home should that be necessary.
From the inside of the home, our Technicians use handheld brushes to clean the lower portion of the chimney and fireplace. They clean the smoke shelf, smoke chamber, damper and firebox which helps eliminate odor and prevent future problems with your chimney.
As part of this process our Technicians also perform a 14-Point Safety Inspection. This helps them to find and advise you on any structural or mechanical problems they might discover with the chimney or the fireplace. If a more in-depth inspection is required we also can provide a video inspection of the inside of your chimney with our Chimscan video camera system for your chimney's close-up.
If you're looking for a Chimney Sweep in Minneapolis and Twin cities area, call us now at 612-724-1549, or use our easy online scheduler.
Midwest Home Services uses the "European chimney sweep" cleaning method. This method utilizes a wire brush sized for your chimney and long, flexible rods to clean the length of the chimney’s flue. This technique eliminates the chance of a chimney fire by removing creosote build-up. Our Technicians prefer to work from the roof, however they can attain the same results from inside the home should that be necessary.
From the inside of the home, our Technicians use handheld brushes to clean the lower portion of the chimney and fireplace. They clean the smoke shelf, smoke chamber, damper and firebox which helps eliminate odor and prevent future problems with your chimney.
As part of this process our Technicians also perform a 14-Point Safety Inspection. This helps them to find and advise you on any structural or mechanical problems they might discover with the chimney or the fireplace. If a more in-depth inspection is required we also can provide a video inspection of the inside of your chimney with our Chimscan video camera system for your chimney's close-up.
If you're looking for a Chimney Sweep in Minneapolis and Twin cities area, call us now at 612-724-1549, or use our easy online scheduler.
What benefits are derived from having my Chimney and Fireplace regularly maintained and cleaned?
Annual inspection of your chimney and fireplace can help to save you thousands of dollars down the road in costly repairs. By cleaning and inspecting your Chimney and Fireplace on an annual basis you can address any repair or maintenance issues today and save you the expense of costly repair or complete re-stacking of your chimney.
What if I don't do any Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning and Inspection?
Many homeowners delay fireplace and chimney cleaning until they see visible damage. This is not a good idea. A faulty chimney can wreak havoc on your home, risk your health, and make repairs or replacement far more expensive. Chimney fires and carbon monoxide are just a few of the hazards that can be caused by an improperly maintained wood burning or gas Fireplace or Chimney. Water leakage and damage to the exterior of the home can also be a result of Chimney neglect.
Chimney Fires
One of the most common consequences of ignoring a faulty wood-burning fireplace and chimney is, of course, fire. Chimney fires are a serious health hazard because they expose you to dangerous fumes and smokes. They can also cause substantial damage to the structure of your chimney and to the rest of the home.
The leading cause of chimney fires is lack of maintenance. According to the State Fire Marshall’s office, of the thousands of Minnesota fires over the past few years, 25-30% originated in chimneys. Annual cleaning of your chimney’s flue eliminates the chance of a chimney fire due to creosote buildup and protects your family and your home.
What is Creosote Buildup?
Creosote is a black substance that can accumulate in your chimney’s flue. It is a mixture of tar, smoke, soot and other carbon by-products. In some chimneys, it is slick and smooth, while in others, spongy and crunchy. In its last phase, creosote turns into a flammable tar-like substance which is the culprit behind many fires.
Chimney Blockages
In addition to creosote, chimneys can get clogged by a variety of materials, such as leaves, birds’ nests and other debris. As you can imagine, a blocked chimney can produce undesirable side effects such as gases and smoke blowing back into your home instead of floating up the chimney and out to the exterior.
Cracked Chimney Lining
The chimney lining in most homes is made from clay tile. In fact, some older homes (pre-1900) were built with mortar lining. Only a few are made from stainless steel. Regardless of the lining material (some older homes don't have any), the chimney lining needs to be durable enough to withstand heat and pressure, which makes a chimney vulnerable to cracks and other structural issues.
A cracked lining can be dangerous because it allows heat to escape into other parts of your home and cause fires. Cracks also hinder smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases from exiting the property properly, since obviously you want those byproducts leaving the top of the chimney and not through the cracks.
Water Damage
Water leakages often result when a chimney has cracks, damaged mortar or missing bricks. Because it is unable to keep moisture out, water and vapor can seep into your home during rainy or snowy seasons. Excessive amounts of moisture can damage everything from walls to floors depending on the structure of your property.
These are just a few of the problems that can occur if you leave your chimney unattended. This is why it is advisable to request professional fireplace and chimney cleaning and inspection.
At Midwest Home Services, we offer a free chimney inspection and fireplace repair estimate.
Annual inspection of your chimney and fireplace can help to save you thousands of dollars down the road in costly repairs. By cleaning and inspecting your Chimney and Fireplace on an annual basis you can address any repair or maintenance issues today and save you the expense of costly repair or complete re-stacking of your chimney.
What if I don't do any Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning and Inspection?
Many homeowners delay fireplace and chimney cleaning until they see visible damage. This is not a good idea. A faulty chimney can wreak havoc on your home, risk your health, and make repairs or replacement far more expensive. Chimney fires and carbon monoxide are just a few of the hazards that can be caused by an improperly maintained wood burning or gas Fireplace or Chimney. Water leakage and damage to the exterior of the home can also be a result of Chimney neglect.
Chimney Fires
One of the most common consequences of ignoring a faulty wood-burning fireplace and chimney is, of course, fire. Chimney fires are a serious health hazard because they expose you to dangerous fumes and smokes. They can also cause substantial damage to the structure of your chimney and to the rest of the home.
The leading cause of chimney fires is lack of maintenance. According to the State Fire Marshall’s office, of the thousands of Minnesota fires over the past few years, 25-30% originated in chimneys. Annual cleaning of your chimney’s flue eliminates the chance of a chimney fire due to creosote buildup and protects your family and your home.
What is Creosote Buildup?
Creosote is a black substance that can accumulate in your chimney’s flue. It is a mixture of tar, smoke, soot and other carbon by-products. In some chimneys, it is slick and smooth, while in others, spongy and crunchy. In its last phase, creosote turns into a flammable tar-like substance which is the culprit behind many fires.
Chimney Blockages
In addition to creosote, chimneys can get clogged by a variety of materials, such as leaves, birds’ nests and other debris. As you can imagine, a blocked chimney can produce undesirable side effects such as gases and smoke blowing back into your home instead of floating up the chimney and out to the exterior.
Cracked Chimney Lining
The chimney lining in most homes is made from clay tile. In fact, some older homes (pre-1900) were built with mortar lining. Only a few are made from stainless steel. Regardless of the lining material (some older homes don't have any), the chimney lining needs to be durable enough to withstand heat and pressure, which makes a chimney vulnerable to cracks and other structural issues.
A cracked lining can be dangerous because it allows heat to escape into other parts of your home and cause fires. Cracks also hinder smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases from exiting the property properly, since obviously you want those byproducts leaving the top of the chimney and not through the cracks.
Water Damage
Water leakages often result when a chimney has cracks, damaged mortar or missing bricks. Because it is unable to keep moisture out, water and vapor can seep into your home during rainy or snowy seasons. Excessive amounts of moisture can damage everything from walls to floors depending on the structure of your property.
These are just a few of the problems that can occur if you leave your chimney unattended. This is why it is advisable to request professional fireplace and chimney cleaning and inspection.
At Midwest Home Services, we offer a free chimney inspection and fireplace repair estimate.
When Do You Need Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning?
We recommend that your Chimney and Fireplace is cleaned and inspected every year or every 30-40 fires, or to be on the safe side, once a year due to the potential for weather damage. Cleaning your chimney is not a matter of “if” but of “when.” Before you even experience any problems, have a professional visit your home for an inspection and repair if necessary. Cleaning and maintaining your chimney not only improves the aesthetics of the home, but also prevents a host of functional issues as well.
Although many property owners might be tempted to try to clean their chimneys themselves, the job is more complicated than it looks, and usually not as thorough and professional. And in some cases, doing it yourself might actually worsen the damage, causing more harm than good. Rather than risk it, we recommend that you call in experienced technicians. Like us.
Some possible symptoms that require inspection:
We recommend that your Chimney and Fireplace is cleaned and inspected every year or every 30-40 fires, or to be on the safe side, once a year due to the potential for weather damage. Cleaning your chimney is not a matter of “if” but of “when.” Before you even experience any problems, have a professional visit your home for an inspection and repair if necessary. Cleaning and maintaining your chimney not only improves the aesthetics of the home, but also prevents a host of functional issues as well.
Although many property owners might be tempted to try to clean their chimneys themselves, the job is more complicated than it looks, and usually not as thorough and professional. And in some cases, doing it yourself might actually worsen the damage, causing more harm than good. Rather than risk it, we recommend that you call in experienced technicians. Like us.
Some possible symptoms that require inspection:
- Smoke being blown back into your home when you use the fireplace
- Odors of burned wood throughout the home when you are not using the fireplace
- Black chunks of creosote in and outside of the damper
- Poorly burning fires
- Debris in the chimney flue
- Bumpy, bubbly or slick texture on the chimney’s inner surface
- Cracks and missing mortar on the exterior
- Black soot on furniture and décor
How Does Midwest Home Services Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning and Inspection Work?
A Chimney safety inspection is a comprehensive investigation by a "Chimney Sweep" or Chimney specialist of the critical components of your Fireplace and Chimney. Midwest Home Services technicians conduct a comprehensive 14 pt. inspection to test the safety and operation of your fireplace and chimney.
We'll start with the obvious signs: are there any bricks that are crumbling or deteriorating? Is the cement
crown intact? Is your chimney cap still attached to the flue? Neglected chimney damage or needed masonry repair can lead to water leaks, chimney fires and other catastrophes relevant to your home.
We also examine the interior of your chimney with a special Chimscan chimney video camera. Our trusty Chimscan camera can see places inside your chimney that are hard to reach for a closeup and accurate view.
For homes with wood-burning fireplaces, we'll thoroughly check for creosote buildup on the flue and chimney lining, and ensure a working damper, fire-box and smoke shelf is one of the first things to be checked and remedied.
Technicians also check for cracks and deformities in the chimney interior, crown and cap. Mortar joints are also thoroughly inspected for damage, as well as brickwork. We'll also check for cracked flue tiles, and spalling or deteriorating mortar joints or brick face, and overall serviceability of the Chimney structure itself. If anything is found to be faulty, it is repaired, or in some cases, completely replaced or rebuilt.
After the inspection, a written report is provided that details any deficiencies found, and then recommendations are discussed. In some cases, the solution could be as simple as a simple Chimney sweep, Fireplace cleaning, or Chimney cleaning. There could also be recommendations for Fire box repair, Chimney repair, Tuck pointing mortar joints, Chimney cap installation, Chimney Crown repair, Chimney liner installation, or other brick or Masonry repair, and in some extreme cases a complete Chimney rebuild from the roof line up.
Depending on the nature of the problem, we would suggest any of the following cleaning and repair solutions:
Chimney Sweeping
To help clear creosote buildup, our technicians use the advanced European method. This procedure is performed manually using a "ChimScan" closed-circuit camera, wire brush and specialized cleaning equipment. It is designed to remove stubborn ash, soot, creosote and debris stuck in your chimney to enhance the function of your fireplace.
Chimney Crown Repair
A crown or cap, in a nutshell, is like a roof for your chimney. It helps protect the exterior of the chimney as well as the interior lining from nature’s elements. A crown is the cement cap at the very top of the exterior chimney that holds either a pipe or chimney flue tile in place. It also assists in keeping moisture out of your chimney and makes a platform to attach your chimney cap, chimalator or top sealing damper.
Having the crown inspected and repaired can minimize damage caused by moisture, hail, sun rays, winds and other harsh weather conditions. It also makes your chimney more resistant to stress, heat and smoke.
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing involves replacing or repairing missing or damaged mortar joints and brick. The process involves using a grinding tool to remove damaged mortar and then either removing the existing brick and replacing it with new brick or stone or simply replacing the mortar joint with fresh mortar.
This solution is effective at reducing water leakages and increases the strength of the chimney structure. It is also an aesthetic procedure because it renews the appearance of brickwork.
In addition to tuck pointing (aka tuctpointing), Midwest Home Services also provides a range of other masonry repair services, such as sealing cracked flue tiles, installing new chimney lining and replacing damaged brickwork.
Chimney Rebuild
If your fireplace and chimney are beyond repair, technicians can tear down the existing structure and rebuild it. This procedure is usually recommended for chimneys with extensive damage. We are experienced in masonry and chimney build and repair.
A Chimney safety inspection is a comprehensive investigation by a "Chimney Sweep" or Chimney specialist of the critical components of your Fireplace and Chimney. Midwest Home Services technicians conduct a comprehensive 14 pt. inspection to test the safety and operation of your fireplace and chimney.
We'll start with the obvious signs: are there any bricks that are crumbling or deteriorating? Is the cement
crown intact? Is your chimney cap still attached to the flue? Neglected chimney damage or needed masonry repair can lead to water leaks, chimney fires and other catastrophes relevant to your home.
We also examine the interior of your chimney with a special Chimscan chimney video camera. Our trusty Chimscan camera can see places inside your chimney that are hard to reach for a closeup and accurate view.
For homes with wood-burning fireplaces, we'll thoroughly check for creosote buildup on the flue and chimney lining, and ensure a working damper, fire-box and smoke shelf is one of the first things to be checked and remedied.
Technicians also check for cracks and deformities in the chimney interior, crown and cap. Mortar joints are also thoroughly inspected for damage, as well as brickwork. We'll also check for cracked flue tiles, and spalling or deteriorating mortar joints or brick face, and overall serviceability of the Chimney structure itself. If anything is found to be faulty, it is repaired, or in some cases, completely replaced or rebuilt.
After the inspection, a written report is provided that details any deficiencies found, and then recommendations are discussed. In some cases, the solution could be as simple as a simple Chimney sweep, Fireplace cleaning, or Chimney cleaning. There could also be recommendations for Fire box repair, Chimney repair, Tuck pointing mortar joints, Chimney cap installation, Chimney Crown repair, Chimney liner installation, or other brick or Masonry repair, and in some extreme cases a complete Chimney rebuild from the roof line up.
Depending on the nature of the problem, we would suggest any of the following cleaning and repair solutions:
Chimney Sweeping
To help clear creosote buildup, our technicians use the advanced European method. This procedure is performed manually using a "ChimScan" closed-circuit camera, wire brush and specialized cleaning equipment. It is designed to remove stubborn ash, soot, creosote and debris stuck in your chimney to enhance the function of your fireplace.
Chimney Crown Repair
A crown or cap, in a nutshell, is like a roof for your chimney. It helps protect the exterior of the chimney as well as the interior lining from nature’s elements. A crown is the cement cap at the very top of the exterior chimney that holds either a pipe or chimney flue tile in place. It also assists in keeping moisture out of your chimney and makes a platform to attach your chimney cap, chimalator or top sealing damper.
Having the crown inspected and repaired can minimize damage caused by moisture, hail, sun rays, winds and other harsh weather conditions. It also makes your chimney more resistant to stress, heat and smoke.
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing involves replacing or repairing missing or damaged mortar joints and brick. The process involves using a grinding tool to remove damaged mortar and then either removing the existing brick and replacing it with new brick or stone or simply replacing the mortar joint with fresh mortar.
This solution is effective at reducing water leakages and increases the strength of the chimney structure. It is also an aesthetic procedure because it renews the appearance of brickwork.
In addition to tuck pointing (aka tuctpointing), Midwest Home Services also provides a range of other masonry repair services, such as sealing cracked flue tiles, installing new chimney lining and replacing damaged brickwork.
Chimney Rebuild
If your fireplace and chimney are beyond repair, technicians can tear down the existing structure and rebuild it. This procedure is usually recommended for chimneys with extensive damage. We are experienced in masonry and chimney build and repair.
If your fireplace and chimney are in need of cleaning, contact Midwest Home Services today. We can send a technician to your home or business to generate a quote for repairs free of charge. We provide a comprehensive 14 point safety inspection for customers in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN and Twin Cities Metro Area.
“Better safe than sorry,” we always say. Call us today for professional fireplace and chimney cleaning services at affordable prices. Midwest Home Services is happy to come to your home or place of business to give you a free chimney and fireplace repair estimate.
“Better safe than sorry,” we always say. Call us today for professional fireplace and chimney cleaning services at affordable prices. Midwest Home Services is happy to come to your home or place of business to give you a free chimney and fireplace repair estimate.
Click here to view our easy online appointment scheduler