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Fire Prevention Week 2024 | Smoke Alarms
Here in the upper Midwest, cold arctic air moves in from the north, bringing bone-chilling temperatures and blustery winds that make winter feel like living in a freezer. Many Minnesotans rely on wood-burning fireplaces, inserts, and stoves for warmth and comfort during this time of year. Winters in the Twin Cities area are long, and over a foot of snow often blankets the rooftops and chimneys. Given the icy winters, rainy springs, and humid summers, ensuring the integrity of the chimney crown is crucial.
Celebrate Fire Prevention Week With Us
Twin City Fireplace is pleased to observe Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). During this week-long event, Twin City Fireplace will offer a variety of chimney safety tips and information.
The theme of NFPA’s 2024 Fire Prevention Week is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!" This reminds us all to take the easy and important steps to keep our homes and families safe. Make sure you have a smoke detector installed in each bedroom, that they are all working properly, that you are testing them monthly and that all smoke detectors are being replaced every ten years.
What is a Chimney Crown?
A chimney crown is a concrete surface at the top of the chimney that protects the masonry walls. It surrounds the exposed flue pipe, shielding the chimney and siding from the elements that can cause damage. Adorning the crown, the chimney cap provides additional protection to the chimney. A properly installed and maintained chimney crown has a slope and leading edge to help prevent water infiltration, which can lead to:
Crown Repair & Rebuilding
A cracked crown is one of the most common chimney repairs we perform daily for customers in the Twin Cities Area. Because the weather in the upper Midwest swings from extreme cold to very hot as the seasons change, minor cracks can develop into severe damage, requiring crown rebuilding.
- Chimney Crown Repair: If the crown is damaged, water can seep into the chimney, causing deterioration and potential structural damage. The cracks are patched with new mortar and sealed in a waterproof coating for minor repairs.
- Rebuilding the Crown: In cases of severe damage, the entire crown may need to be rebuilt. The rebuilding process involves demolishing the old crown and constructing a new one from scratch.
If you notice signs of damage to your chimney crown, such as cracks, spalling, or leaks, immediate action is crucial. Ignoring these issues can lead to potentially dangerous situations, including fires and carbon monoxide poisoning if the flue becomes blocked or compromised. Our crown repairs, which may involve patching cracks with a waterproof sealant or rebuilding damaged sections, are designed to protect your chimney system. When damage is severe, rebuilding the crown is necessary.
The Importance of Annual Chimney Inspections in Minneapolis
Annual chimney inspections are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your chimney. During an inspection, a qualified technician will assess the condition of the crown, flue, and other chimney components. They will also check for any signs of creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. If cleaning is necessary, we can often complete the service during the same visit. Your safety is our priority.
Visit Our Hearth Showroom – Two Locations to Serve You
Looking to upgrade your fireplace? Twin City Fireplace carries the latest and most innovative fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and outdoor fire features to create your desired ambiance. Visit one of our two conveniently located showroom locations in Minneapolis (Edina) or St. Paul (Woodbury) to browse our extensive selection.
Don't let a cracked crown compromise your chimney! Our experienced and trained team is committed to providing top-quality workmanship at competitive prices. Visit our superstore or contact us today to prolong the lifespan of your chimney and heating appliances. We proudly serve homeowners in Bloomington, Minnetonka, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, and surrounding Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul MN communities.