St Paul MN Chimney Inspection & Cleaning

St. Paul residents enjoy a delightful blend of city convenience in a suburban setting away from the hustle and bustle of its Minneapolis neighbor. However, a critical element that adds warmth and character to many homes in the ‘East Loop’ can pose a severe safety risk if neglected: the fireplace and its chimney.

Think of your chimney as the lungs of your fireplace. This vital system removes smoke and harmful contaminants from your home, ensuring a safe and enjoyable fireplace experience. However, just like humans need regular checkups to stay healthy, chimneys also need an annual inspection by a certified professional to prevent problems and minimize repairs.

St. Paul Chimney Inspections

Overlooking your chimney's upkeep can lead to severe consequences. The accumulation of flammable creosote, cracks, obstructions, and other damages can trigger serious chimney issues. These can result in hazardous situations like 'choking' or 'back puffing,' where smoke and potentially lethal carbon monoxide are forced back into your home. Moreover, impaired chimneys are more prone to fires, water leaks, pest invasions, and structural collapses.

The certified professionals at Twin City Fireplace, Masonry, & Chimney are experts in their field. They offer comprehensive chimney inspections, qualified to conduct all three levels per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards & Codes:

• Level 1: This is a cursory visual examination of readily accessible components, ideal for yearly maintenance and identifying fundamental problems.
• Level 2: This is a more detailed inspection that may involve video scanning and includes a thorough evaluation of the entire chimney system.
• Level 3: This is the most comprehensive inspection, often required for real estate transactions, after a chimney fire, or for suspected damage discovered during a level 1 or 2 inspection. It includes a detailed evaluation of the entire system and may require the removal of specific components to enter inaccessible areas.

Does My Gas Fireplace Need a Chimney Inspection?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that even gas fireplaces require annual inspections and cleaning, when necessary, per manufacturer specifications. During an inspection, our technicians look for cracks or defects that could leak carbon monoxide fumes into your home. An inspection will also help prevent premature failure, protecting your gas fireplace investment.

Professional Chimney Cleaning in Ramsey County

Did you know that fire prevention is the number one priority of Certified Chimney Professionals? When lighting the fireplace, a highly flammable substance called creosote builds up in the chimney. This buildup can ignite and cause a devastating chimney fire if left unchecked. Regular cleaning by our certified technicians removes creosote and other debris, minimizing fire risk.

Additionally, chimneys can become unintentional habitats for wildlife and pests common to the St. Paul area:

• Birds
• Raccoons
• Squirrels

These animals can build nests in the flue, creating blockages that restrict airflow and increase fire risk. Our professional cleaning services remove these obstructions, ensuring proper venting.