We’re proud to serve the city of Minneapolis
For nearly 40 years, Jack Pixley Sweeps, Inc., has served the greater Minneapolis area. From installation to cleaning and inspection to rebuilding, our certified technicians can meet all of your fireplace and chimney needs.
Chimney sweeping and inspection
We at Jack Pixley Sweeps go above and beyond national guidelines in our chimney sweeping and inspection service.
During your cleaning our CSIA-certified sweeps will insert a rotating brush up your flue. As it travels up your chimney, it will expand to remove all of the creosote and soot that has built up in your fireplace. Following your cleaning, your chimney sweep will go beyond the visual, “level 1” inspection recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute. Our sweeps will insert a closed-circuit camera up your flue so they can visually inspect to your chimney to make sure there is no crumbling mortar, cracked tiles, or damage from an unobserved chimney fire.
Chimney and firebox repairs
We can repair leaking chimneys, diagnose and correct chimney draft problems, or repair a damaged firebox. Our skilled technicians can go so far as to rebuild your chimney or firebox, if needed.
Fireplace inserts
If you’re looking to upgrade your fireplace, Jack Pixley Sweeps can help. If you prefer a traditional fireplace but would like to return more heat to your home, we offer open-hearth Ahrens Fireplace Systems. Or, if you’d like to upgrade to a closed insert, we offer Regency gas and wood-burning inserts.
Fireplace reconstruction
If you’d like to change the look of your hearth, either to update, make it better suited to your taste, or have it made to fit your new fireplace insert, Jack Pixley Sweeps is the company to call. We specialize in rebuilding fireplace fronts to meet the aesthetic and practical needs of our customers.
Chimney relining
Many chimneys have been constructed with the wrong size chimney tiles, which can lead to drafting problems and smoke flowing back into a home rather than out of the flue. Jack Pixley offers stainless steel chimney liners, which can solve your drafting problems, or replace any older, cracked tiles.
Dryer vent cleaning
Clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of home fires, and Jack Pixley Sweeps provides the best dryer vent cleaning in the area. We hook up a vacuum to your dryer vent to ensure that lint doesn’t litter your yard, and then we remove lint with a rotary system. We’ll also make sure your vent utilizes a safe aluminum lining.
Animal removal
Raccoons and some birds love to nest in your chimney, while other animals, such as ducks or squirrels, can make their way into your chimney and become stuck. An animal nest can be a chimney fire hazard, and a trapped animal is obviously in danger. Our technicians can safely remove any animal you hear trapped or making a home in your chimney. We also can install stainless steel screen and chimney cover to prevent animals from getting into your chimney.
Gutter cleaning
Your gutters should be cleaned each spring and fall to prevent leaks or water damage to your home. Jack Pixley Sweeps is happy to provide gutter-cleaning service!
Scaffolding setup.
Chimney repairs can take extensive scaffolding setup. We set up our own scaffolding, saving you from hiring a scaffolding company.
If you have any questions about the services we provide and live in and around Minneapolis, please contact us or give us a call! We’re locally owned and happy to help!
The mark of a CSIA certified chimney technician
As winter weather approaches, now if the time of year when many homeowners having their chimneys swept and cleaned. However, it is important to be wary of who is cleaning your chimney. Instead of going with the cheapest company or hiring someone who simply comes to the door, homeowners should find a CSIA certified chimney sweep.
A certified chimney sweep can do more than just clean your chimney; these highly trained professionals can make sure your fireplace system is in good condition and is safe to use all season long. This year, trust a CSIA certified technician with your chimney and fireplace cleaning!
What is CSIA certification?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to chimney and fireplace safety, education, and certifications. The CSIA is widely considered the most prestigious professional organization in the chimney industry, and chimney sweeps with a CSIA certification have had to undergo years of rigorous education and testing.
Because there are so few standards and controls on who can call themselves a chimney sweep, it is important to work with a technician who has professional certifications like those offered by the CSIA. Certified chimney sweeps have a broad knowledge of chimney topics and issues such as:
– Recommended safety techniques and practices
– Current local and national building codes
– Fireplace dynamics and construction
– Fireplace, stove, and insert installation
– EPA emissions requirements for heating appliances
CSIA certifications are not for life; chimney sweeps must retest every three years in order to maintain their certifications. Doing this ensures that CSIA certified chimney sweeps are up to date on the latest advancements in the fireplace industry.
Finding the right chimney sweep
Choosing a chimney sweep is sometimes as simple as opening up the phonebook or doing a quick search on Google. However, before deciding who to trust with your chimney and fireplace cleaning it is important to learn about their certifications along with other information about their business. In addition to having a Certified Professionals Locator, the CSIA also recommends asking questions similar to these before hiring a chimney sweep.
– How long has the company been in business?
– Can the company provide current references?
– Does the company have unresolved complaints with city or state consumer protection agencies or the Better Business Bureau?
– Does the company carry a business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
– Will a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep be on the job site?
Working with a CSIA certified chimney sweep means that you are working with a highly trained professional, not just some guy with a truck. If you’re in the Minneapolis area, trust Jack Pixley Sweeps to take care of your chimney and fireplace cleaning needs. Contact us today to schedule your next chimney appointment!
When it comes to taking care of your fireplace and chimney, many homeowners feel like they have to make a choice: go with a company that can sell you a fireplace, or go with a company that can service and repair your chimney. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we can do both!
Whether you want to purchase and install a new insert or need the masonry of your existing chimney repaired, Jack Pixley Sweeps is a one stop shop for all of your fireplace and chimney needs. Avoid shopping around or working with multiple companies; trust our expert staff to get the job done right the first time!
Benefits of a new fireplace insert
If your home has an old fashioned masonry fireplace, you may want to consider upgrading to a more efficient fireplace insert. In addition to burning fuel more efficiently and producing less smoke and soot, fireplace inserts can also help you save on your energy bills. According to Leslie Wheeler of the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, converting an existing masonry fireplace to an energy efficient insert can save as much as 40%.
While an open hearth fireplace can only be used for burning wood, inserts that burn several different fuel sources are available. Whether you want the look of real wood, the efficiency of pellets, or the ease of gas, there is an insert for you! Likewise, inserts come in styles ranging from the traditional to the contemporary, allowing you to find a fireplace unit that blends in with your home’s décor.
We can fix your masonry, too!
Whether you have a new insert on the mind or are happy with your existing fireplace, masonry maintenance is an important part of making sure your chimney is safe to use. By having your chimney regularly swept, inspected, and repaired, you can enjoy your fireplace without worry.
Likewise, although installing an insert can be a way to avoid repairing a damaged firebox, an insert still needs a functional chimney to operate safely and with maximum efficiency. Because of this, it is important to have masonry repairs made as soon as possible – no matter what kind of fireplace you have.
Why choose Jack Pixley Sweeps
Buying and installing a new fireplace insert can be complicated: one company sells the unit, another one installs it, and yet a third services and repairs it! If finding one trustworthy fireplace company is difficult, finding more than one can be next to impossible!
At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we eliminate the need to work with multiple contractors or companies. Our one-stop shop can handle all of your chimney and fireplace needs. From sales and installation to service and masonry repairs, we do it all! Only having one company to work with can save you the time and trouble of finding and coordinating several different companies.
Taking care of your fireplace and chimney shouldn’t be complicated. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we are a one stop shop for all of your fireplace and chimney needs! Whether you’re ready to have your chimney serviced or are looking to purchase a new fireplace insert, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today!
Older homes are often filled with original architectural details that give them a unique and charming appeal. One feature that is especially sought after in older homes in fireplaces; with sturdy construction and materials that have already lasted for years – as well as beautiful original details – an older fireplace can serve as a beautiful focal point in a home. Unfortunately, these fireplaces may be hiding underlying chimney problems. In the past few decades, building and safety standards have continued to change as fireplace technology has evolved. Because of this, many older homes have fireplaces that are no longer up to code or comply with current building standards. Older fireplaces may also have their own maintenance concerns. Because they were built using different materials and in different styles, they often face problems that modern fireplace units simply do not have.
None of this is meant to scare homeowners with older properties. In fact, when properly maintained, older fireplaces can work just as well – if not better – than their more recently built counterparts. However, homeowners should still be aware of the special maintenance considerations that come with owning an older fireplace system.
How can I tell if my fireplace is up to code?
When it comes to dealing with fireplaces, old is a relative term. Because chimneys are made to last, a well-built fireplace system can last for 80, 90, or 100 years – or longer! – when properly maintained. However, if your fireplace system is more than 60 years old, it may no longer be up to code.
Most fireplaces built and installed after the 1950s use either prefabricated or block chimneys. Because these are still in use today, there is little risk of it being out of date. Older homes, especially historic homes built before the turn of the century, have a much higher chance of having fireplaces and chimneys that no longer meet current standards.
Maintaining an older chimney 
If you own a historic home, fireplace and chimney maintenance is an important part of keeping your home safe and in good condition. In addition to an annual chimney sweeping and inspection, below are some common maintenance concerns that come with older fireplace systems.
– Unlined chimney: Because chimney liners were not used with any regularity before the mid-20th century, many older chimneys are unlined. While your unlined chimney may be working well, it comes with safety risks; unlined chimneys have greater risks of chimney fires, operate less efficiently, and can expose the building materials surrounding the chimney to heat, smoke, and gas. Relining the chimney can help the fireplace burn more safely and efficiently.
– Masonry damage: Long term exposure to the elements may damage the exterior masonry of an older chimney. This can lead to spalling, cracked, or missing bricks. Likewise, because the mortar joints tend to deteriorate before the rest of the chimney, they may need to be reinforced. The tuckpointing process can be used to replace the damaged masonry; this process can also help improve the structural stability of the chimney.
If you have an older fireplace, have the chimney inspected is an important part of your home’s fireplace safety and maintenance. To schedule your fireplace inspection, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today!
As gas and oil appliances become more efficient and cost effective, more and more homeowners are opting to convert their open hearth fireplaces to gas and oil. While these new fireplace units offer minimal maintenance and are easier to operate, changing the fuel type of your fireplace may damage your chimney.
Even if your new fireplace fits into the firebox, it may not be a good fit for the chimney. Because of this, it may be recommended to have your chimney relined after installing a new fireplace unit.
Types of chimney liners
There are a number of reasons it may be recommended that you have your chimney relined, including missing a liner entirely, having a damaged chimney liner, or switching to a fireplace with a different fuel source. When having your fireplace relined, there are three main types of chimney liners: clay tile, cast in place, and metal liners.
- Clay tile liners: Clay tile liners are the standard material used for lining chimneys. Clay tiles are extremely durable and can last for 50 years or longer when correctly installed and properly maintained. However, just like your chimney a clay tile liner has masonry joints that are more susceptible to damage. Likewise, it is virtually impossible to replace cracked or broken tiles within the flue without removing a portion of the chimney.
- Cast in place liners: Cast in place liners are built using one of several poured cement processes. The lining material is literally cast directly into the flue, molding to the exact shape and size of your chimney while creating a seamless liner. Because of the insulation provided by a seamless liner, cast in place liners are known to reduce creosote accumulation and burn cleaner. Likewise, cast in place liners are can be used to reinforce a damaged chimney structure.
- Metal liners: Stainless steel liners are favored by many in the fireplace industry because of their ease of installation and durability. Likewise, stainless steel liners are available in a variety of different sizes to ensure that the flue is correctly sized for your fireplace unit. Many stainless steel liners come with a limited lifetime warranty when swept and inspected annually.
Why your old chimney may need a new lining 
Most homeowners associate having the chimney relined with damage such as a chimney fire. However, what they may not realize is that switching fuel sources can also necessitate having the chimney relined.
Fireplaces need to have a correctly sized flue in order to operate with maximum efficiency. If the flue is too big for the fireplace it will not vent properly, decreasing efficiency and leading to increased creosote buildup in the chimney. Likewise, many clay tile liners are not built to withstand the byproducts of an oil or gas fire. While wood burning fires produce creosote, gas and oil fires create a corrosive, acidic condensate. This condensate can eat away at clay tiles, causing them to quickly deteriorate. Instead, a stainless steel liner should be used to protect the rest of your home and chimney from this acidic buildup.
Whether you’re switching fuel sources or simply installing a more modern unit, your flue may no longer be correctly sized for your fireplace. Call Jack Pixley Sweeps today to learn more about how relining your chimney can improve the efficiency and safety of your new fireplace.
