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Jack Pixley Sweeps: Chimney Sweeping Experts Serving Dellwood, MN

In Dellwood, MN, where crisp fall nights and snowy winters make fireplaces an essential part of home comfort, our team at Jack Pixley Sweeps is here to keep your chimney cleaner, safer, and ready to perform. We’ve been helping Twin Cities homeowners since 1977, offering thorough chimney sweeping services that remove dangerous creosote, soot, and debris buildup while protecting your home from smoke or fire hazards.

When you schedule a chimney sweeping with us, we don’t just brush out the flue and call it a day… We inspect the full system, check for blockages, and ensure that every component is venting properly. Our goal is to keep your fireplace working as smoothly and as safely as possible through every season.

What Happens During a Jack Pixley Chimney Sweeping?

Every cleaning includes:

  • Protective preparation: We place drop cloths and use high-efficiency vacuums to keep your home spotless.
  • Complete flue cleaning: Rotary brushes and flexible rods remove creosote and soot from top to bottom.
  • Smoke chamber and firebox service: We remove loose ash, debris, and check for cracks or moisture entry.
  • System check: We ensure the damper opens and closes properly and that your cap and crown are intact.

A clean chimney drafts better, burns cleaner, and reduces your risk of a chimney fire.

original infographic with a clean, professional design using bold navy blue, red, and white colors. The title at the top reads “What Happens During a Jack Pixley Chimney Sweeping?” in white uppercase text on a blue background. Four illustrated sections follow, each with a circular icon: a red vacuum for “Protective Preparation,” a blue rotary brush for “Complete Flue Cleaning,” a red fireplace with a blue checkmark for “Smoke Chamber and Firebox Service,” and a blue chimney top for “System Check.” Each section includes a short description in black text. The bottom red banner states, “A clean chimney drafts better, burns cleaner, and reduces your risk of a chimney fire.”<br />

Can a Single Season of Burning Cause Dangerous Creosote Buildup?

It certainly can, especially during Dellwood’s long heating season. Each time you burn a fire, tiny particles of unburned wood, vapor, and tar travel up the flue. When those gases hit cooler chimney walls, they condense into creosote, a sticky, highly flammable residue.

Here’s what makes buildup worse:

  • Burning damp or unseasoned wood: Cooler fires cause more smoke and creosote condensation.
  • Frequent short fires: Quick burns never get the flue hot enough to carry away combustion byproducts.
  • Poor airflow or drafting issues: A weak draft traps smoke, leading to heavier deposits on flue walls.
  • Burning softwoods like pine or fir: These release more sap and resin that cling to the chimney interior.

Even a thin layer of creosote can restrict airflow or ignite into a fast-moving chimney fire. During our sweeping service, we identify the type and severity of buildup, from light, flaky soot to hardened Stage 3 glaze, and remove it using the proper tools and methods.

Routine cleaning helps your fireplace burn cleaner, draft better, and operate more safely all season long.

How Do Minnesota Winters Affect Chimneys?

Minnesota winters can be beautiful, but they’re brutal on masonry. Dellwood homeowners often face cycles of freezing and thawing that can turn small chimney cracks into major repairs if left unchecked.

Common winter-related chimney issues include:

  • Freeze/thaw expansion: Moisture seeps into cracks, freezes, and widens gaps in mortar and brick.
  • Spalling: Bricks begin to flake or crumble from trapped moisture expanding inside.
  • Rust and corrosion: Snowmelt dripping into the flue can damage the damper or smoke chamber.
  • Leaky flashing: Ice dams push melting water under the roofline, allowing water to penetrate seams.

During a sweeping, we look for subtle signs of water damage, like white efflorescence, dark stains, rust, and soft mortar joints, that often go unnoticed until serious decay has begun. By addressing these early, you can prevent costly rebuilds and keep your chimney structurally sound through Minnesota’s toughest winters.

What If My Chimney Hasn’t Been Cleaned in Years?

If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned for several seasons, it’s not too late — but it’s important to act now. Over time, soot and creosote harden and become increasingly difficult to remove. The longer buildup sits, the greater the risk of corrosion, blockage, or even fire.
Problems we often find in long-untouched chimneys include:

  • Glazed creosote deposits: Extremely hard, shiny layers that need specialized rotary or chemical removal.
  • Animal nests or debris: Birds, raccoons, and squirrels often build homes inside unused flues.
  • Moisture damage: Rusted dampers, crumbling masonry, or water stains inside the firebox.
  • Obstructed airflow: Poor drafting that causes smoke to back up into the home.

Our team uses rotary power sweeping systems, vacuums, and chimney cameras to reach every section of your flue. After cleaning, we’ll provide a full report showing what was found and how to maintain your chimney going forward.

How Can Homeowners Tell When It’s Time to Schedule a Sweeping?

Even if your fireplace seems to be working fine, subtle warning signs may indicate that a cleaning is overdue. Watch for:

  • Fires that burn sluggishly or produce heavy, gray smoke
  • A strong, sooty odor coming from the fireplace when not in use
  • Dark stains or residue around the firebox, mantel, or hearth
  • A damper that sticks or won’t fully open
  • Visible black coating on the flue walls

Any of these symptoms suggest buildup or blockage inside your chimney. Scheduling a sweeping now helps restore proper draft and ensures your fireplace runs more efficiently when winter arrives.

About Dellwood, MN: We Love This Area

Dellwood is one of Minnesota’s most scenic lakeside communities, resting along the eastern shore of White Bear Lake. With its quiet neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and proximity to outdoor recreation, it’s the perfect place for a warm fire after a day of hiking, boating, or skiing. The changing seasons here are part of what makes Dellwood special, and also why chimney care is so important. From icy January nights to breezy autumn evenings, we help homeowners enjoy their hearths all year long.

Schedule Chimney Sweeping With Jack Pixley Sweeps Today

Our certified professionals bring decades of experience, the latest technology, and a genuine commitment to your home’s comfort and safety. Whether you burn daily through Dellwood’s long winter or only occasionally for ambiance, routine sweeping helps prevent damage, improve performance, and keep your fireplace in top condition.

Call Jack Pixley Sweeps today to schedule your next chimney sweeping in Dellwood, MN, and experience why local homeowners have trusted us for nearly 50 years.