Chimney sweep in Golden Valley, MN Golden Valley chimney care for Tyrol Hills and postwar homes

Revival houses in Tyrol Hills

Tyrol Hills was platted in 1926, and 18 revival-style houses were built there between 1926 and 1939. Chimneys from those years were built with clay flue tile and softer mortar. Both wear with time. Tile can crack after a hot chimney fire or simply from age, and the joints slowly erode.

If you plan to use an old fireplace again, or add a wood stove or insert, start with a Level 2 inspection. It shows the full length of the flue on camera, so you know if it needs a liner before you light a fire.

Trees, leaves and critters

After the war, large architect-designed homes went up on wooded land east of the old village and along Bassett Creek. Near Theodore Wirth Park and Sweeney Lake, branches often hang close to chimneys. Leaves pile into open flues, and squirrels, raccoons and birds look for a warm place to nest.

A good cap with mesh sides keeps them out and also stops rain from running straight down the flue. Trimming branches back from the chimney helps too, both for fire safety and to keep leaves off the crown.

Simpler homes on the west side

Simpler, more affordable houses spread toward the western edge of the city in the same postwar boom. Golden Valley's population jumped from 5,551 in 1950 to 14,559 in 1960. Masonry chimneys from that decade now often need crown repair, new flashing or a properly sized liner after a furnace change. Our repair page covers each of these.