Chimney sweep in Ramsey, MN Ramsey chimney care between the Mississippi and the Rum
Ramsey is bordered by both the Mississippi and Rum rivers, and most of its housing dates from growth that started in the 1970s. Homes range from farms and large lots to townhomes and new units in The COR. We clean, inspect and repair chimneys and vents across 55303.
Homes from the 1970s growth spurt
Ramsey became a city in 1974 with about 8,000 people. Its population had been 2,536 in 1970 and reached 10,093 by 1980. Many homes here date from that growth, built on everything from urban-sized lots to large country parcels.
Chimneys on homes of this age are past their first few decades of use. Masonry crowns crack, and water then works into the brick. Metal chase covers rust. Dampers stick or rust shut, and caps go missing after storms. Smoke that drifts into the room is often the first sign. If you bought one of these homes and do not know when the chimney was last looked at, start with a full chimney inspection before the first fire of the season. On open land near the rivers, also check that the cap is still in place after big storms.
Townhomes and shared exteriors
Ramsey's housing includes rambler-style townhomes, and growth after 2001 was led by townhomes and single-family homes. In a townhome, the chimney top or vent may be part of the exterior that an association maintains. The fireplace inside is usually still the owner's job. Check your association rules before booking repairs on the roof, and keep the fireplace and flue clean either way. Where units share a roofline, a leak at one chimney can show up in a neighbor's ceiling, so report water stains early.
New construction in The COR
The city is still adding about 230 new housing units a year, including in The COR, the transit-oriented downtown near U.S. 10 and 169. New homes often have gas fireplaces with direct vents. These do not build up creosote, but they still need their vents, glass and seals checked once a year, just like a wood-burning fireplace. Long dryer vent runs in new homes also benefit from regular dryer vent cleaning.
Services Ramsey homes ask for
- Full inspections for 1970s and 1980s chimneys
- Townhome fireplace and flue cleaning
- Gas fireplace vent and seal checks
- Dryer vent cleaning for newer homes
Townhome owners: ask your association what it covers before roof-level chimney work.
Fall is the busy season
Fall is when most people remember the chimney. Book your sweep and inspection before the first cold night, not after it.
Ramsey homeowners ask
I live in a Ramsey townhome. Who takes care of the chimney?
It depends on your association. Many associations handle the exterior, which can include the chimney top or vent cap. The fireplace and flue inside your unit are often yours to keep clean. Your association documents will say for sure.
Our house is on a large lot near the Rum River. Does that change anything?
Homes in open settings take more wind and wind-driven rain. Make sure the chimney has a secure cap and a sound crown, and have the flashing checked if you notice water stains near the chimney inside.
Ramsey and Anoka share ZIP 55303. Do you serve both?
Yes. We serve all of Ramsey in 55303, including The COR and the larger lots out toward the rivers, and we serve Anoka as well. Book online and give us your street address.
What you can count on
- Yearly inspection to NFPA 211The fire code standard for chimneys, fireplaces and vents
- A clean living roomDrop cloths, the opening sealed, a vacuum running the whole time
- A straight answerWe show you what we found, and repairs are your call
- Arrival windows you pickBook online and we call before we arrive