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by Mike O'Mara | Oct 22, 2019 | Carbon Monoxide
The CSIA recommends investing in annual chimney inspections, regular sweepings, and annual dryer vent cleanings. This maintenance gives sweeps the opportunity to check things over, clear out any buildup, and spot any damages or potential threats. Just one simple phone call to a certified technician could save you a lot of time, stress, and hassle this holiday season!
One major reason these practices are so encouraged is due to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Clogged dryer vents can cause this gas to back up into your home, and it could easily find its way in through gaps and holes in your chimney, as well. Invest in the care you need now, so you aren’t left facing scary scenarios this fall and winter. The certified experts at Weststar Chimney Sweeps are here to help you every step of the way!
Carbon Monoxide Defined
So, what is carbon monoxide exactly? Most know that it is dangerous and needs to be avoided, but few actually know much about it. Well, any time a fossil fuel is burned carbon monoxide is produced. This goes for cars, stoves, dryers, grills, and more. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide (or CO2) is extremely harmful to one’s health, and it reportedly leads to hundreds of deaths every single year.
How Can I Detect It?
Once homeowners realize how deadly carbon monoxide truly can be, the next thing they want to know is what signs to look out for regarding its presence. Well, unfortunately, this gas is both colorless and odorless making it virtually impossible to detect – that’s what makes it such a threat! Because of this, purchasing carbon monoxide detectors is a must. Buy multiple devices and install them on every level of the home to ensure you’re alerted at the first sign of trouble.
Physical Symptoms
It’s also important to be aware of the physical symptoms that occur after inhalation. If you suspect a leak in your home and notice any of the following symptoms in you or family members, leave the area and seek medical attention immediately: dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, confusion, weakness, or other flu-like symptoms. Unfortunately, if one is sleeping or intoxicated, symptoms will not typically be noticed in time – another reason why carbon monoxide detectors are so important!
Invest In Professional Care For The Protection You Deserve
An annual inspection could be the difference between facing a leak or not, so don’t put off the care you deserve any longer. It’s vital to find any damages or signs of danger well before putting your fireplace to use, and our experienced team would be proud to set you up right this fall and winter. This is one investment you won’t regret making. Stay safer by reaching out today to set up your appointment!
by Mike O'Mara | Oct 8, 2019 | Dryer Vent Cleaning
Here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we always urge homeowners to invest in regular chimney inspections, sweepings, and maintenance. We obviously pride ourselves on our chimney services (It’s right there in our name!), but we want San Diego citizens to be aware of another extremely important service we offer, as well – dryer vent cleaning.
Like chimney inspections, dryer vent cleanings should be performed once every year to ensure your home stays as safe as possible. Along with this, yearly maintenance keeps your appliance running more efficiently, and it could save you on energy costs, too! Learn more about all of this below, then call right away to book an appointment with 
our experts. We’re always happy to serve.
Avoiding Fires & Carbon Monoxide
Dryer fires are much more common than people realize and most are triggered by clogged up vents overheating. Lint is very flammable and, when your appliance cannot exhaust, it will reach dangerous temperatures. Before you know it, all the debris inside your flue could ignite, spreading flames throughout your laundry room and household.
Fires cause significant amounts of damage, and they could result in death or injury for those inside of the home, as well. This is one area where you don’t want to take any chances. Trust us – a cleaning now is a lot more affordable than repair work later.
Another danger associated with clogged up vents is the risk of carbon monoxide entering the home. Carbon monoxide has no color or odor, and it is highly poisonous, causing multiple deaths every single year. When your appliance cannot effectively vent out vapors and fumes, you run the risk of exposure to this gas, which is why regular cleanings are so important!
Better Performance From Your Appliance
Dryer vent cleanings will also enable your appliance to perform as efficiently as possible. If you’re being forced to run multiple drying cycles before your laundry is completely dry, then it’s time to call in a professional. Many assume their dryer is not working when all they require is a simple cleaning to get back into action.
Lower Energy Bills
Finally, consider the savings you could experience by operating a more efficient appliance. Running cycle after cycle not only takes up your day and causes frustration… it costs you money month-to-month, too! Don’t throw cash down the drain when an easy fix is just a phone call away. Our techs would be happy to lend a hand!
Our Team Is Experienced & Ready To Serve
The crew at Weststar Chimney Sweeps is one you can trust for the long haul. We’ve maintained an A+ rating with the BBB for 18 years now, and we continue to renew our CSIA certifications, ensuring we stay up-to-date on any advancements or new technologies introduced into our field. If you are ready to work with the best, don’t wait any longer. Reach out to us today!
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 24, 2019 | CSIA certified
Here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, there is one thing we take seriously – our education. That’s why we’ve earned and maintained certification with the CSIA. How does this set us apart? Well, in an industry that is ever-evolving and always exploring new technologies, staying up-to-date and top of it all is a must! It’s qualifications like these that ensure homeowners stay safer with every passing year, 
and we are proud to be associated with such a reputable organization.
Learn more about the CSIA below, then count on us for your inspections, sweepings, and repair work – we’re equipped to handle it all.
Taking Your Safety Seriously
The CSIA is a nonprofit that has been around since 1983, and it is devoted to educating the public and certifying sweeps all throughout the country. Leaders of this organization regularly go out into the community to share safety tips and fireplace knowledge, and they’ve made it their mission to ensure sweeps across the nation are knowledgeable and well-informed, as well.
The great part about the CSIA is that they require their sweeps to regularly renew their certification. If you don’t recertify every three years, you lose your status! This ensures the team you are working with isn’t missing out on anything.
To top it off, the CSIA is all about ethics. Each sweep must sign a code of ethics that requires them to use their knowledge to keep their customers safer and to be honest in all of their evaluations.
Getting Certified
So, what does it take to earn one’s certification? Well, technicians are given training materials that they must study and get down pat, after which they are required to take a test to ensure they know it all when it comes to your fireplace and chimney. The CSIA also hosts workshops and training sessions for team members to participate in. All in all, getting the knowledge and understanding necessary to be the best they can be isn’t a problem for a CSIA certified sweep.
All in all, it is no easy process. It takes training, studying, and dedication to earn these qualifications, but it is nothing our team can’t handle. If you’re eager to work with a crew that can get you taken care of – no matter what – then schedule an appointment with Weststar Chimney Sweeps today!
It’s Time To Get Your Inspection Completed
One thing the CSIA recommends is investing in annual chimney inspections. This practice will keep your system functioning appropriately throughout the holiday season, which is when most people put their fireplace to use. You and your family members will stay safer and cozier, and you’ll get the efficiency you’re hoping for, as well.
If you’re ready to get your inspection on the books, call today! Our busy season is approaching fast, and soon it will become quite challenging to find a time slot that works well with your calendar. Our team is ready and willing to ensure your chimney is free of dirt, debris, creosote, and any damages. Reach out now, and we can set something up.
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 10, 2019 | Chimney Care
If you own a fireplace, then you are well aware of the warmth and comfort they can bring your home. Unfortunately, there a few common misconceptions that we’ve noticed homeowners here in San Diego fall prey to, 
all of which can put your home and family at risk. Learn more below!
You Don’t Require An Annual Inspection
Every type of fireplace, no matter the size, style, liner material, or fuel type, needs an annual inspection. This yearly maintenance gives your sweep the opportunity to look for any buildup, obstructions, gaps, cracks, holes, or any other types of deterioration. If there are problems present within your structure, you could face an increased risk of carbon monoxide exposure, house fires, structural decay, and more.
Whether you need a basic level one overview or a more in-depth and extensive level two inspection, our CSIA certified sweeps can help you out. Call today to learn more.
It’s Fine To Use Unseasoned Wood
Many feel that they can simply throughout whatever wood they find into their wood-burning fireplace, but this can actually lead to quite a few issues. Using wet or unseasoned wood will cause your fires to smoke a lot, and it encourages creosote accumulation throughout your chimney. The more creosote you have, the higher your risk will be of experiencing a chimney fire, which will cause extensive damage to your structure (and make it unsafe for use).
To ensure your logs are properly seasoned store them for at least six months in a shed with a sturdy roof and open sides. This ensures they stay protected from harsh weather, yet still, have ample opportunity to dry out. Purchasing your fuel from someone else? Make sure it is lightweight, split at the ends, shorter in length, and makes a hollow, clunking noise when smacked together.
My Masonry Can Withstand Anything
While your masonry structure is exceptionally strong, it still needs to be protected. A simple rainfall can do more damage than you’d think, and many do not realize that their brickwork is actually quite absorbent. By investing in waterproofing services, as well as crown repair and other types of preventative maintenance, you can go far in keeping your structure standing tall and strong for the long haul.
I Don’t Need Professional Help
If you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you may feel that you can tackle masonry repairs, chimney cleanings, and more without the help of a professional. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of costly and dangerous scenarios. When it comes to your fireplace and chimney, you really don’t want to take any chances, as even a small mistake or minor mishap can cause gas leaks, chimney fires, and more.
Professional technicians in this industry stay educated with reputable organizations like the CSIA, the NCSG, and more, ensuring they truly know their stuff. Cleaning kits and caulk simply won’t get the job done right, and these “quick, affordable fixes” will leave you with more problems than you started with. Trust in us from the start for the top-notch results you deserve.
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 8, 2019 | Chimney Leaks, Chimney Repairs
Do you live in San Diego or the surrounding areas? Well, there are a few common problems we, as sweeps, notice more frequently throughout the area. If you own a home with a fireplace in it, then you know how important it is to invest in annual inspections, maintenance, and repairs. If you are experiencing any of the following issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the crew at Weststar Chimney Sweeps right away!
Chimney Leaks
A strong, sturdy chimney structure will raise your home’s value, raise your curb appeal, and provide countless warm, cozy fires to enjoy. Unfortunately, when your masonry isn’t waterproofed or when you have broken down or unprotected parts, this is often due to water damage.
Leaks in your chimney need to be addressed as quickly as possible, or you’ll be facing all kinds of frustrating issues such as rusted flashing, clogs, cracks in your crown, and crumbling brickwork. Fortunately, our crew can resolve your leaky chimney problems in a hurry and provide waterproofing services to protect your masonry for the long run.
Masonry Stains
When in good condition, your fireplace can enhance the aesthetic of your home tremendously. Unfortunately, the smoke and fumes created by your fires can stain your fireplace front, leaving you with a focal point that is not pleasant. If your frustrated with an unsightly fireplace and no amount of scrubbing has helped, ask us about our Paint “N” Peel stain removal process. We’ll get you the high-quality results you’re longing for.
A Damaged Flue Liner
A damaged or poorly installed liner can affect the safety and efficiency of your chimney in multiple ways. Your liner is responsible for protecting your brickwork and mortar from the high temperatures your fires produce. They also prevent acidic gases from breaking things down in your chimney. Along with this, if your structure breaks down and there is no liner present to protect it, your adjacent woodwork could catch on fire in just a matter of hours. Our team can repair or reline your chimney, so you don’t have to worry when you do light a fire.
Creosote Accumulation
There are a number of things that can contribute to creosote accumulation. Burning unseasoned wood and poor draft or airflow are both huge contributors. Other times, your fires may simply not be burning hot enough. No matter the case, creosote is extremely flammable and needs to be removed promptly to reduce your risk of experiencing a chimney fire.
Annual inspections are essential for noting buildup and damage. Our team is here to help with any problems your fireplace is experiencing. As far as excess creosote is concerned, we can tackle that with a thorough cleaning. If glazed creosote is an issue, you can count on us to get it out without damaging your structure throughout the process. Ready to work with a team that puts your needs first? Give us a call today!
One major reason these practices are so encouraged is due to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Clogged dryer vents can cause this gas to back up into your home, and it could easily find its way in through gaps and holes in your chimney, as well. Invest in the care you need now, so you aren’t left facing scary scenarios this fall and winter. The certified experts at Weststar Chimney Sweeps are here to help you every step of the way!
