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Our Company Blog
by Mike O'Mara | Jul 22, 2019 | Creosote Removal
Creosote is a substance that builds up inside of your flue as fires burn in your fireplace. it is known for being very flammable. While a little of it doesn’t pose any real threats, a lot of it can trigger a chimney fire, which could weaken your structure significantly. Chimney fires also put your household at risk, and because they often occur quietly, many homeowners aren’t aware that damage has happened!
Now, creosote comes in a few forms. One is light and flaky (typically the easiest to remove), another is sticky and tar-like, and then there is glazed creosote. No matter what type you have inside your chimney, you must get it removed from your chimney to stay safe. Fortunately for the folks throughout the San Diego area, our team is equipped to help.
What Is Glazed Creosote? Is It Dangerous?
Glazed creosote, also known as stage three creosote, is hard, shiny, and difficult to remove. It is more likely to form when airflow is restricted. If you are burning unseasoned wood in your fireplace or if the fires you burn aren’t hot enough, you will face more problems with your system. Avoid these scenarios can help your system run safer and more efficient.
All creosote is dangerous, but glazed creosote is especially so. If it catches on fire, the flames will be hot and hard to control, causing a lot of damage to your chimney. Your home could also be at risk if the flames spread to adjacent woodwork. Because of this, we strongly urge homeowners with creosote in their flue to refrain from using their fireplace until everything is thoroughly swept and cleaned out.
An important thing to note with glazed creosote is that it cannot be removed with basic sweeping methods. Doing so could actually result in a lot of damage to your chimney. In these cases, it is imperative to trust in a team of experts that know what to do and can get the job done right – that’s where we come in!
How Can Weststar Chimney Sweeps Help?
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we have both the training and the equipment necessary to effectively and safely remove any glazed creosote from your chimney. The tools we use will give us the ability to break down this hardened substance in a way that won’t bring harm to you or your chimney so that you can feel good about lighting fires again.
We urge homeowners in the San Diego area to give our team of CSIA certified sweeps a call now so that you don’t need to stress when fall comes around. Our books fill up fast as the holiday season approaches, so schedule your appointment today to beat the rush. Our experts are ready to provide you with the long-lasting, reliable care you deserve!
by Mike O'Mara | Jul 9, 2019 | Chimney Cap
The chimney cap may not look like the most impressive part of your chimney’s anatomy, but the truth is you would be in rough shape without one. This device plays a big role in keeping your chimney better protected, and it ends up taking on a lot of different jobs in the process.
Concerned that your cap is missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed? Get our team on the job. We would be happy to check things over and set you up right. In the meantime, learn more about the many jobs of your chimney cap below.
Preventing Water Damage
Your chimney liner, smoke shelf, brickwork, mortar, and everything inside of your chimney need to stay in good shape to ensure your fireplace functions as safely and as efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the water to find its way into your system and wreak havoc, causing all of these parts to break down and deteriorate.
When your structure has holes, gaps, and cracks, your risk of experiencing house fires and gas leaks increases significantly. Because of this, it is vital to do everything you can to keep water out. The chimney cap completely covers your flue opening, making a big impact on your system’s ability to keep water out.
Keeping Out Wildlife
Water isn’t the only thing your cap keeps out. It also prevents birds, raccoons, bees, and other types of creatures from working their way in and causing problems throughout your home. Not only can these critters be loud and annoying, but their nesting materials can also clog up your flue and create fire hazards, too. Keep them out by having your chimney cap installed and save yourself a lot of stress and hassle.
Preventing Downdrafts
Are downdrafts swooping into your home, affecting the temperature inside and causing your energy bills to skyrocket? A chimney cap helps keep those cold drafts out for good, so you stay as cozy and as comfortable as possible. This also ensures that nasty creosote-related smells won’t be sent through your home – a win-win!
Stopping Excess Debris
When your flue is left uncovered and vulnerable, it is easier than ever for leaves, twigs, dirt, and more to blow into it. Not only do these things eventually build up and cause clogs, but they could end up causing a chimney fire, as well. A cap will keep these materials out, so your airflow isn’t affected.
Serve As Spark Arrestors
Lastly, chimney caps are able to effectively stop any stray sparks or embers from sneaking up your chimney and landing on your roofing materials. If one of these would land in the wrong spot, a fire could easily ignite, putting your entire home and family at risk. Don’t take any chances – have your cap installed today!
We Can Help
The Weststar Chimney Sweeps team is ready to set you up right, so book your appointment with our CSIA certified crew today. We would love to do all we can to keep your home safer, more comfortable, and free of stressful situations. Call now!
by Mike O'Mara | Jun 27, 2019 | Chimney Crown
Located at the top of your chimney is something called the chimney crown, and it plays a big role in keeping your masonry safer and better protected. Crowns should be made from a strong, cement-based mixture to ensure they stand the test of time, but unfortunately, many were originally constructed using a mortar mix which is prone to crack and break down.
Because of this, working with the right team from the very start is a must when it comes to keeping your crown in good shape for the long haul. Learn more below about what these parts do, why they are important, and why you should trust in the certified crew here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps to help you every step of the way. Our crown repair and rebuilding services will ensure you are always taken care of, no matter what!
Preventing Water Damage
The reason crowns are so important to chimney health is due to their ability to protect your masonry from water damage. An appropriately built crown will extend slightly past the edge of your chimney, and it will slant downward. These aspects ensure rainwater is directed away from the chimney masonry.
Because your brickwork is so absorbent, keeping water away is a must. Without a chimney crown, decay is inevitable. Avoid decay and deterioration by having our sweeps come in to check things over. We can examine your crown and determine whether or not repairs are necessary
Is Your Crown Suffering?
If you have been noticing leaks throughout your chimney or if your brickwork and mortar is breaking down and crumbling, there is a good chance that a faulty crown is to blame. Fortunately, our team members are qualified to fix it up right with a product called CrownCoat. CrownCoat works to fill in cracks and gaps so that your crown won’t continue breaking down. Trust us – once we are through, your chimney will be looking and functioning better than ever!
Now, from time to time we come across crowns that have faced so much damage that basic repair work is not an effective solution. In these cases, we will recommend a rebuild. This may seem a bit daunting, but never fear because our crew is equipped to handle it. You will have a well-functioning chimney crown in no time.
Don’t Wait… Call Today!
The holidays are well behind us, and it will be quite some time before they come back around again, so call us in now while your burning season is still on hold. Not only can we check on your crown, but we can inspect your entire structure to determine whether or not you may need further maintenance.
If you do need work completed, we would be happy to help you every step of the way! Reach out today, and we can get started.
by Mike O'Mara | Jun 14, 2019 | Chimney Repairs
If you own a fireplace, then you are well aware of how important it is to invest in regular care and repair work. Your fireplace and chimney work hard throughout your burning season, taking on a lot of heat and wear and tear to keep your family warmer and more comfortable. By investing in annual inspections and regular cleanings, and by addressing any damages promptly, you can rest easier knowing your system is in tip-top shape whenever you feel the urge to light a fire.
That being said, many feel that the warmer spring and summer months aren’t the time to worry about chimney care, so they put any required services on the backburner until temperatures drop again. Unfortunately, this means they are missing out on the many advantages of addressing these issues early.
Learn more below, then give the experts here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps a call today. We’d be glad to set up an appointment with you soon!
Saving You Money
By investing in chimney care and repair work right away, you save money in more ways than one. First of all, we offer a $30 discount for homeowners who invest in a sweep and inspection before October 1st. Not only will you get this necessary maintenance well out of the way before you burning season begins, you will get it done at a lower rate, too. It’s a win-win!
Generally speaking, taking care of damages right away is always a more cost-effective option, as well. If your system is showing signs of decay or deterioration, these problems will only worsen as time goes on and cost you more money to fix. Water damage is especially detrimental and should be taken care of right away to avoid problems throughout your masonry.
Invest in the care you deserve, then ask us about preventative measures to ensure you don’t face problems again down the line. For example, some flashing and a new chimney cap may be just what you need to avoid chimney leaks throughout the rainy season. Whatever you need, we can set you up right.
Making Your Life Easier
There is no doubt that chimney sweeps get quite busy as the days grow colder. The closer we come to Thanksgiving and Christmas, the more desperate homeowners are to get their maintenance and repairs completed, which means our schedule books fill up fast! By getting your work completed now, you avoid the hassle and guarantee a spot that works well for your schedule.
You won’t be forced to put off the start of your burning season and your loved ones won’t be left disappointed with no fire to enjoy over the holiday season. While your neighbors are scrambling, you will be relaxing in front of a fire, glad you got your fireplace care out of the way in the summer.
Ready to get started? We would love to work with you! Call today, and we can set something up.
by Mike O'Mara | May 29, 2019 | Animals In Your Chimney
Do you hear birds chirping in your chimney? These noisy visitors can be a big annoyance to your household, and they can also leave behind dirt and debris in your system. Both of this situation is harmful to your brickwork and causes clogs in your chimney. When it comes to bird removal, you should address this issue sooner rather than later! Fortunately for those living in the San Diego area, the crew at Weststar Chimney Sweeps is here to help!
Dangers Behind Poor Airflow
When birds and their nesting materials hinder airflow throughout your chimney, you wind up facing serious risks when the burning season comes back around. These materials are flammable, thus increasing your chances of experiencing a home or chimney fire. They also block the pathways for smoke, fumes, and poisonous gases like carbon monoxide, are meant to escape.
Good draft and proper airflow is a must when it comes to operating your system as safely and as efficiently as possible. If birds are setting up camp in your system, the time to remove them is now!
Legal Restrictions
A big reason people hire a professional for bird removal is to ensure they avoid any fees or fines associated with harming an endangered or protected animal. Chimney swifts, for example, cannot be removed from a chimney once they have entered it, as this could harm it or its young. Since these birds are on the decline, taking appropriate steps to protect them is necessary and important.
If we spot a chimney swift in your space, we cannot remove it. Rather, we will wait until the season ends and they have left their nest for good. Then, we will remove the nest and equip you with a chimney cap or top-sealing damper to keep them out for good.
Invest In The Care You Deserve
Birds are messy, noisy, and they can trigger some pretty foul odors, too. If you want to guarantee a stress-free burning season next fall, as well as a peaceful spring and summer, give our sweeps the opportunity to remove nesting materials inside of your chimney now. We can then equip you with the preventative equipment necessary for stopping these issues from occurring again down the line.
You deserve better protection and high-quality services from a team of experts that continuously put you first. If you are ready to work with a crew that you can trust for the long haul, trust Weststar Chimney Sweeps today. Give us a call right now!
