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by Mike O'Mara | May 16, 2019 | Chimney Repairs
Are you concerned about spring rains wreaking havoc on your chimney’s structure? This is a legitimate worrying factor for many fireplace owners, but it does not have to be. The experts at Weststar Chimney are qualified to help you prevent leaks and water-related issues, and we can repair any damages you are already facing. Ready to learn more? Read below, then give us a call today. We would love to help!
What Damages Could I Face?
There are a number of things water can do to your structure. First of all, it could trigger clogs to form, which creates venting and airflow issues. A system that cannot vent causes smoke and fumes to back up into your home, and you won’t get the efficient fires you are hoping for either. Other issues occur when water breaks down your structure. Your brickwork and mortar become vulnerable when moisture starts to penetrate, and it does not take long for holes, cracks, and gaps to form. Poisonous gases, like carbon monoxide, as well as stray flames and sparks, could easily escape through these weakened areas, putting your entire home and family at risk.
Along with all this, water damage can cause unsightly stains, rusting, rotting, and decay, all of which will lead to inefficiency of your system overall. All of these damages can be costly and time-consuming to fix. In the end, investing in preventative maintenance is always best to prevent damages and costly repairs down the road.
How Can Weststar Chimney Sweeps Help?
So, what can our team do to keep you safe from water-related chimney problems? First, we can address any issues with your masonry. If things are looking run rough, we will restore your system so you can rest easier each time you light a fire. Then, we will put things in place your chimney needs to keep water damage at bay. At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we restore chimney crowns, install chimney caps, fix flashing, and can also waterproofing your chimney to keep your system in tip-top shape all year long.
The Sooner You Act, The Better!
If your chimney is facing distress, don’t put off repair work. The longer you wait, the worse your damages will get, and you could face a settlement or collapse. Along with this, investing in care before burning season begins will ensure your fireplace is ready when the cold strikes again. Our team becomes busy once temperatures drop, which means scheduling the care you need is a bit challenging. Avoid the fall rush by scheduling an appointment with our crew today!
by Mike O'Mara | Apr 30, 2019 | Chimney Inspections
There is no doubt that a fireplace can increase the value of a home. However, this is only if it is in good condition and does not need repair work. Many home buyers have a fireplace on their wish list. Then, they wind up disappointed when they realize the chimney needs expensive and time-consuming repair work. To avoid this scenario, level 2 chimney inspections are required when selling or transferring property.
Think your home inspector covered it? Think again. Home inspectors are not required to do anything more than a basic, visual inspection of your chimney. This means they could miss a lot of important things concerning the actual state of the chimney and fireplace. Learn more about level 2 inspections below, then count on the CSIA certified crew here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps. We provide detail, in-depth analysis of your chimney, so you aren’t left with any surprises when the time comes to selling or buying.
All About Level 2 Inspections
How does a level 2 inspection differ from a level 1? A level 2 inspection is a bit less extensive in comparison to a level 1. When fireplace owner regularly invest in professional care and stay on top of annual inspections, then you will only need a level 1 inspection. On the other hand, if they have undergone changes, a natural disaster or restoration work, then a more in-depth analysis is necessary. That’s where a level 2 inspection comes in. When you schedule a level 2 inspection, the sweep will come in with high-tech video equipment to snake up your chimney. This allows them to see every inch of your chimney’s interior with ease.
It is critical to invest in a level 2 inspection when buying or selling a home. As any damages, obstructions, and issues can be a factor in the final price of the home. If the chimney needs a lot of repair work, the seller will likely need to address the problems before completing the sale or lower the price of the property.
Our CSIA Certified Crew Is Here To Help
Our crew have certification and training from the CSIA, ensuring we have the knowledge for providing San Diego with the best chimney and fireplace care possible. We have unparalleled experience, dedication, and attitude, and we strive for the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Should we find damages, buildup, or other serious issues, our crew knows how to handle it all. If you are in the home-buying or home-selling process, let us help you wrap things up, so you can finally move forward. Call our sweeps today to schedule an appointment!
by Mike O'Mara | Apr 12, 2019 | Waterproofing
Looking to invest in services that will guarantee more protection for your entire chimney system? Crown repair and protection can work wonders when it comes to keeping your flue and masonry in better condition all year long. Invest in the care you deserve today. The team here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps is eager to help every step of the way.
What Is The Crown?
So, what is the chimney crown? The chimney crown sits at the top of the chimney, and its slanted design helps to keep water from running down the sides of your brickwork. Essentially, the water moves out and away, ensuring less exposure altogether. Masonry is very absorbent, so avoiding water at all costs is vital, especially now when spring rains are prominent.
When chimney crowns are not built from the right materials and the appropriate standards are ignored, your chimney will not stay as protected, and the crown itself will start to crack and crumble. As you can imagine, this can wind up causing a lot of damage to your chimney over time. Because of this, it is important to invest in professional help to ensure you get the best and longest-lasting results possible.
About CrownCoat
Fortunately, when the damages are not as extensive, we can address them quite swiftly and efficiently. For those small repair jobs, we use a product call CrownCoat. This is a sealant that fills cracks, repels water, and works hard to protect your chimney crown from the elements. Once it is applied, you will be all set and good to go in no time. You deserve peace of mind, and CrownCoat offers you just that.
Is The Damage Worse Than Expected?
If the damage you are experiencing is worse than you suspected, or if we discover that your crown was made from a weak mortar mixture, then a rebuild will be the way to go. Our CSIA certified crew is experienced and educated, so you can rest easier when we are the job. Come fall, your fireplace will be all set and ready for regular use.
Do You Need Waterproofing, Too?
ChimneySaver products are known for their high-quality waterproofing abilities. If you are looking to have your chimney masonry and crown waterproofed, then our team can get it done for you in no time. When it comes to preventing decay, rot, rust, deterioration, and more, waterproofing is essential.
Our products are strong, yet vapor permeable, guaranteeing better protection with every passing year. We can also set you up with the tools you need to prevent leaks and keep water out of your system for good. Give us a call today to set something up.
by Mike O'Mara | Mar 29, 2019 | Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping has evolved a lot over time and some of the histories behind its origins are quite shocking. Looking to dive deeper into the roots of this field and discover how it has changed as time went on? Well, the team here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps can tell you all about it! Check out some facts below, then count on us for any present-day chimney needs. We would love to hear from you soon.
Children As Sweeps
Nowadays, when you call in a sweep to work in your home, you will get a professional adult who will tackle the ins and outs of your chimney with care and precision. Unfortunately, this was not always the case. Back in 1666, the Great Fire of London occurred, opening people’s eyes to the importance of having a clean chimney.
Back then, sweeps did not have the tools and technology that we use today, so small children were forced to crawl up the flue and access all of the soot and creosote that would get lodged in people’s chimneys. This led to a long and sad history of child chimney sweeps. These children were typically either orphaned or came from poverty-stricken families, and they were given little to nothing for their efforts.
Child chimney sweeps faced a lot of illnesses and many experienced painful cancers due to the high exposure to soot, ash, and smoke. In fact, it was rare for them to live past middle age. There are also stories of young boys becoming stuck in the chimney and later dying as a result.
Eventually, in the late 1800s, laws were passed forbidding this type of child labor, and it was not long after that when Joseph Glass invented the chimney brush, versions of which are still used in the industry today.
Modern-Day Sweeps
Modern-day chimney sweeping is safer, cleaner, and more high-tech. We utilize advanced tools, techniques, and technologies to ensure both our sweeps and our customers stay as safe and as educated as possible. Thanks to places like the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild, sweeps can stay on top of it all, receiving the training and certifications they need to serve their customers well.
Here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we care about staying informed and up-to-date on any and all of the latest advancements in the trade, and we always put the needs of our customers first. If you want to work with a team that values honesty, integrity, and respect, then we are it.
Ready to keep your home safer and chimney free from harmful creosote? Call in our team for an inspection. We will take a look around and determine what services you need to live more comfortably with every passing day. Set up an appointment today!
by Mike O'Mara | Mar 12, 2019 | Chimney Dampers
Are the temperatures inside of your home not staying where you want them to? Here in the San Diego area, we experience some pretty hot days, so getting everything you need from your air conditioner is an essential part of staying cool and comfortable. Unfortunately for those with a chimney in their home, air can easily slip out through the flue. Not only does this brew frustration for people inside, but it also causes your energy bills to skyrocket. One simple solution might be to have a top-sealing damper installed. Learn more about these below, then count on our team to help you out every step of the way.
The Function Of A Damper
So, what is the main purpose of a damper? Well, they were designed to keep outside air out and indoor air in when your fireplace is not in use. On the flip side, they can be opened once you light a fire to ensure smoke and other fumes safely escape outside. All in all, they ensure you get ultimate comfort, whether you decide to put your fireplace to use or not.
Most older fireplace dampers are located in the throat of the chimney. These have been effective enough for homeowners in the past, but now there’s a better option – a top-sealing damper.
Top-sealing dampers are positioned at the top of your chimney, rather than the throat, and instead of a metal-on-brick seal, they come equipped with a rubber gasket that securely closes up the flue. This ensures no air goes in and no air comes out. While a throat damper can do an effective job, there is simply no comparison to this superior alternative.
Along with this, throat dampers are known to rust and corrode, which can trigger further damage for your system, and it often isn’t worth fixing it or replacing it with a similar model. If your throat damper is showing signs of wear, it may be time to consider upgrading to a top-sealing design.
Stop Wasting Money
A top-sealing damper will close things up tightly, so you don’t have to stress about wasting energy every month and losing money. Stop trying to cool your home to no avail, and invest in a more efficient damper today. It is a choice you’ll be happy you made when you get your monthly bills in the mail!
Trust In Us
If you are ready to get started, trust in the team here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps. We can do a thorough inspection and ascertain whether or not your damper is the cause of your higher energy bills. If so, we have the skills, experience, and certifications to get you the results you deserve.
Give us a call today, and we can set up an appointment at a time that works well for you. Our team is excited to help you out soon!
