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Our Company Blog
by Mike O'Mara | Nov 9, 2018 | Chimney Cap
Are you concerned about leaks in your chimney? Well, there’s no doubt that water and excess moisture can do a lot of damage quick. However, Weststar Chimney Sweeps is here to help every step of the way, so contact us soon if you start to notice issues. There’s no better team to trust than us!
A wonderful solution to chimney leaks is a chimney cap. It is an easy, efficient, and inexpensive way to seal the top of your chimney. Don’t let the stress of a broken chimney ruin your burning season. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, the time to call on our team is now.
Perks Of Owning A Chimney Cap
Chimney caps are great for preventing leaks and water damage, but did you know that they do a lot more than that? They are also great for keeping out debris, wild animals and nesting materials they may bring in with them. As you can imagine, this saves our customers a whole lot of trouble down the line!
Chimney caps also help to block downdrafts. If the weather is colder and windier than expected, you won’t have to worry about chilly outdoor air entering your home with a chimney cap. Finally, chimney caps stop stray sparks from landing on your roof, which lowers your risk of house fires. Keep your home safer and more comfortable by investing in a chimney cap today.
Have You Already Experienced Water Damage?
As we’ve said, chimney caps are great for preventing water damage, but what if the damage has already been done? Well, don’t fret because our team is here to help with that too! We offer a wide range of chimney repair services, so you can rest easy.
We can trace the cause of your chimney leaks, then patch everything up, so you don’t have to stress any longer. Once we’re done, we’ll set you up with a chimney cap, so you’ll be good for the long haul. We know our customers deserve the best care, which is why our team never cut corners or take the easy road.
by Mike O'Mara | Oct 26, 2018 | Chimney Sweeping
Do you have your fall inspection on the books? Or maybe you’ve scheduled some repairs or sweepings with our team at Weststar Chimney Sweeps? No matter what we’re coming in for, preparing your fireplace and chimney for us is always appreciated, and it makes our lives a whole lot easier and safer.
Guarantee a smoother appointment by following our tips. We’re eager to help out our customer base this fall and winter, and these guidelines help us do our job to get you up and running again in no time! With the holidays approaching, there is no time to lose.
Our Guidelines
Before we arrive, please remove all ash from your firebox and discontinue use of the appliance 24 hours before the appointment. These steps reduce the risk of any of our sweeps getting burned and guarantee we will be working with a system that has completely cooled.
We also ask that you clear the area surrounding the fireplace. Any valuables and/or breakable items within 6 feet should be pushed back further or moved to different area until the job is complete. This step will keep your possessions safer and cleaner, and it helps us complete the job in a smooth and efficient fashion, as we won’t have various items to work around.
Do You Have Pets?
Another thing to keep in mind is to ensure pets are safely kept away, so we don’t risk letting them outside accidentally. We may need to move in and out of your house throughout the process to get equipment, and it’s all too easy for curious dogs or cats to escape as our team is entering and exiting.
Keep your critters safe and sound by putting them in another area of the home while our team is at work.
Take Our Advice Seriously
Hearing bad news regarding the health or construction of your chimney isn’t always easy to take in, but ignoring suggestions for sweepings or repair work should never be an option. Sweepings are done when excess creosote has taken over, and they decrease your likelihood of experiencing a dangerous chimney fire significantly.
Repair work is essential, too, as cracks, clogs, crumbling, and broken down parts can hinder performance and put your home and family at risk. Your chances of experiencing a chimney or house fire will increase, as well as the possibility of carbon monoxide exposure. All of these are very dangerous situations that can cause death, injury, and illness – not something you want to mess around with!
We’re ready and eager to help you out, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Make this burning season your safest and most enjoyable one yet… Depend on Weststar Chimney Sweeps for it all!
by Mike O'Mara | Oct 10, 2018 | Chimney Maintenance
Keeping your fireplace and chimney safer and better protected is important this time of year. As the holidays near, people light fires more and more often, as it sets a cozy and peaceful aesthetic for any gathering or event. If you want to guarantee your fireplace stays in tip-top shape and projects adequate heat, then we have solutions for you.
One way to do this is to install heat reflectors into your firebox. Learn more about this process below, then contact us right away with any questions. We’re happy to help!
More About The Firebox
The firebox is the area of your fireplace where the fires are built. This is a sturdy and strong part of your chimney’s anatomy, and it’s designed to take on a lot of heat and wear and tear, but that doesn’t mean adequate protection isn’t necessary to ensure a longer lifespan. The firebox takes on a lot, so doing what you can to help it better do its job is always a good idea.
Investing in some great products and services can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your firebox strong. Hiring us for affordable preventative maintenance now is always a better option than shelling out lots of money for expensive repairs down the line. Save yourself time, money, and hassle later in life by talking with our experts today about installing heat reflectors in your fireplace.
What Do Heat Reflectors Do?
So, one issue that many experience with their firebox is that the back wall absorbs a lot of the heat the fire produces. This results in less warmth for your home, which can lead to a lot of frustration on the part of the homeowner, especially on cooler evenings. Heat reflectors stop the firebox from absorbing so much of this warmth and, rather, pushes the high temperatures back into your living space, resulting in 20-40 percent more heat for you and your loved ones. That’s quite a difference!
These products also help protect your firebox, exposing it to less of that intense heat from the fire. Firebox repairs can take up a lot of time and they tend to cost you a lot, too, so anything that delays wear and tear is a plus! Keep your mortar in good shape and talk to us about taking this easy step today. It’s an investment you definitely won’t regret.
Are You Ready For Fall?
Installing heat reflectors is a great way to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, but there’s more that needs to be done, as well. The CSIA recommends investing in annual inspections, and if there’s excess creosote built up, then that needs to be removed, as well. Let us check things over to ensure you don’t need any repairs, sweepings, or other maintenance before kicking off your burning season.
Once we’re through, you’ll be all set and ready light fires with the peace of mind you deserve. The time to give our expert staff a call is now. We’re ready to serve!
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 12, 2018 | Chimney Crown
If you’re a fireplace owner, then you know how important your chimney crown is. The crown sits at the top of your chimney, and its main purpose is to guide water out and away from the sides of your masonry. It slopes downwards and extends slightly past the edge of your chimney, keeping all that excess moisture far away from the sensitive brickwork and mortar that can easily absorb it.
Clearly, the chimney crown does a lot of work, year round, for your system, which is why it is vital to keep it well-protected. The CSIA certified team of experts here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps 
have everything you need to keep your crown in the best shape possible, no matter the weather outside.
If you’re having issues, please call us in right away, so we can get everything addressed before your burning season really takes off. We’ll have you up and running again in no time!
Addressing Issues Before They Get Worse
One way we tackle cracks and crumbling is with CrownCoat. CrownCoat plays an important role, allowing sweeps to patch up minor cracking before it worsens and starts causing you a lot of trouble. This product saves many homeowners from experiencing more extensive damage, and it minimizes the chances of having to rebuild the entire chimney crown, which is a lot more costly and time-consuming.
This product is flexible, cures in a few hours, and it comes with a 15-year warranty, so you don’t need to stress about further issues any time soon. It’s also environmentally friendly, and it’s easy to apply, ensuring our sweeps can get the job done fast. When you combine experienced, knowledgeable technicians like ours with great products like CrownCoat, you won’t have to worry about a thing!
Importance Of Waterproofing
Another great quality about CrownCoat is its waterproofing agents that ensure no excess moisture will be granted access to the previously affected area. A spot that was once vulnerable will quickly transform into a strong and durable section of your crown, sure to give you high-quality protection for years to come.
In fact, we feel that waterproofing qualities are so important that we strongly advised our customers to invest in waterproofing services for their entire masonry structure. If you haven’t had your chimney waterproofed, then this is likely a key reason why things started to break down in the first place. Our experts can address cracks, holes, and other deterioration quickly, before they get worse, then waterproof your system, so that moisture can’t work its way in any longer.
Fall Is Nearing, So Call Now
Most homeowners utilize their fireplace a lot more once the holiday seasons start coming back around, so ensure you’re all set and ready to go by getting our sweeps in as soon as you can. We’ll take a thorough look at everything, so you can rest easier knowing your system is safer for regular use come fall. This isn’t the time to procrastinate – give us a call now.
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 28, 2018 | Chimney Leaks
Is a leaky chimney causing you stress? With the holiday season a few months away, you’re likely anxious to resolve any structural issues and water damage as soon as possible. Fortunately, the team here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps has solutions for you. There are several ways to tackle leaky chimney issues, and we have a few solutions to help your chimney be leak free!
We Install Chimney Caps
A big reason for excess water throughout their fireplace and chimney is the absence of a chimney cap. If you don’t have a cap or if your current cap is broken, professional assistance is necessary for preventing leaks in the future. Chimney caps cover the flue opening, so water cannot get into your chimney to destroy your liner and the rest of your system. They’re also great for keeping out birds and excess debris. If you’re ready to ensure a good-looking and better-functioning chimney cap, call in our experts now!
We Repair Chimney Crowns
The chimney crown is located at the top of your system, and it extends past the edge of the chimney. It works to divert water away from the masonry. When it comes to protecting the absorbent brickwork, the chimney crown plays a key role! Unfortunately, crowns tend to break down over time, especially if they are not properly constructed. It’s very important to get a professional crew to repair your chimney crown! Some crowns need simple repair work, while others require an entire rebuild. We’re happy to help.
We Provide Top-Of-The-Line Waterproofing Services
Once we’ve completed any repair and reconstruction work, we strongly suggest you to invest in our waterproofing services. Some homeowners turn to store-bought paints and sealers, but they can actually wind up doing more damage in the long run.
It’s vital that your chimney can still breathe out vapors while hosting this protective coat, and many waterproofing options don’t allow for this. They tend to block moisture from entering, but any water already in the masonry can’t escape. This will cause your structure to suffer. We use sealers that are completely vapor permeable, so you won’t be left with a damaged structure. Call on our team at 619-338-8116 now!
