Chimney Services » Chimney Maintenance
Our Company Blog
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 | Mar 13, 2018 | Chimney Maintenance
When water has easy access to your chimney, it can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Rusty flashing, cracked masonry, rot, clogs, and more can occur if your chimney isn’t properly protected, and the longer you put off corrective maintenance, the worse these issues will become. If you’re worried about the state of your fireplace system, our team at Weststar Chimney Sweeps has got you covered!
Learn more about how you can spot water damage by reading below, then call on us to provide the solutions you need to get the best performance possible from your chimney and fireplace.
Examine Your Masonry
If you’ve been noticing leaks or pools of water in your fireplace, your brickwork may be the culprit. Many don’t realize that, even though bricks are strong and sturdy, they can absorb water quite easily! When moisture gets absorbed, it triggers all types of deterioration throughout your system and causes your masonry to crumble.
If your masonry is looking worse for the wear, let us help you out. We can apply a strong, yet breathable, waterproofing sealant that will keep water out for good, so you can rest easy every time you put your fireplace to good use. If things are starting to break down, stop that excess moisture dead in its tracks – invest in our waterproofing services today!
Check For Rust
There are various metal components throughout your chimney and fireplace that if given the opportunity to rust, won’t be able to function properly. If rust goes unaddressed, it will form cracks and holes, allowing even more pathways for water to enter your system and cause damage. If you notice rust, call us in for the repairs and restoration work you need to get your chimney up and running efficiently again!
Whether your flashing is rusted, your chimney cap is damaged, or something else is going wrong with your metal chimney parts, count on us to get the job done right. We will get everything back to normal faster than you might expect and can handle any extra installation work you might need along the way. When it comes to your chimney, count on a professional from the very start. The crew at Weststar Chimney Sweeps has got your back!
How Is Your Crown?
Your chimney crown plays an integral role in keeping water away from your masonry. When built correctly, your crown will easily direct water out and away from the sides of your chimney, making a big impact on how much damage your system ends up facing over time. If your crown is broken down or wasn’t installed correctly from the start, count on our team to help you out! We can repair your crown, so you don’t have to stress any longer.
If you’re facing water damage, don’t let it bring you down. Give us a call today, so we can get your fireplace working great again!
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 18, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
There are lots of reasons to have a chimney cap professionally installed today, and there’s only one company to trust for all of your chimney-related needs. Learn more about chimney caps below, then give Weststar Chimney Sweeps a call today!
Preventing Water Damage
If you know anything about water and brick, then you know they don’t go well together! There are lots of things you want to protect your masonry from and excess moisture is high up on that list. If water gets access to your chimney, you’ll soon be facing mold, rot, rust, stains, decay, clogs, deterioration, and that’s only the beginning! Over time, your system will break down, and the life of your chimney will be cut short.
This is the first of many reasons why chimney caps are so important. They cover the top of your chimney, so that water can’t get in and destroy the lining. The more access water has to your system, the worse off you’ll be, so get a cap installed today, and stay protected!
Keeping Animals Out
Another huge benefit of owning a chimney cap is their ability to keep birds and other critters out. Raccoons and similar animals can easily climb into an uncapped chimney and set up camp. The strong brick and warm cave-like atmosphere make it an ideal spot for building nests and raising young. This leads to clogs, bad odors, and lots of deterioration.
Also, you’ll soon discover that, while animals can easily enter, getting back out can prove to be challenging. Not everything that comes in will be able to get back out and, when they eventually pass away, the smell will stink up your home in a hurry. Not to mention, maggots and other insects will find their way to your chimney before you know it! You don’t need that headache – get that cap installed now.
Other Benefits
On top of these amazing benefits, there’s more that a chimney cap will do for you! If you’ve built fires, you know that sparks can quickly fly away and get out of hand. A chimney cap will stop these stray flames dead in their tracks, so you won’t have to stress about roofing materials or adjacent woodwork catching on fire.
Chimney caps also help prevent unwanted drafts from sweeping down your flue or chimney. Not only do these make your home uncomfortable, but they can bring in some nasty odors with them. And if you’ve got a fire going, say hello to a smoke-filled living room! None of this is remotely ideal, which is why we want you to depend on us today.
For more information, give us a call at 619-338-8116. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 4, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
[Updated for 2019]
If there is one thing we care about it, it’s providing our customers with the knowledge they need to maintain a safer home. That’s why we like to take full advantage of any opportunity to spread some fireplace and chimney facts! The San Diego County Fair is one of our favorite spots to visit. With over 1.5 million in attendance, there are tons of ways to promote fireplace and chimney safety!
This year was no different. We met tons of great families and homeowners who were unaware of how important regular maintenance was for their chimney, dryer vent, and masonry. We would like to thank everyone who stopped to talk to us, as well as all of our loyal customers throughout the area! Without all of you, we wouldn’t be able to spread this important knowledge year after year.
Why We Love The San Diego County Fair
As stated previously, the San Diego County Fair gives us the opportunity to meet and educate our community on the importance and necessity of having your chimney and fireplace systems looked at by ceritified professionals. Often times we meet first-time customers that have never had their chimney swept before!
Apart from gaining new knowledge of a major home appliance, fair goers also get a hefty discount! Not only do we bring awareness to homeowners and fill our books at a time when we typically slow down due to weather, but customers also get the best price for a certified professional to look over their system. And our excellent service is constant whether you book with us during the fair at a discounted rate or in the middle of the busy season!
Wondering what we discuss with people attending the fair? Read below! Then contact us today to see what we can do for you.
Why Chimney Maintenance Is Important
By investing in annual inspections and sweepings for your chimney, you gain added peace of mind regarding the safety of your home. For one thing, clearing out creosote on a regular basis significantly decreases your chance of chimney fires! Creosote builds up more and more with every fire you burn, and it is a very flammable substance. The more you have, the riskier things get. And chimney fires can cause a lot of damage, threatening the integrity of your entire structure.
Another reason why regular inspections are important is so that sweeps can identify and address any necessary repairs before more frequent burning periods begin. If you have cracks, holes, clogs, or any other type of wear and tear, you face a lot more potential hazards, such as fires, smoke back-up, or toxins entering the home.
There’s no time to lose if your system needs a check-up. Call us today!
Why Dryer Vent Maintenance Is Important
Another thing we like to emphasize is the importance of dryer vent maintenance. Although many do not realize it, dryer vents are the cause of thousands of house fires every year. If the venting system gets clogged, your appliance will likely overheat, and any stray sparks could easily cause built-up lint to start on fire with ease.
On top of this, clogged vents cause harmful gases to back up into your home and affect the health of loved ones. These fumes need to properly escape outside and, without a clear pathway, the only place for them to go is back into your home. Prevent this from happening by calling in our experts! We are trained to address any of your dryer vent needs.
Why Wait?
One thing’s for sure… you’ll want to get this maintenance done before the holiday season begins! Ensure your fireplace is ready to go by calling in our techs today. We can’t wait to visit your home and ensure you are good to go!
by Mike O'Mara | Mar 22, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
Is your chimney crown is appearing a bit of out shape? If so, then it may be time to have it looked at. There is no doubt that scheduling repairs sooner, rather than later, is always the best route to take. In addition, you’ll want to get any issues addressed before they get worse.
Learn more about chimney crowns below, then browse our site for more information about our repair services. At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we can set you up right!
What Does A Chimney Crown Do?
The chimney crown sits on top of your chimney and slants downward, so that water is easily directed away from the brickwork. When it comes to stopping water damage, a chimney crown plays a vital role in keeping things dry!
Also, keep in mind that your crown should hang over the top of your chimney a bit. This is so water is effectively kept away from the chimney itself. Ensuring that the proper measurements are instilled and that the crown is built from strong material will make all the difference when it comes to keeping water away from your masonry.
How Harmful Is Moisture To My Chimney?
Taking the proper precautions against excess moisture is important. Too much water leads to rot, rust, deterioration, cracks, holes, stains, decay, and more. That’s a lot of repair fees coming your way!
On top of this, too many unaddressed issues lead to bigger problems, like settlements and collapses. Both of these will cause a lot of damage to your home. Also, could easily injure your loved ones residing there. Minimize your risk of harm by inspecting your chimney crown today!
Can Weststar Chimney Help?
You bet we can! Weststar Chimney Sweeps has been in business since 1999, so we definitely know our way around your fireplace and chimney. We have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and our staff is CSIA trained and certified. Everyone employed with us works hard to stay as up-to-date as possible on all chimney regulations and policies. Plus, it’s obvious to everyone that we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, just look at our Yelp reviews!
Repairing your crown won’t be a problem for us. We have solutions for small repairs and big ones, so no matter what state your crown is in, we can get things back to where they need to be! If all else fails, we can rebuild your chimney crown so that it stands strong for years to come.
For more information, take a look around our site to see all the many things we can offer you. Then, give us a call to schedule your appointment or simply fill out our online forum, and we will contact you soon!
Thanks for choosing us – you won’t regret it!
by Mike O'Mara | Dec 6, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
When Santa’s sleigh heads your way, you want to ensure that everything is ready to go for his arrival. While milk and cookies go a long way, he will need a clean chimney to go down, as well. The last thing he has time for on Christmas Eve is a pit stop at the dry cleaner’s. Keep Mr. Claus happy and soot-free this year by scheduling your annual inspection and cleaning with Weststar Chimney Sweeps today!
Clearing Blockages
Smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning are both major threats that can cause health issues and ruin your holidays in a hurry. Birds, squirrels, and other critters can leave behind twigs, leaves, and nesting materials in your chimney, all of which cause blockages and invite countless issues when you go to light your fire. Keep your home free from these fumes by having a professional check things out right away.
On top of scheduling your regular inspection, you will also want to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout the home. If you do not have these devices, purchase them now and have your chimney sweep set them up while they are there for the inspection. These detectors have saved many lives and can truly make all the difference in whether or not everyone gets out of a burning house safely.
Avoiding Fires
If you own a fireplace, it is important to take all of the necessary steps when it comes to fire safety. As mentioned previously, make sure all of your smoke detectors are installed and working efficiently. On top of this, have a plan set for where everyone needs to go, should a fire occur. Being as prepared as possible is vital when it comes to the safety of your home and family.
If you have enjoyed a fire throughout the evening, make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the home. You will also want to ensure your fireplace stays free from excess creosote and other harmful build-up. A couple of ways to do this is to burn wood that is well-seasoned, and to avoid throwing any paper or trash into your fireplace.
While all of these things will help keep your home free from fires, the most important step is to call in an expert to check things over and clean your chimney with the proper tools and chemicals. Creosote is highly flammable, so ensuring that it is adequately removed is important in creating a safe holiday season. Professionals know where to look and how to access even the toughest and hardest to reach areas. Call the professionals at Weststar Chimney Sweeps today, before getting any fires going.
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we take pride in being CSIA certified. We have been serving this area for 30 years and counting, and our customers can vouch for our professional attitude and high-quality services. Please choose us for all of your chimney and fireplace needs and schedule your inspection today!