Chimney Services » Chimney Repairs
Our Company Blog
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!
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 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 | Feb 21, 2018 | Chimney Repairs
The holidays are well behind us, and your chimney is likely seeing less and less use. As spring and summer approach, most homeowners abstain from fireplace use until the more festive atmosphere comes back around. If this sounds all too familiar, then it may be a good time to call us in to look things over!
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we believe that one of the best times for inspections and repairs is right after the burning season. Why? Well, your fireplace has just faced a lot of action over the last few months! Some wear and tear has likely occurred, and clogs and other issues may be present, too. In these cases, it’s important to have some maintenance done before anything gets worse.
Saving You Money
The longer you put off necessary repairs, sweepings, and more, the more issues you’ll wind up facing down the line. Bigger problems lead to bigger expenses, so it’s wise to invest in affordable repairs now, rather than high-priced ones this fall. It’s an easy choice to make, so why put it off any longer?
Saving You Time
Chimney repairs take time and, depending on the issue at hand, it could take quite a while to get everything squared away. Simple repairs take much less time. This is why we encourage homeowners to call us in sooner, rather than waiting until things deteriorate more than they already have. Don’t get stuck making multiple time-consuming appointments, when you can get us in and out in a hurry!
Along with this, waiting until fall for your chimney maintenance can lead to some scheduling conflicts. As you can imagine, the closer we get to winter and the holidays, the busier our sweeps get! If you schedule now, you are much more likely to get the exact date and time that works best for you.
If you want to ensure you can fire up your fireplace right at the start of your next burning season, call us in now to check everything over. Once fall rolls back around, you’ll be happy you did it!
Saving You Stress
When you save time and money, you save yourself a lot of stress. When your fireplace and chimney are undergoing repairs and maintenance, it can cause some frustration, but our expert and professional team are ready to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible. When you work with Weststar Chimney Sweeps, your needs always come first!
Along with this, you’ll be able to use your fireplace with the peace of mind you deserve, knowing your system is functioning as safely as possible. Regular maintenance decreases the likelihood of water damage, chimney fires, gas leaks, and more! Ensure your loved ones stay protected by calling us in from the start.
Dial Our Number Today!
Pick up the phone and dial us at 619-338-8116 today! Our CSIA certified crew is ready to help you out with any questions, concerns, and scheduling needs. We love serving San Diego and all of its surrounding communities, and we are more than ready to help you out soon. When it comes to the health of your chimney, there’s no time to lose – give us a call now!
