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We Install Heat Reflectors To Protect Your Firebox

Fireplaces are often the focal point in a home. It helps to create an aesthetic that’s perfect for comfortable evenings in, large holiday gatherings, or small get-together with friends. Cozy up to a warm fire is a wonderful activity. That is, if your fireplace is in a good shape and works efficiently. If you’ve been noticing less heat from your system, the fault could lie with your firebox. Luckily, our CSIA-certified team have solutions to solve this!

What Is The Firebox?

The firebox is where your fires are built and burned and, as you can imagine, this area takes on a lot of wear and tear. Things like excess heat, too much exposure to moisture, and neglect can take their toll over time. These can all cause the firebox to break down and be less efficient.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure the materials that make up your firebox stay protected. Preventative maintenance and regular upkeep definitely help to keep your brickwork and mortar from cracking, help it to contain the fire, and also give you peace of mind knowing heat, fire, and smoke won’t spread through your fireplace. On top of all that, you’ll get more heat output for your living space.

Needless to say, investing in these preventative maintenance now will save you a lot of time, money, and stress down the road. Our certified team at Weststar Chimney Sweeps would love to help restore the function and beauty of your firebox, give us a call so we can set up an appointment for you right now.

What We Offer

If you need solutions fast, let us install a new heat reflector today. Heat reflectors are installed on the back wall of a firebox. With heat reflectors in place, the heat of your fire will reflect outward rather than get absorbed into the brickwork. Depending on what type of fireplace you own, you’ll likely receive a 20-40 percent increase in heat in your home.

Call us right now, and why not schedule your annual inspection with us, too? Our professionals can diagnose whether damages or buildup are present, then promptly address any issues, to ensure you’re ready when the holidays come back around. After all, what’s Thanksgiving and Christmas without a crackling fire to set the mood? Our team is all trained, certified, and ready to tackle any chimney issues. Guarantee yourself a safer and more efficient appliance by calling on our team of experts now at 619-338-8116.

We Do Fireplace Stain Removal

A great-looking fireplace can bring immense joy, comfort, and warmth to a household, especially throughout the holiday season, and at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we want to help you keep your chimney and fireplace in the best shape possible. Our team of experts has the tools and expertise necessary for setting you up with the fireplace of your dreams, and we can keep it well-maintained for you throughout the years, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

One thing we specialize in is stain removal. If smoke and debris are causing the front of your fireplace to look drab and unrefined, count on our team to get you back to where you need to be.

Addressing Draft Issues

First things first, you’ll want to ensure that, once your fireplace is restored, you won’t be facing the same problems again down the line. If smoke is damaging the aesthetic of your fireplace, then it’s important to address any smoking or drafting issues you may be experiencing. Let us fix you up before we apply our stain removal products, so that you can rest easy knowing your fireplace will look great for years to come!

A great way to start is by doing an inspection. By taking a thorough look at your fireplace and chimney, we can locate the source of any potential problems, then offer you the best possible solutions possible for solving them. Our CSIA certified team knows their stuff, and we are certain we’ll get your fireplace running normally again in no time!

There are more than a few reasons why your chimney may be pouring smoke into your living space, including structural problems, creosote accumulation, or issues with the damper. A smoky home isn’t only inconvenient… it’s dangerous, too! With the holidays well behind us, now is the perfect time to let us look things over. Give us a call today to set up your appointment!

Using Paint “N” Peel In Your Home

Once your chimney is repaired, restored, and swept, we’ll begin the stain removal process. We will tape off the area, apply our products to the masonry, then all we need to do is wait! Once it dries (in about 6-12 hours), we’ll peel it off and reveal a cleaner, more polished-looking fireplace. You’ll be shocked at the end results!

The great part about this product is that it works on most surfaces, so whether you have brick, stonework, marble, concrete, slate, or something else, we’re certain we can offer you exactly what you are looking for.

Springtime Is The Time To Call!

We know fireplace usage goes up in the fall and winter, so why not schedule your annual maintenance now? We’re less busy, so we’ll be able to easily fit you in at a time that works well for you and, when fall rolls back around, you’ll be all set and ready to go. Give us a call today, and we’ll help you out soon!

We Offer Hearth Screen Options

Have you been thinking of adding a screen to your fireplace? We encourage you to take that next step and have our expert team install your dream screen today! There are many benefits to having one installed, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Learn more about your options by visiting us online or by simply giving our staff a call right away!

A Safer Home For You & Your Family

It’s no secret that fireplaces are known to shoot stray sparks from time to time. This is where fireplace screens really come into play. These sparks could easily ignite if they land on something flammable, putting your entire household at risk and costing you thousands in potential damages. In other instances, these sparks could land on nearby pets or family members and cause pain or injury.

They also provide a barrier, ensuring playful children and curious pets don’t get too close to the fireplace itself. If you’ve got a lot going on in your home, these extra precautions could save you a lot of stress! We believe each and every one of our customers deserve peace of mind when enjoying their fireplace. Our screen door options offer just that!

Improving The Look Of Your Fireplace & Home

Fireplace screens themselves add a lot when it comes to the look and cosmetic appeal of your fireplace. Let’s now address the items throughout a home that have been saved by fireplace screens being in place! The aforementioned screens block sparks and keep them safely out of your home. Not every spark will cause injury or destruction, but even the smallest one can put a hole through a couch, curtain, or carpet. Ensure your furniture and decor stay in the best shape possible by having us install that screen as soon as possible.

The great part about working with us is that we offer a wide range of designs and style options, so you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. We get that people have different tastes and preferences, so we want to offer various choices for our customers to choose from!

We even offer fireplace doors, giving you more options to consider and ensuring you achieve the perfect look and aesthetic you’re picturing. These doors, built here in Southern California, are hand-crafted to fit your fireplace opening exactly. When you work with our CSIA certified team, you get the results you deserve!

Count On Us For It All

You can also count on us for your annual inspections and regular sweepings! We do it all, from repairs to stain removal to installations, so you can count on us for anything. Springtime is a great time to call us in, so get on the phone today. We’re ready and excited to serve you!

Protect Your Firebox This Winter With A Heat Reflector!

If you own a fireplace, there’s no doubt you look forward to the many benefits they offer each year. They keep your home warmer on cool days and they add the perfect ambiance to any holiday gathering. Not to mention, they work wonders in bringing families closer together every single evening. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your system stays protected!

With the holidays just around the corner, we’re sure you’ll be putting your fireplace to lots of use. Let us install a heat reflector, so that you’re good to go all winter long! Your firebox will thank you.

What Is A Firebox?

If you’re new to the fireplace game, you may be wondering what exactly a firebox is – and why it needs to be protected. The firebox is the main area where fires burn in your fireplace. It’s where you build your fire, and it’s where the most heat is produced. It’s clearly an essential part of your fireplace system. However, when it’s not in good condition, you’ll find yourself facing a lot of troublesome issues.

Because there’s so much heat in the firebox, it takes on a lot of wear and tear. It may seem like no issues are forming. On the contrary, throughout time, each fire causes a bit more deterioration to occur, and your firebox will end up crumbling (costing you big bucks in repair jobs).

That’s why we suggest investing in heat reflectors. Learn more about these amazing products below. Afterwards, give us a call, so that we can set you up right!

Pros Of Investing In A Heat Reflector

An obvious reason for investing in a heat reflector is their ability to protect your firebox from the intense heat your fire produces. But how exactly does it do this? Well, it provides a strong shield for the back of your firebox, so that less heat gets to the brickwork and mortar. This could wind up saving you a lot of time, money, and stress. Why? Damaged brickwork typically requires expensive and intricate tuckpointing repair services!

But that’s not all heat reflectors are good for. They also help heat your home more efficiently! Wood-burning fireplaces are known for losing lots of heat because the back wall of the firebox absorbs so much of it. Yet, systems with a heat reflector in place are able to radiate the heat back out into your living room, where it belongs. Your home will stay warmer and cozier, and you’ll have no problem staying toasty on colder days.

Call Today – Our Staff Can Help!

Are you ready to make this smart investment today? Then call on our qualified and professional staff to help you out! We’ve got you covered, and you’ll love how much better your system heats throughout the winter months ahead. There’s no time like the present – pick up your phone now to schedule an appointment!

 

Hearth Activities For The Family

Hearth Activities For The Family

Do you own a fireplace? Then it is time to take advantage of the opportunity and create some long-lasting memories to look back on. If you are looking for ways to gather everyone together this holiday season, then read below for some creative fireplace activities that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Hearth Activities For The Family Image - San Diego CA - Weststar Chimney SweepsRoast Chestnuts

If you have never roasted chestnuts before, then this winter is a good time to start! Once you do it, it is sure to turn into a tradition that your friends and family members will request for years to come. You simply rinse them, slice an “X” into them (so they do not burst when roasting), then toss them into the roasting pan.

You will want to cook them for around 20 – 30 minutes, moving them around every five minutes or so. Once done, peel them while they are still warm to ensure easy access to the nut. And there you have it! A night of fun and delicious snacking, all thanks to the fireplace.

Share Stories

As the year nears the end, it is a great time to reflect on what everyone has accomplished throughout it. Look back on your favorite memories and proudest moments, and take turns recounting various tales. Maybe someone will recall something that you had completely forgotten about! This is an activity that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

You could even take advantage of the setting by telling ghost stories! If you feel up to it and your family is into the idea, see if you can set a spooky mood this holiday season.

Play Games

What better spot to whip out some board games than in front of a cozy fire? Spend an evening (or two or three) playing some games that have been collecting dust in the closet. You are sure to get tons of laughs and everyone will appreciate the extra bonding time.

Discuss The Future

While reflection is great, so is looking forward. New Year’s will be here soon, so think up some resolutions you could set for 2017 and discuss them with the group. This way, you can all encourage each other when January comes around, working as a team to meet your various goals.

You could also discuss potential vacation ideas to see where everyone would most like to go, once things warm up. Wherever the discussion goes, you will definitely find yourself engaged in some great conversation.

At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we want you to enjoy your fireplace to the fullest! Please turn to us for all your chimney and fireplace needs, so you can have a safer and fun-filled holiday season.

Call us now for to schedule an inspection or visit our website to browse our various products and services. We look forward to helping you out, so you can start off 2017 right. Thanks for choosing us!

Is Your Fireplace Safe?

Is Your Fireplace Safe?

When you have a fireplace in your home, ensuring that it works safely is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a homeowner. Making sure your fireplace and chimney are in good condition can help you fulfill this responsibility. Of course, the most important thing you can do to guarantee your chimney and fireplace work safely and efficiently is to schedule an annual professional chimney sweeping and inspection. Weststar Chimney Sweeps is proud to provide these maintenance services to the residents of the San Diego area, and we only employ chimney sweeps who have been trained and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Since safety is our top priority, we would like to share with you some other tips on how to be sure your fireplace is safe.

Outside The Homemasonry fireplace - san diego CA - weststar chimney sweeps

You need to check to see if there is a chimney cap installed at the top of your chimney as this prevents water leaks, keeps birds and animals out, and other important functions. If getting on your roof is too hazardous, you can use binoculars to get an up-close look at the condition of the cap to check for signs of damage and debris building up on the cap. While you are using the binoculars, check to see if the flashing system looks tight and shows no signs of corrosion damage, and then look to see if the flue liner is visible above the crown. You should also look for cracked or missing bricks from the chimney as well as any leaning or other signs of structural damage. Take a look at the trees near the chimney to see if any limbs are directly above the chimney. If you find any signs of damage or problems, contact us at Weststar Chimney Sweeps to ask us to come by to examine things further.

Inside The Home

Now you can check out your fireplace to see if anything looks like a potential problem or a safety hazard. According to HouseLogic, you will need a flashlight to look at the condition of the damper to be sure it opens, closes, and seals correctly. It is important that your damper works properly to keep air from leaking out the chimney. Then, open the damper completely and shine the flashlight up the chimney to look for any signs of animal invasions like nesting materials. To be sure nothing is blocking your flue, look up the flue, and if you can see sunlight at the top, your flue is clear with no blockage. Your next step is to look at the hearth to inspect the fireplace surround and firebox to be sure there are no cracked or missing masonry materials like bricks and mortar. This type of damage is very serious and can lead to dangerous hazards. The last thing you should look for any signs of moisture inside the firebox because this means you have a chimney leak somewhere in your chimney. As with any outside damage, any interior damage or possible issues deserves professional attention, so you need to call us as soon as possible to avoid any damage becoming worse.Ensuring the safety of your chimney and fireplace is extremely important. If you need professional assistance, contact us at Weststar Chimney Sweeps to ask us to come by to give your chimney an inspection from our CSIA-certified chimney technicians.