Chimney Services » annual chimney inspections
Our Company Blog
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 24, 2019 | CSIA certified
Here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, there is one thing we take seriously – our education. That’s why we’ve earned and maintained certification with the CSIA. How does this set us apart? Well, in an industry that is ever-evolving and always exploring new technologies, staying up-to-date and top of it all is a must! It’s qualifications like these that ensure homeowners stay safer with every passing year, 
and we are proud to be associated with such a reputable organization.
Learn more about the CSIA below, then count on us for your inspections, sweepings, and repair work – we’re equipped to handle it all.
Taking Your Safety Seriously
The CSIA is a nonprofit that has been around since 1983, and it is devoted to educating the public and certifying sweeps all throughout the country. Leaders of this organization regularly go out into the community to share safety tips and fireplace knowledge, and they’ve made it their mission to ensure sweeps across the nation are knowledgeable and well-informed, as well.
The great part about the CSIA is that they require their sweeps to regularly renew their certification. If you don’t recertify every three years, you lose your status! This ensures the team you are working with isn’t missing out on anything.
To top it off, the CSIA is all about ethics. Each sweep must sign a code of ethics that requires them to use their knowledge to keep their customers safer and to be honest in all of their evaluations.
Getting Certified
So, what does it take to earn one’s certification? Well, technicians are given training materials that they must study and get down pat, after which they are required to take a test to ensure they know it all when it comes to your fireplace and chimney. The CSIA also hosts workshops and training sessions for team members to participate in. All in all, getting the knowledge and understanding necessary to be the best they can be isn’t a problem for a CSIA certified sweep.
All in all, it is no easy process. It takes training, studying, and dedication to earn these qualifications, but it is nothing our team can’t handle. If you’re eager to work with a crew that can get you taken care of – no matter what – then schedule an appointment with Weststar Chimney Sweeps today!
It’s Time To Get Your Inspection Completed
One thing the CSIA recommends is investing in annual chimney inspections. This practice will keep your system functioning appropriately throughout the holiday season, which is when most people put their fireplace to use. You and your family members will stay safer and cozier, and you’ll get the efficiency you’re hoping for, as well.
If you’re ready to get your inspection on the books, call today! Our busy season is approaching fast, and soon it will become quite challenging to find a time slot that works well with your calendar. Our team is ready and willing to ensure your chimney is free of dirt, debris, creosote, and any damages. Reach out now, and we can set something up.
by Mike O'Mara | Jul 17, 2018 | Fireplaces
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.
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 7, 2016 | Chimney Inspections
Fall is quickly approaching, bringing crisp weather along with it. For many, this means a period of more frequent fireplace use is ahead. If you are hoping to utilize your fireplace more throughout the upcoming months, then it is time to schedule your annual inspection and cleaning.
Regular fireplace and chimney maintenance is vital in ensuring that your home and family stays safe year round. Check out a few reasons why scheduling that yearly inspection is so important.
Preventing Fire
The more dirt, debris, creosote, and other build-up that occurs within a chimney, the greater your chances are of experiencing a chimney fire. Creosote is known for being highly flammable and twigs, leaves, and other nesting materials brought in by animals will easily ignite when given the opportunity.
A fire will not only damage your masonry and other various parts of your chimney, but can affect the overall structural soundness of your home, as well. On top of this, you put your entire home and family at further risk of harm when the chances of fire are heightened. Reduce this threat by hiring a professional to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny, while using the proper materials.
Ensuring Efficiency
If there are any blockages or damaged parts within a chimney, the entire system will function less efficiently. Without the ability to properly ventilate, a fireplace will spit any smoke and other fumes back into your home and your fireplace will remain unsuitable for use.
To build and maintain productive fires, have your entire fireplace checked out before you put it to work. An expert will clear out any excess debris, remove blockages, and make certain that everything is in proper working condition before any fires are lit. This will ensure that your home will be heated as efficiently as possible, thus reducing energy bills and heightening the overall atmosphere of your home.
Avoiding Harmful Toxins
If blockages are present, then smoke and other toxins are given nowhere to escape. This means friends and family will inhale the harmful gases produced by the fireplace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to damaged health and hospital visits, so eliminate this risk by having your fireplace inspected before any fires are built.
To help ensure that no harmful gases are escaping your home, ask your chimney sweep about installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout it. This will add an extra level of protection for your family and you can rest easy knowing they are all out of harm’s way.
When it comes down to it, all of these things revolve around protecting your home and ensuring your family members stay in good health. At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we have all of the tools and expertise necessary for adequately preparing your chimney for the changing of seasons we soon will face. Allow yourself the peace of mind you deserve by scheduling a cleaning and inspection today!
