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Our Company Blog
by Mike O'Mara | Mar 20, 2024 | Chimney Discount
Weststar Chimney Sweeps is rolling into spring with a 30% discount on our chimney sweeping and inspection services – available now!
Why Are Annual Chimney Sweeps & Inspections Important?
Fire is one of the greatest things in life – it provides warmth, light, and an ambiance that is treasured by many. That said, when it comes to lighting a fire in your home, certain precautions need to be taken. Fireplaces are so common that many people forget that they literally host flames in their living spaces…and that regular fireplace servicing needs to be scheduled yearly to ensure safety and efficiency.
Why do industry-esteemed organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) recommend annual chimney inspections?
- Removal of Creosote: Creosote is a highly flammable substance that accumulates inside chimneys as a result of burning wood or other fuels. Over time, creosote buildup can lead to chimney fires, which can cause extensive damage to the chimney and potentially spread to other parts of the home.
- Prevention of Blockages: Outside debris – think leaves, branches, animal nests, etc. – can obstruct the chimney, preventing proper ventilation. A blocked chimney can cause smoke and toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, to back up into the home, posing a serious health hazard to occupants. Annual inspections can ensure all blockages are spotted.
- Identification of Damage: Chimneys are in an especially vulnerable spot in your home, and can suffer from wear and tear – including cracks, leaks, and deterioration of the chimney liner – as a result. Annual inspections allow certified chimney sweeps to identify any signs of damage early on, preventing small issues from escalating into more costly repairs.
- Compliance with Insurance & Building Codes: Many insurance companies require homeowners to have their chimneys inspected annually to maintain coverage. Similarly, building codes may mandate regular chimney maintenance to ensure the safety of occupants.
- Peace of Mind: Who can put a price on peace of mind? Regular chimney maintenance provides homeowners with the knowledge that their chimney and fireplace are safe to use.Enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire without worrying about the risk of chimney fires, smoke backup, carbon monoxide poisoning, or anything else.
Overall, an annual chimney sweeping and inspection is a small and simple investment that can save homeowners time, money, and stress in the long run. Additionally, it helps protect their property, ensure the safety of their family, and prolong the lifespan of their chimney system.
Why Hire a Certified Chimney Sweep?
Like any trade, the chimney sweep industry has scammers and unethical, money-hungry “technicians,” only looking to make their paycheck as quickly and easily as possible – usually at the cost of an unknowledgeable homeowner.
That’s not the most comforting thought, considering how important proper chimney care is to the safety of your home and family.
So, how can you be certain the San Diego chimney company you’re hiring is reputable and will put your needs and safety first? Certifications, knowledge, and experience. All are essential for chimney professionals to have before engaging in even a basic sweep and inspection service.
Chimney certifications ensure a thorough understanding of chimney construction, venting systems, and building codes necessary to accurately identify potential issues during inspections. Certified professionals have the knowledge to recognize signs of damage, deterioration, or blockages that could pose safety risks to homeowners. Additionally, they can provide recommendations for repairs or maintenance to address these issues effectively.
In addition, improper chimney sweeping techniques can actually damage the chimney or liner materials, as well as various chimney components. Certified chimney sweeps are trained in the proper methods for removing creosote and soot buildup – without causing harm to the chimney and costing you more in the long run.
Ultimately, certification and experience demonstrate a chimney sweep’s commitment to professionalism and expertise in their field. The chimney industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, materials, and techniques emerging over time. Certified chimney professionals engage in ongoing education and training to stay updated on the latest developments in the field. This ensures that they remain knowledgeable and proficient in their work, providing customers with the highest level of service.
Trust Weststar Chimney Sweeps With Chimney Sweep Services
Here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, Inc., we’ve been successfully serving San Diego, CA and surrounding areas for decades. We’re a family-run business dedicated to ensuring the safer and more efficient operation of chimneys and dryer vents all throughout our service area, and you can bet we won’t let you down.
Our chimney techs pride themselves on being fast, reliable, and courteous service for both residential and commercial customers in San Diego County. We prioritize customer satisfaction and maintain an A+ rating with the San Diego Better Business Bureau. Certified by CSIA and committed to ongoing education, we always ensure our customers receive the latest industry techniques and standards.
For comprehensive chimney care services – including sweepings, inspections, repairs, and dryer vent cleaning services – we’re here for you. Call 619-338-8116 or book online today.
by Mike O'Mara | Mar 29, 2019 | Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping has evolved a lot over time and some of the histories behind its origins are quite shocking. Looking to dive deeper into the roots of this field and discover how it has changed as time went on? Well, the team here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps can tell you all about it! Check out some facts below, then count on us for any present-day chimney needs. We would love to hear from you soon.
Children As Sweeps
Nowadays, when you call in a sweep to work in your home, you will get a professional adult who will tackle the ins and outs of your chimney with care and precision. Unfortunately, this was not always the case. Back in 1666, the Great Fire of London occurred, opening people’s eyes to the importance of having a clean chimney.
Back then, sweeps did not have the tools and technology that we use today, so small children were forced to crawl up the flue and access all of the soot and creosote that would get lodged in people’s chimneys. This led to a long and sad history of child chimney sweeps. These children were typically either orphaned or came from poverty-stricken families, and they were given little to nothing for their efforts.
Child chimney sweeps faced a lot of illnesses and many experienced painful cancers due to the high exposure to soot, ash, and smoke. In fact, it was rare for them to live past middle age. There are also stories of young boys becoming stuck in the chimney and later dying as a result.
Eventually, in the late 1800s, laws were passed forbidding this type of child labor, and it was not long after that when Joseph Glass invented the chimney brush, versions of which are still used in the industry today.
Modern-Day Sweeps
Modern-day chimney sweeping is safer, cleaner, and more high-tech. We utilize advanced tools, techniques, and technologies to ensure both our sweeps and our customers stay as safe and as educated as possible. Thanks to places like the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild, sweeps can stay on top of it all, receiving the training and certifications they need to serve their customers well.
Here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we care about staying informed and up-to-date on any and all of the latest advancements in the trade, and we always put the needs of our customers first. If you want to work with a team that values honesty, integrity, and respect, then we are it.
Ready to keep your home safer and chimney free from harmful creosote? Call in our team for an inspection. We will take a look around and determine what services you need to live more comfortably with every passing day. Set up an appointment today!
by Mike O'Mara | Dec 12, 2018 | Chimney Sweeping
If a sweeping is in order for your chimney this winter, then you want to be sure the job is done by a team of qualified experts. Missing even the most minor details of a chimney sweeping can lead to big problems like creosote accumulation and clogs, both of which lead to fire hazards and smoke or fume back-up. Avoid dangerous situations this winter by working with the CSIA certified team at Weststar Chimney Sweeps from the very start!
So, what can you expect when you hire our crew for the job? Nothing less than the best! Learn more about our sweeping process below.
We Are Detailed & Thorough
In order for you to get the most from your chimney in terms of heat, efficiency, and safety, every nook and cranny needs to be examined and cleaned by a qualified team of experts. That’s why we work hard to never miss a thing! We have the tools, technology, and know-how to get the job done right, so you don’t need to stress about a thing over Christmas, New Years, and the countless cold nights throughout the winter season.
Along with this, a thorough and in-depth cleaning will lower your risk of fires and gas leaks significantly, allowing you peace of mind when lighting fires throughout the upcoming holiday. We work hard to keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible, which is why we never quit investing in extra training and educational opportunities, all of which help us better serve you year after year.
We Provide A Professional Analysis
We’re not like some companies that come in, do the job, then quickly leave without letting you know what’s going on in your own chimney. We keep you in the loop, so you know what services we’re providing and what steps we recommend for the future. If we find something concerning, we’ll let you know, so you can decide what to do next. After all, safety is our number one concern!
Our staff will also provide you with a written document, listing all of the things we performed, so you have proof that every inch of your chimney was properly addressed. We don’t cut corners, and we feel that all of our customers deserve the very best.
We Keep Your Home Cleaner
We work hard before, during, and after a sweeping to ensure your home stays clean and better protected. By using dropcloths and specialized vacuums, and by taking our time to ensure you get the best service possible, we guarantee you won’t be left with horrible stains or a dirty carpet. We are trained to keep the messy aspects of chimney cleaning under control and well-contained, so you don’t need to stress about a thing!
For the care and attention you deserve, there is truly no better team to trust. Count on Weststar Chimney Sweeps for your sweepings, inspections, and more, so you can enjoy this upcoming holiday to the fullest! We’ve always got your back.
by Mike O'Mara | Jan 24, 2017 | Smoking Chimney
If your chimney is smoking, there are many reasons why this may be occurring. Having smoke back up into your home can be a really frustrating experience, especially when all you want to do is enjoy a cozy fire. If you have issues time and time again, try out some of these methods to ensure all of your smoke goes up the chimney like it is supposed to.
Open Your Damper
Your damper should be opened all the way before starting a fire. Oftentimes, homeowners forget this step, which means the smoke has no way of escaping out the chimney! As your fire burns, you can adjust it accordingly, so that you get the most efficient burn possible.
If the damper is stuck, a good cleaning may be in order. Which leads to another reason as to why your chimney may be smoking…
Check For Build-Up
As creosote and other debris accumulate in your fireplace, blockages will start to form. The smoke will enter your living room if there is not a clean pathway for smoke to escape. If you think a cleaning is necessary, call in a professional to check things over and remove any build-up throughout the chimney. A certified tech will have all of the appropriate tools and chemicals that are necessary for a thorough and complete inspection and sweep.
Inspect Your Fuel
Burning unseasoned wood will produce much smokier fires. You should purchase wood that has been dried for at least six months (but one to two years is ideal). Or, better yet, dry your own wood, so you know you are working with the best possible fuel. Unseasoned wood burns much less efficiently and uses up a lot of energy when burning through the excess moisture. This results in more smoke output.
Check Out Your Chimney Dimensions
Chimney height, flue size, and more can all affect how well your chimney functions. A certified pro will know exactly what dimensions your set up needs to be in order to run efficiently. Schedule an inspection today, so you will know whether or not your chimney is in need of some adjusting.
Adjust Your Windows
Sometimes, all it takes is opening a window or two to help the airflow adjust accordingly. A well-insulated home is good for many reasons, but it does mean your fireplace may struggle. Air needs to circulate through your home to keep a fire running, but if not enough air can work its way back in, your fire will start smoking up the house. Opening a couple windows will help get things flowing normally.
On the opposising side, your home may not be insulated enough! Too much air can also mess up your fireplace. If this is the case for you, ensure that all windows are tightly closed, especially those on the higher levels.
Call Us!
For more chimney help, call on the staff at Weststar Chimney Sweeps today!
by Mike O'Mara | Mar 6, 2015 | Chimney Inspections, Chimney Maintenance, Chimney Sweeping
Schedule a chimney sweeping and inspection as part of your spring cleaning!
March is upon us, which means spring is finally here. For homeowners, the arrival of spring means it is time to get started on annual spring cleaning chores. If you have a fireplace or wood stove in your house, that means your chimney should also be included. Weststar Chimney Sweeps is ready to help you with your chimney cleaning chores, and we would like to tell you more about our chimney sweeping process.
Why should I have my chimney cleaned and inspected in the spring?
It makes sense to have your annual sweeping done in the spring because most people schedule their annual chimney inspections in the fall, so you will not have a problem getting the appointment you want. Also, the sooner you have your chimney looked at after the heating season, the better. If there are problems that need repairing, you need to get them repaired quickly so no more costly structural damage occurs. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends homeowners have their chimneys inspected annually, so why not get into the habit of scheduling this appointment in the spring?
What should I expect from a chimney sweeping and inspection from Weststar Chimney Sweeps?
When you schedule a chimney sweeping and inspection with Weststar Chimney Sweeps, one of our licensed and certified technicians will come to your home and begin the inspection and cleaning process. Using modern technology, we use video cameras to allow us to closely examine the interior of your chimney and decide which type of cleaning technique we will need to do, based on the type of creosote build-up in your chimney and what kind of chimney you have. We use a few different chimney sweeping techniques, which include:
Standard Sweeping
Using the typical rotating brushes on long handles, along with a high-powered vacuum with a HEPA filter to keep debris and soot from getting in your home, this technique is effective for getting rid of average creosote deposits; however, if you have any major creosote build-up, as in 3rd stage, you will need a heavier-duty sweeping.
Mechanical Cleaning
In order to remove hard or glazed creosote deposits, high-speed rotating wire brushes, plastic cables, or specials chains are used to do the sweeping.
Chemical Cleaning
Sometimes mechanical cleaning is not enough, and chemicals may have to be used along with the high-speed rotating power tools to get rid of big deposits of glazed creosote.
What happens after the chimney inspection and sweeping is completed?
Once we do your sweeping and inspection, we will assess our findings and determine whether or not you need any repairs done to your chimney. Other than creosote build-up, the most common damage to chimneys seen after winter is water damage from leaks. If left unrepaired, this can lead to further, more costly structural damage. Weststar Chimney Sweeps can handle all of your chimney repair needs, if repair is necessary.
Do not forget your chimney when you are spring cleaning. Contact Weststar Chimney Sweeps to make an appointment for your annual chimney sweep and inspection.
