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Our Company Blog
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 10, 2019 | Chimney Care
If you own a fireplace, then you are well aware of the warmth and comfort they can bring your home. Unfortunately, there a few common misconceptions that we’ve noticed homeowners here in San Diego fall prey to, all of which can put your home and family at risk. Learn more below!
You Don’t Require An Annual Inspection
Every type of fireplace, no matter the size, style, liner material, or fuel type, needs an annual inspection. This yearly maintenance gives your sweep the opportunity to look for any buildup, obstructions, gaps, cracks, holes, or any other types of deterioration. If there are problems present within your structure, you could face an increased risk of carbon monoxide exposure, house fires, structural decay, and more.
Whether you need a basic level one overview or a more in-depth and extensive level two inspection, our CSIA certified sweeps can help you out. Call today to learn more.
It’s Fine To Use Unseasoned Wood
Many feel that they can simply throughout whatever wood they find into their wood-burning fireplace, but this can actually lead to quite a few issues. Using wet or unseasoned wood will cause your fires to smoke a lot, and it encourages creosote accumulation throughout your chimney. The more creosote you have, the higher your risk will be of experiencing a chimney fire, which will cause extensive damage to your structure (and make it unsafe for use).
To ensure your logs are properly seasoned store them for at least six months in a shed with a sturdy roof and open sides. This ensures they stay protected from harsh weather, yet still, have ample opportunity to dry out. Purchasing your fuel from someone else? Make sure it is lightweight, split at the ends, shorter in length, and makes a hollow, clunking noise when smacked together.
My Masonry Can Withstand Anything
While your masonry structure is exceptionally strong, it still needs to be protected. A simple rainfall can do more damage than you’d think, and many do not realize that their brickwork is actually quite absorbent. By investing in waterproofing services, as well as crown repair and other types of preventative maintenance, you can go far in keeping your structure standing tall and strong for the long haul.
I Don’t Need Professional Help
If you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you may feel that you can tackle masonry repairs, chimney cleanings, and more without the help of a professional. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of costly and dangerous scenarios. When it comes to your fireplace and chimney, you really don’t want to take any chances, as even a small mistake or minor mishap can cause gas leaks, chimney fires, and more.
Professional technicians in this industry stay educated with reputable organizations like the CSIA, the NCSG, and more, ensuring they truly know their stuff. Cleaning kits and caulk simply won’t get the job done right, and these “quick, affordable fixes” will leave you with more problems than you started with. Trust in us from the start for the top-notch results you deserve.
by Mike O'Mara | Jun 27, 2019 | Chimney Crown
Located at the top of your chimney is something called the chimney crown, and it plays a big role in keeping your masonry safer and better protected. Crowns should be made from a strong, cement-based mixture to ensure they stand the test of time, but unfortunately, many were originally constructed using a mortar mix which is prone to crack and break down.
Because of this, working with the right team from the very start is a must when it comes to keeping your crown in good shape for the long haul. Learn more below about what these parts do, why they are important, and why you should trust in the certified crew here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps to help you every step of the way. Our crown repair and rebuilding services will ensure you are always taken care of, no matter what!
Preventing Water Damage
The reason crowns are so important to chimney health is due to their ability to protect your masonry from water damage. An appropriately built crown will extend slightly past the edge of your chimney, and it will slant downward. These aspects ensure rainwater is directed away from the chimney masonry.
Because your brickwork is so absorbent, keeping water away is a must. Without a chimney crown, decay is inevitable. Avoid decay and deterioration by having our sweeps come in to check things over. We can examine your crown and determine whether or not repairs are necessary
Is Your Crown Suffering?
If you have been noticing leaks throughout your chimney or if your brickwork and mortar is breaking down and crumbling, there is a good chance that a faulty crown is to blame. Fortunately, our team members are qualified to fix it up right with a product called CrownCoat. CrownCoat works to fill in cracks and gaps so that your crown won’t continue breaking down. Trust us – once we are through, your chimney will be looking and functioning better than ever!
Now, from time to time we come across crowns that have faced so much damage that basic repair work is not an effective solution. In these cases, we will recommend a rebuild. This may seem a bit daunting, but never fear because our crew is equipped to handle it. You will have a well-functioning chimney crown in no time.
Don’t Wait… Call Today!
The holidays are well behind us, and it will be quite some time before they come back around again, so call us in now while your burning season is still on hold. Not only can we check on your crown, but we can inspect your entire structure to determine whether or not you may need further maintenance.
If you do need work completed, we would be happy to help you every step of the way! Reach out today, and we can get started.
by Mike O'Mara | Jul 21, 2017 | Chimney Crown
There are many parts to a chimney and all are important for proper functioning. It’s important to take a step back from time to time and inspect each of these parts on an individual basis. Today, we’re focusing on the chimney crown. This is a piece that withstands a lot! And it faces all kinds of wear and tear in order to keep your chimney protected.
What Do Chimney Crowns Do?
Chimney crowns are located at the top of your chimney. They play a big role in keeping excess moisture away from your masonry.
Chimney crowns also:
- Help cover and protect the opening of your chimney while steering water away from the sides with their sloped design.
- Extend past the edge of your chimney, so any water that comes down will be forced away from the brickwork (thus reducing the chance of deterioration).
Fixing A Damaged Crown
If you’re having issues with your crown, it’s important to address them right away. Some homeowners discover that their chimney crown was installed incorrectly from the get-go. This means that it could have been built from inadequate materials or maybe the edge doesn’t overhang enough to keep your chimney protected. No matter the case, some modifications need to be done as soon as possible.
Other times, the crown will be installed just fine, but cracks and decay will start to form. This is usually due to water damage, and it needs to be stopped fast! You’ll want the damage mended quickly so that no more water can seep in. The more moisture allowed in, the more damage you’ll face, triggering stress and costing you precious time and money.
We Can Help!
If you are worried about the state of your chimney crown, have no fear. The staff at Weststar Chimney Sweeps is trained, experienced, and more than qualified to help you out! Our professional crew is happy to come out and inspect the current state of your chimney. Once we evaluate the situation, we’ll provide you with the next best steps for resolving the issue, so you can get back to using your fireplace in no time!
Our staff uses a product called CrownCoat, which seals any cracks or holes while providing your entire crown with a strong, waterproof seal. This a product that can withstand water, while allowing your crown the ability to vent out vapors and moisture. It’s a great way to keep your chimney protected for years, and we are certain you’ll be more than satisfied with this service!
I’m Ready! What Now?
If you are ready to invest in the best products and services for your fireplace, give Weststar Chimney Sweeps a call right away. We can find a time slot that works best for your schedule, and get our CSIA certified staff out there as soon as possible! When it comes to the health of your chimney, you don’t want to put off any necessary repairs. Call us now before things get worse – we can’t wait to help you out soon!
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 | Jun 9, 2014 | Chimney Maintenance
What is the one thing that’s been an annoyance to chimney owners everywhere? Masonry stains. Throughout time, numerous homeowners have complained and scratched their heads over the hassle and irritation that these unwanted stains bring.
At Weststar, we care about and respect each of our customers, and are dedicated to ensuring that their chimneys and dryer vents are well-maintained and functioning properly. Whether you need masonry repair or annual maintenance, we’re here to help.
Here at Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we do our best to cater to your chimney needs. So, here are a few things that you should know about chimney stains.
Not all stains are created equally.
The stain on your chimney is characterized by the source of the stain. Once you are able to identify which type of stain you have, it will be easier on you or the chimney professional that you hire to find a solution.
The following are some of the most common stain complaints:
- Smoke – It only makes sense that majority of the chimney owners complain about having smoke stains and are earnestly looking for ways to remove them. Since smoke is a natural byproduct of burning and the chimney is an area where the burning process occurs frequently, there presence of smoke is inevitable. Smoke stains, therefore, are going to occur.
- Mildew – This is the white substance (a fungus, to be more specific) that usually grows on the surface of wet or warm conditions.
- Efflorescence – This is that white, powdery and, often times, fluffy stuff (or so it appears) that accumulates around your chimney masonry.
- Rust – We all know what rust looks like, right? And you may say that rust only appears in metal materials. But actually, rust thrives on both metal and nonmetal surfaces, therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised if you find a little rust in your chimney masonry every now and then.
- Paint – It may range from small whisks to huge splatters. Paint stains are usually brought about by artistic or domestic accidents. It may happen to households with or without children and is one of the most common chimney masonry stains.
How can you remove these stains?
As each stain is classified differently based on its cause, there are also various methods and chemicals used to remove each type of stain. Boral.com has a short summary of ways to remove various stains. But to some people, handling chemicals is something with which they’re not really comfortable. Another option, therefore, is to contact a professional to help you out.
Gone are the days when you had to worry about your chimney masonry stains. The answer to all your stain problems is just a phone call or email away. So what are you waiting for?