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by Mike O'Mara | Jan 10, 2017 | Seasoned Firewood
When it comes to building long-lasting fires, with good heat content, you won’t get anywhere without the right firewood. And not all firewood burns the same! Making the perfect fire for your specific needs can be tricky, but once the process is mastered, you will love how efficient your fires run time and time again.
Importance of Seasoned Wood
Before choosing your wood type, you will want to ensure the wood is seasoned. Some may claim that certain kinds burn great with or without proper seasoning, but this is definitely not the case. You will get the best results with wood that has been dried out for at least one year.
When searching for seasoned wood, there are a few key characteristics you can look out for. First, ensure that the pieces are cut to a short length and that the ends are split. These factors help the wood dry out at a quicker pace. Also, look for ends that are darker, and then lift the pieces to find which ones are lightest in weight. The heavier it is, the more water it’s holding! One way to test this is to bang two pieces together. If you hear a hollow, clunking noise, you should be good to go!
Types Of Wood
The best types of wood for fire-building can vary, based upon what type of burn you are looking to create. Check out this list for more information.
- Oak: A great part about oak is that there is plenty to go around. Once you get this wood going, it will leave you with a strong, hot burn for a long period of time. Join countless fireplace users today by using oak for your next burn! Just make sure it is well-seasoned (for a year or two) for the best possible results.
- Ash: Ash is another great wood for steady flames, while gaining some strong heat. It should also be well-seasoned, but this is not as crucial as it is for oak. When it comes to building great fires, ash definitely ranks high on anybody’s list.
- Beech: If you don’t have easy access to ash, beech burns similarly. Make sure it is well-seasoned before use, then light away for a long-lasting burn and an enjoyable evening!
- Thorn: Many wonder which woods produce the least amount of smoke. If you’re looking for a strong burn with little smoke output, thorn is the right choice for you. Say good-bye to smoky living rooms and enjoy your night to the fullest.
- Maple: Maple is a popular option because it is so common anywhere you live in the United States. This wood is great for building and maintaining strong fires, with a good amount of heat.
Turn to Weststar Chimney Sweep today for all of your chimney and fireplace needs. We are CSIA-certified and up to date on all of the regulations set in place for running a safe and efficient chimney. Contact us now! 619-338-8116
by Mike O'Mara | Dec 20, 2016 | Fireplaces
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.
Roast 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!
by Mike O'Mara | Dec 6, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
When Santa’s sleigh heads your way, you want to ensure that everything is ready to go for his arrival. While milk and cookies go a long way, he will need a clean chimney to go down, as well. The last thing he has time for on Christmas Eve is a pit stop at the dry cleaner’s. Keep Mr. Claus happy and soot-free this year by scheduling your annual inspection and cleaning with Weststar Chimney Sweeps today!
Clearing Blockages
Smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning are both major threats that can cause health issues and ruin your holidays in a hurry. Birds, squirrels, and other critters can leave behind twigs, leaves, and nesting materials in your chimney, all of which cause blockages and invite countless issues when you go to light your fire. Keep your home free from these fumes by having a professional check things out right away.
On top of scheduling your regular inspection, you will also want to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout the home. If you do not have these devices, purchase them now and have your chimney sweep set them up while they are there for the inspection. These detectors have saved many lives and can truly make all the difference in whether or not everyone gets out of a burning house safely.
Avoiding Fires
If you own a fireplace, it is important to take all of the necessary steps when it comes to fire safety. As mentioned previously, make sure all of your smoke detectors are installed and working efficiently. On top of this, have a plan set for where everyone needs to go, should a fire occur. Being as prepared as possible is vital when it comes to the safety of your home and family.
If you have enjoyed a fire throughout the evening, make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the home. You will also want to ensure your fireplace stays free from excess creosote and other harmful build-up. A couple of ways to do this is to burn wood that is well-seasoned, and to avoid throwing any paper or trash into your fireplace.
While all of these things will help keep your home free from fires, the most important step is to call in an expert to check things over and clean your chimney with the proper tools and chemicals. Creosote is highly flammable, so ensuring that it is adequately removed is important in creating a safe holiday season. Professionals know where to look and how to access even the toughest and hardest to reach areas. Call the professionals at Weststar Chimney Sweeps today, before getting any fires going.
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we take pride in being CSIA certified. We have been serving this area for 30 years and counting, and our customers can vouch for our professional attitude and high-quality services. Please choose us for all of your chimney and fireplace needs and schedule your inspection today!
by Mike O'Mara | Nov 28, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
As a homeowner, you have likely heard about the importance of regular chimney upkeep. Annual inspections and sweepings are a key component in maintaining chimney health and they ensure that everything will run efficiently year-round.
If you have yet to schedule your annual sweeping, then now is the ideal time to get it in! With winter in the near future, your fireplace will surely be running more frequently. Keep your home and family toasty on those snowy nights by calling in an expert to check things out today!
Removing Creosote
One way a sweep prepares your fireplace for regular use is by removing debris build-up and creosote. Clearing these substances out greatly reduces your risk of chimney fires, which put your chimney through a lot and cause them to break down more easily over time. Creosote is very flammable, so the more you have, the more dangerous your fireplace is to run. Offer yourself some peace of mind by scheduling your next chimney sweeping right away.
Clearing Out Blockages
Experts know the ins and outs of any chimney, so if there are any blockages they will be sure to find them. Getting these taken care of before lighting your next fire is vital for keeping your home and family safe. Without the ability to properly vent, your chimney will send smoke and other harmful toxins back into your home. Inhaling fumes, such as carbon monoxide, smoke, and more, can be extremely detrimental to one’s health. Keep your family out of harm’s way by calling in an expert now.
Addressing Needed Repairs
Any leaks, cracks, holes, or other needed repairs should be fixed before you start building fires. When your chimney is damaged it will not run as efficiently and it could put your home and family in harm’s way. Now is the time to address any issues, as the weather remains warm. Once temperatures drop, the materials used to fix your chimney will not cure properly, leaving you with a broken fireplace until spring reappears.
We Can Help
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we take chimney health very seriously. Our staff is trained and certified by the CSIA and we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date and educated on the latest fireplace news. Customer satisfaction is our top priority which is why homeowners return to us time and time again.
If you need your chimney swept before cold weather strikes and the holidays kick off, then give us a call today and let us help you out. We work carefully and thoroughly, so that you can rest easy knowing every inch of your chimney has been addressed. We want your home to remain as safe as possible, which is why our technicians strive for perfection with every job they take on.
For more information or to schedule your appointment, give us a call or check us out online. We look forward to making your home the best it can be. Thanks for choosing us!
by Mike O'Mara | Nov 8, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
Chimney maintenance can be a tedious task. Between cleanings, hauling fuel around, and worrying about repairs, your fireplace can wind up taking a lot of your time and money. Most people feel the extra effort is well worth it when they are seated around a warm flame with their friends and family. Yet, many still find themselves wondering if certain jobs are really necessary.
Hiring an expert for a regular check-up is one area where skimping is not an option. Whether you burn wood, gas, oil, or something else, a yearly inspection is always something to put on your Fall to-do list.
There are countless factors that could cause a chimney to malfunction, all of which put your home and family at an increased risk. By calling in a CSIA-certified professional, you can rest easy during this upcoming holiday season knowing your fireplace is safe and ready for regular use.
Avoiding Dangerous Toxins
One thing inspections help prevent is the risk of smoke and other hazardous gases entering the home. If debris and excess residue builds up, it makes it difficult for the fireplace to vent properly. With nowhere else to go, these fumes will work their way back through the chimney and into your living room. Not only does this cause nasty odors and potential damage to furniture, it could put your family’s health at risk, as well.
Preventing Potential Fires
The potential for house fires increases as your chimney gets dirtier. If your chimney is in need of repair, you should definitely wait to light any fires until a chimney sweep gives you the okay. A professional knows where to look and how to address any possible issues. They can also offer guidance as far as preventing damage from occurring down the line.
A build-up of creosote and other debris is another common cause of fires. Creosote is highly flammable, so you do not want to put your fireplace to use if you know a cleaning is in order. Also, bird’s nest, leaves, twigs, and countless other items accumulate quickly when your chimney is not being used as frequently. Getting someone in to clean that stuff out will allow you the ability to relax and enjoy your fireplace to the fullest.
Turn To Us
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we know that a fireplace can become the focal point of anyone’s home. It is the favored spot during family get-togethers, and a night in with loved ones is made perfect when you set the scene with a crackling fire.
Don’t let a dirty chimney ruin your upcoming holiday season. The experts at Weststar Chimney Sweeps are all CSIA trained and certified, so you know your fireplace is in the best hands possible when you depend on us. Give us a call today to schedule your annual inspection.
