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by Mike O'Mara | Oct 28, 2016 | fire safety
Most homeowners are aware of the various safety measures they should take around their home. Whether it is regularly checking the smoke detectors, cleaning out the gutters, keeping furniture dust-free, or any of the countless chores that make a household run efficiently, it seems that there is always work to be done and appliances to fix up.
One that is not thought about as frequently is the dryer. It seems like a harmless enough device, but the truth is that dryer vents are the cause of nearly 3000 home fires annually. This statistic increases throughout the fall and winter months meaning that now is the time to get any dryer issues addressed! Learn more about how to safely maintain your dryer below.
Check For Lint
When it comes to lint build-up, the lint trap is not the only place you should be checking. Check underneath the lint trap and always scan the inside of the dryer to ascertain that nothing is piling up. Ensuring that lint is cleaned out of every nook and cranny could make all the difference when it comes to keeping your appliance safe for regular use.
Hire A Professional
When it comes to installation, hiring out is the best option for ensuring your machine runs efficiently. Improper installation can cause issues and make the dryer unsafe for regular use. An expert will know what steps to take and how to properly connect the various parts and venting systems.
You will also want to hire out when it comes to regular cleanings. Many do not see the necessity in having your dryer vents professionally cleaned throughout the year, but this is a vital step in home care! Regular cleanings and inspections will offer you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe, and will ensure that your clothes are being dried on the first drying cycle.
Dry Safely!
There are lots of things you can do (or avoid doing) that will help your dryer run more efficiently. Be sure to only run the machine when you are at home and awake so that you will be alert to anything that may be malfunctioning. When drying items, make certain they are safe to use in a dryer. Any type of rubber, plastic, or foam is not suitable for dryer use and should be air-dried. Reading labels will help immensely in knowing what is safe to dry and what is not.
If your lint trap is at all damaged or loose, then refrain from using the dryer until it can be replaced. Also, avoid putting too much laundry in the dryer at one time, as this may cause it to overheat. When in doubt, always play it safe and avoid any potentially risky scenarios.
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps we know the importance of a well-maintained dryer. We pride ourselves on providing expert dryer vent cleaning services and will be happy to help you keep your household as safe as possible. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
by Mike O'Mara | Oct 12, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
Homeowners with a fireplace know the importance of maintaining a clean and structurally sound chimney. Not only does regular upkeep keep your chimney looking great, but it allows it to function as efficiently as possible, giving you and your family the enjoyment they deserve.
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we value the importance of keeping your chimney clean, safe, and looking great, which is why we are proud to be a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild!
What is the NCSG?
The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is set in place to ensure that chimney sweeps everywhere are providing the best services possible. By providing positive resources to businesses everywhere, it promotes growth and safe practices for anyone in this trade.
This organization also guides homeowners by promoting the importance of regular chimney care and maintenance. You will save yourself enormous amounts of time, money, and stress if you continue to schedule regular cleanings and inspections throughout the life of your chimney. Many would rather wait until something goes wrong to call in an expert, but this is not the safe or easy approach to take.
What They Do
As mentioned above, this organization stands for safe and fair practices when it comes to fireplace maintenance. But what do they do to instill these things?
The NCSG provides support for chimney sweeps by offering technical advice, discounts on products, and networking opportunities to bring people together who share a common passion. The resources provided by this group work to advance businesses and their staff by polishing their skills and providing educational materials in which to benefit.
This group also provides discounts on training and various learning opportunities, so anyone who is a member will have easy access to the wide array of chimney and fireplace knowledge out there. When it comes to one’s home appliances, there is a lot of information to learn as far as maintenance and installation. With codes and procedures changing every year, we know the value of staying up-to-date on everything.
As you can see, the NCSG is very involved and dedicated to what they stand for, and the work they do is celebrated by sweeps and businesses throughout the nation!
Turn To Us Today!
Because we value our customers, Weststar Chimney Sweeps is a proud member of this organization and we plan to utilize the tools they provide to their fullest potential. This, along with our countless other certifications and memberships, enables us to be the best that we can be, which is why people continuously turn to us for all of their chimney and fireplace needs.
Scheduling your appointment with us is easy! Contact us online or give us a call today, and see what we can do to get your chimney looking great and working as efficiently as possible. We look forward to working with you!
by Mike O'Mara | Sep 27, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
When it comes to your chimney and fireplace, knowing the ins and outs of it all can be tiresome. While memorizing every detail about fireplace maintenance isn’t necessary, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge of fireplace terms. Read on to learn more about creosote deglazing and how excess creosote can cause issues for your chimney.
Creosote Awareness
Debris and excess build-up is never good, and creosote is one of the more harmful substances your chimney regularly faces. It varies in shape and texture, but is always something you want to avoid. Not only does it harm your brickwork and lining, but it is known for being highly flammable, as well. This means an increased risk of chimney fires, which could put your family in danger and cause lasting damage to your home.
While avoiding creosote altogether is impossible, there are ways to slow down the rate at which it accumulates. By burning properly seasoned wood, maintaining good air flow throughout the chimney, and keeping your fires extra hot, you will produce cleaner fires, thus lowering the amount of toxins and debris escaping into your chimney.
Level 3 (Glazed) Creosote
Many homeowners are aware of what creosote is, but do not know about the various levels at which it can form in a chimney. Level 3 creosote means that it has accumulated a lot and there is a thick layer lining your brickwork. It is typically dark and gummy and can be very difficult to remove without the proper tools and chemicals.
Deglazing is a term that represents the removal of this nasty substance. The process for removing glazed creosote is a lot more extensive than your basic cleaning or sweeping jobs. Hiring a staff that knows what they are doing and are educated on how to tackle this big task is vital for ensuring the safety of your home and fireplace. Lucky for you, the experts at Weststar Chimney Sweeps know everything there is to know when it comes to creosote removal.
Stick With The Pros
While many feel that they can take on chimney sweeping and cleanings themselves, it is really a job you should entrust to an expert. Leaves, nests, twigs, and other materials can accumulate quickly and knowing where to find them can be tricky. If any steps get overlooked or if any debris gets missed, you could wind up facing some serious issues when you go to light a fire.
If you are worried about the amount of creosote in your chimney, do not hesitate to give us a call today. We pride ourselves on top of the line products and unbeatable customer satisfaction. We cannot wait to get your home and fireplace looking great!
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!
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 29, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
Protecting your chimney from water penetration is key, and you should make sure that your preventive measures, like your chimney cap and your chimney crown, are in good condition. When you have cracks in your chimney crown, water can get into your chimney, which can lead to extensive damage that will make your chimney unsafe to use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. Repairing cracks in your chimney crown is important to keep your chimney working efficiently and safely. Weststar Chimney Sweeps provides chimney crown repair services if your crown has been cracked. We would like to tell you more about this essential repair service.
How does my chimney crown become cracked?
Since your chimney crown is located on top of your chimney, it is constantly exposed to the elements of weather. Constructed from mortar, the crown can suffer from erosion damage over time, which leads to cracks. Neglecting these cracks worsens the damage and allows the cracks to get even bigger. Water can easily get into your chimney through these cracks, which leads to more damage to your chimney and home. This is why it is so important to have your chimney crown repaired as soon as possible.
How can Weststar Chimney Sweeps repair my chimney crown?
Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians begin with an inspection of your chimney crown to assess the damage. If we find hairline cracks, we can fill these in with mortar and then apply a coat of CrownCoat sealant that will provide a watertight seal. This will restore the integrity of your crown and protect it from future water penetration damage. If we find more extensive damage to your chimney crown, your crown most likely will need to be replaced. We can construct a new crown for your chimney to protect it from water leaks. You can trust us to build you a new crown that will keep your chimney from suffering from extensive water penetration damage.
If your chimney crown has been cracked, don’t procrastinate having it repaired. Contact us at Weststar Chimney Sweeps to schedule an appointment with our expert chimney technicians today.
