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Our Company Blog
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 9, 2015 | Uncategorized
You most likely already know that our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps at Weststar Chimney Sweeps can thoroughly clean the inside of your chimney by removing all of the accumulated creosote deposits to make it safe to use without being a risky fire hazard. However, did you know that we can also clean your fireplace by removing any unsightly smoke stains from its bricks and mortar? Smoke stains can be incredibly difficult to remove from masonry materials, but you can count on Weststar Chimney Sweeps to completely remove these unattractive spots to make your fireplace look brand new again. We would like to tell you more about our smoke stain removal services.
Why are there smoke stains on my chimney?
According to Chimneys.com, smoke stains can appear around the opening of a fireplace because of improper usage or from a smoking problem. Weststar Chimney Sweeps can help you with both of these issues. Our chimney sweeps can read your operating manual with you to explain to you exactly how you should be using your fireplace. We can also investigate any smoking problems your fireplace may be having and address this issue to keep smoke from making any more unsightly stains.
Why is it so difficult to remove smoke stains from bricks and mortar?
Masonry materials are porous and absorb stains, which can make the stains close to impossible to remove. If you attempt to get rid of these stains yourself by power washing, you can severely damage the mortar, especially if you have an older or historic chimney. For these reasons, it is best to leave this difficult task to a professional chimney company like Weststar Chimney Sweeps.
How does Weststar Chimney Sweeps remove smoke stains from my fireplace?
Using specially formulated detergents and solvents, Weststar Chimney Sweeps can dissolve and remove stubborn smoke stains without damaging or discoloring the masonry materials. These solvents contain alkali detergents and trichloroethylene, which serve as reactors to the deposits that cause these smoke stains to help break the deposits down to be removed. Our chimney sweeps have both training and experience in using these chemical cleaners, so you can trust us to do this job safely. We will inspect your stains first to determine how long the cleaning process will take. For truly stubborn smoke stains, we can apply a cleaning poultice that must set for 48 hours before removing.
Want to get rid of the unsightly smoke stains from your fireplace? Contact Weststar Chimney Sweeps to schedule a visit for our chimney sweeps to inspect and remove these stains.
by Mike O'Mara | Jul 10, 2015 | Chimney Maintenance
A leaking chimney can be the cause of a lot of headaches and damage. It’s best to take every measure to prevent your chimney from leaking in the first place. Below are the common causes of chimney leaks. We are experts when it comes to your chimney and can take measures to waterproof your chimney. Give Weststar Chimney Sweeps a call today!
by Mike O'Mara | Jun 24, 2015 | Chimney Inspections
Our staff at Weststar Chimney Sweeps has told you about the importance of having your chimney professionally inspected once a year to ensure your fireplace and chimney system functions properly and safely. Most likely, your annual chimney inspection will be a Level 1 inspection, which is the most basic level of the three levels of chimney inspections. However, when you are selling your home, you should request a Level 2 inspection when making your appointment. You will be able to provide prospective buyers more detailed information about the fireplace and chimney system, which can assure these buyers that everything is working correctly. Our chimney sweeps have all been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and were trained on the three different levels of inspections that were established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in its code NFPA 211, the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances. We can help you prepare to sell your home by providing you with the highest level of professional chimney inspection needed.
What are the differences between a Level 1 and a Level 2 chimney inspection?
When the CSIA-certified chimney technicians from Weststar Chimney Sweeps arrive at your home to perform a basic Level 1 chimney inspection, they will check out every accessible part of your chimney system, including the firebox, the flue, the chimney cap, and the chimney crown. Our chimney sweeps will be looking for problems, such as cracks and gaps, blockages, creosote accumulations, and rusted parts, that could cause your fireplace and chimney system to be unsafe or inefficient. All of this is included in a Level 2 sales transaction chimney inspection, along with an inspection of the chimney in the attic, basement, and crawl space. Proper clearances from combustible materials will also be addressed by our chimney sweeps in a Level 2 chimney inspection.
When would I need a Level 3 chimney inspection?
If our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps discover a potential hazard that needs a closer examination, we will then recommend a Level 3 chimney inspection. In this level, our sweeps will take a more in-depth look at the less accessible areas of your chimney, and this may require the removal of doors, drywall, and even parts of the chimney itself and the use of specialized tools and equipment. While it may seem destructive to have a Level 3 chimney inspection, remember that safety is the top priority. No one wants to buy a home with an unsafe fireplace and chimney system, so in order to solve safety issues and hazards, a Level 3 chimney inspection may be needed. If you’ve ever had a chimney fire before, a level 3 chimney inspection will also be required to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire.
If you are considering selling your home, call our Weststar Chimney Sweeps office at 619-338-8116 to schedule an appointment for a Level 2 chimney inspection.
by Mike O'Mara | Jun 4, 2015 | Uncategorized
We offer the lowest discount of the year at the San Diego County Fair!
Once again, Weststar Chimney Sweeps will be hosting a booth at the San Diego County Fair. Residents of San Diego look forward to this fair every year as it kicks off the summer with fun events and attractions for the whole family. Opening on Friday, June 5th, the fair will run until July 5th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. When you stop by our booth to make an appointment for our chimney, fireplace, and dryer vent services, you can take advantage of our special fair discounts! These special fair prices are the lowest of the year so don’t miss out! We would like to tell you a bit more about what you can expect from this year’s San Diego County Fair.
“It All Started at a Fair”
The 2015 theme of the San Diego County Fair celebrates the traditions of World’s Fairs, expositions that have been going on since 1851. The theme exhibit features information about structures that were built for a World’s Fair, fair food, inventions that debuted at World’s Fairs, and the Panama-California Exposition, which took place exactly 100 years ago at historic Balboa Park.
New Attractions
As San Diego is becoming the center for commercially crafted distilled spirits, the San Diego County Fair is proud to start a new tradition, Distilled: San Diego Spirit and Cocktail Competition and Festival. You can enjoy samples of award-winning distilled spirits and cocktails and watch bartender competitions as well. To celebrate Hispanic culture, the San Diego County Fair is adding the Fiesta Village to our Family Funville area. You will find entertainment for the whole family, hand-crafted goods for sale, and food stands offering the best Hispanic cuisine in the area. The fair will also celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander cultures with the new Asian Festival, which features music, dance, and martial arts competitions. If you are looking for the best in local San Diego cuisine, you will not want to miss the Farm to Table Dinner, which pairs foods from local farms with the best of local beer and wine.
Family Funville
For San Diego families with young children, the Family Funville area of the San Diego County Fair offers rides, exhibits, and other attractions geared towards kids. Your children can participate in games and contests, like sack races, horseshoe tosses, and even a watermelon seed spitting contest. Do your children like music? If so, you will want them to experience the Funville and Fiesta stages which will be filled with songs and dance performances from various local community groups.
For more information about the San Diego County Fair, contact Weststar Chimney Sweeps. We will be happy to tell you more about our booth and our special fair pricing deals!
by Mike O'Mara | May 13, 2015 | Chimney Maintenance
While Weststar Chimney Sweeps is well known for doing chimney business throughout San Diego since 1999, we also serve other areas, including Chula Vista, the second largest city in San Diego County. We are proud to offer a number of our fireplace and chimney services to the residents of Chula Vista, and we would like to tell you a bit more about which services we do provide to this area.
Visual Chimney Inspections
Recommended annually by the National Fire Protection Association and other national fire safety organization, a chimney inspection is one of the best ways you can prevent a devastating chimney fire. Our certified inspectors will look for flue blockages, large deposits of creosote, and any other damage that could make your chimney unsafe to use.
Professional Chimney Sweeping
Also recommended to do once a year by national fire safety organizations, a professional chimney sweeping by our certified sweeps ensures your chimney is properly cleaned to keep your system in its best working order.
Chimney Repairs
Our certified masons can help you with repairing chimney crowns, resurfacing and repairing damaged flue liners, taking care of chimney leaks, repairing damaged flashing, and waterproofing your chimney to prevent water penetration.
Bird Removal
Our professionals can safely remove bird nests to keep your chimney free from hazardous blockages. We can also prevent the birds from returning to live in your chimney in the future.
Chimney Installations
Weststar Chimney Sweeps provides installation services for a wide variety of chimney products, including chimney caps, crown coats, hearth screen replacement, and heat reflectors.
Smoke Stain Removal
Using detergents and solvents designed to remove and dissolve stubborn smoke stains without abrading or discoloring the masonry work, our technicians can safely remove any unsightly smoke stains for you. We also use the Paint N Peel Masonry Stain Remover to clean your fireplace.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
The best way to prevent a clothes dryer fire, a professional dryer vent cleaning by our certified technicians will also save you money on your utility bills.
If you live in Chula Vista, contact Weststar Chimney Sweeps to schedule an appointment with us for any of these services you may need.
