If you’ve had a chimney sweeping completed before, then you likely have heard the term creosote…but that doesn’t mean you know what it is exactly. Or maybe you know a few basics – it builds up in chimneys, it needs to be removed, it can be dangerous… What are the why’s and how’s behind all that, though? How does it build up? How can it be dangerous? Why does it need to be removed?
Fortunately, we have all the facts…and if you have any further questions, feel free to call! When it comes to chimney sweep and fireplace services, Legendary Chimney is the preferred choice in Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Orlando, and throughout Eastern Central Florida. Call or book online with us today.
Chimney Creosote Defined
Ok, so quick take: Creosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood, and when it’s allowed to build up inside the chimney, it can easily cause a chimney fire. Produced in a handful of different stages, creosote’s appearance can range from a thin and flaky brown or black substance similar to one that is glazed, black, and thick (like tar).
But what is it, exactly? And where does it come from?
During combustion – whether it’s in your fireplace or a candle on your desk – the chemical reaction at play creates smoke, fumes, and other harmful (and often quite irritating) byproducts.
Let’s think about the candle, specifically. Depending on your candle care and lighting habits, at one point or another, you’ll usually see a dark and cloudy soot-like substance accumulate around the inner walls of the candle’s jar – and sometimes, if you don’t regularly trim your wick, you can see the black tinges at the edge of the lapping flames.
A bit harder to see and a lot more complicated and dangerous, the same general principle is the same when it comes to your chimney. When you light a fire, the naturally produced exhaust contains gases and other vapors that collect and condense on the inner walls of your chimney flue. This is creosote.
The various stages are somewhat of a dance between how long it’s been since the system was last cleaned, the state of the wood that is burned, and how often you host fires. But the important thing to know is that no matter if you’re dealing with the flaky ash of stage one (the easiest to remove) or if it’s begun to take on the glazed and shiny appearance of stage three, all are highly flammable and thus incredibly dangerous – in any amount. In fact, creosote buildup is a leading cause of chimney fires here in the U.S.
Are There Ways To Prevent Creosote Buildup?
While there is, unfortunately, no way to completely prevent creosote from forming or building up to super dangerous levels, there are few measures you can take to lessen the creosote formation – and thus lessen its overall impact:
- Only burn firewood that has been properly seasoned – for at least six months. That way you know the moisture content is as low as possible and you don’t have to worry about the excessive smoke production associated with burning damp wood.
- Only burn firewood. Period. Just because the fire is there does not mean it is a smart idea to rid yourself of any paper or plastic products – or treated wood, for that matter. Other materials will not only burn differently and greatly impact your fireside experience, but can wreak havoc on your flue system, as well.
- Ensure your fires are as hot and clean-burning as possible. It may seem silly or unnecessary, but there actually is an art to building a beautiful and proper wood-burning fire. A lot of it has to do with the nature of your firewood and if it’s been stored and seasoned appropriately, but it’s also important to arrange and stack your tinder accordingly.
However, the most important (and effective) way to ensure you and your family remain safe and sound when you’re enjoying your fireplace is to have it professionally inspected and cleaned/swept. And if you’re a homeowner in the Eastern Central Florida area, there is simply no better company for the job than Legendary Chimney Solutions.
Give us a call or reach out online to learn more and book a chimney cleaning with us.
Let Our Certified, No-Mess Team Tackle Your Chimney Cleaning – Call Today
Think it might be time for a chimney sweeping? Don’t worry, the job’s nothing like what you see in the movie Mary Poppins – at least not when you hire our experts. We take great care to keep ourselves and your home clean throughout the entire process – and we almost never tap dance on roofs.
To schedule your next chimney inspection or cleaning, call or reach out to us on our website. We’re here to help!
Recent Comments