Chimney Creosote 101
Most people have heard of creosote, but not everybody understands exactly what it is, why it gets into chimneys and what it can do once it’s there. For chimney technicians and chimney sweeps all over the world, creosote is one of their ongoing enemies. Fortunately, properly trained technicians know how to beat this enemy. Hudson Valley Chimney of Poughkeepsie, NY, would like to share an overview of creosote that you might find helpful.
Creosote: the substance
Creosote can be a flaky, puffy, sticky or solid substance that’s created when wood smoke condenses in a chimney flue. Naturally occurring oils in firewood contribute to this formation. Burning dry, seasoned wood, which has a low moisture and oil content, will reduce the amount of creosote added to a chimney. Burning damp, unseasoned wood that’s full of moisture and oils will increase the creosote buildup.
Creosote in its light, early stages is easier to clean and remove than more advanced buildups. Later stages of creosote can present as a hard, almost glass-like coating. All stages of creosote should be removed only by trained and certified chimney sweep technicians.
Creosote: the dangers
Because of its oil base, creosote is flammable. It’s so flammable that it’s the biggest cause of chimney fires throughout New York and the rest of the country every year. Making matters worse, not all chimney fires get noticed by people in the home. Some fires start and then go out quickly. But even these fires can begin a cycle of damage to the chimney and the house. Major chimney fires get noticed by everyone, but by then it’s often too late.
A chimney fire can deteriorate parts of the chimney liner, which is designed to protect the interior masonry and home building materials from flames and smoke damage. Chimney liners also keep deadly carbon monoxide and other combustion gases from filtering into the living areas of a home.
An aggressive fire in a damaged chimney can set fire to walls, ceilings, flooring and parts of the attic. It can also completely destroy a chimney.
Chimney fire signs to watch for include:
- Large amounts of dense smoke exiting either end of the chimney
- Sparks and embers flying out the top of the chimney
- Clicking or tapping sounds within the flue
- The sound of rumbling, like from a distant train
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately and remove all people and pets from the home. Do not attempt to access or extinguish the chimney fire!
Creosote: the solutions
The way to significantly reduce the chance of a small or large chimney fire is through annual chimney sweeping by a qualified technician or chimney company. Your technician will use a variety of specialized scrubbers, brushes, rotating whips, solvents and vacuums to safely remove built-up creosote.
The way to create less creosote is to burn only dry wood and no other items in your fireplace. You also want to make sure there’s sufficient air for drafting so that fires burn efficiently and completely. The partial burning of wood causes more smoke and creosote to form.
Help for your chimney when you need it
Hudson Valley Chimney has been serving the Poughkeepsie area since 1976 with certified chimney sweeping, chimney inspections and all types of chimney repairs, rebuilding and upgrade work. When your chimney needs help, we have the right solutions.
Reach a chimney expert today at (845) 471-1071. You can also get in touch with our simple contact form.
