Dangers Of Creosote Buildup In The Summer

Ugh! That smell! Summer is a beautiful time of year in the Hudson Valley, NY region, but a pungent odor emanating from your chimney can be unpleasant. However, this unwelcome aroma is actually a sign of trouble brewing in your flue—creosote buildup.

Fireplaces and wood stoves are like warm companions during the long, cold winters in upstate New York. But if your chimney cleaning routine only involves a fall sweep, summer can expose the hidden dangers of creosote:

Summer Draft

During the summer, open windows bring in fresh air, which will also cause a draft to flow through the chimney, releasing trapped odors. Creosote, a byproduct of burning wood, has a strong and unpleasant smell. The odor is released into your home as oxygen circulates through the flue.

Fire Dangers

Creosote isn’t just smelly; it’s highly flammable. The longer it accumulates, the greater the fire risk. Even with the fireplace inactive during summer, a stray spark from a lightning strike can ignite creosote deposits, leading to a dangerous chimney fire.

Respiratory Problems

Creosote exposure can also be harmful to your health. Inhaling creosote particles and the byproducts of burning wood can irritate the respiratory system. It can be particularly troublesome for those with asthma or bronchitis, potentially causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms.

Spontaneous Combustion

Summer heat can pose another threat. Chimneys can get surprisingly hot during sweltering days, especially compared to cooler months. This heat, combined with creosote buildup and debris like twigs, creates a recipe for spontaneous combustion. Remember in summer camp when you were taught to create a spark by rubbing two sticks together? That’s what happens when hot air meets flammable creosote in a confined space. It starts as puffs of white smoke that can quickly escalate into a full-blown chimney fire.

Preventing Summer Chimney Dangers

Here’s your summer checklist for preventing a smelly and potentially dangerous chimney:

• Schedule a Chimney Sweep: Schedule a professional sweep to inspect and clean your chimney. The trained technician removes creosote and debris using specialized tools and equipment, minimizing odors and fire risk. This thorough cleaning also ensures your chimney is in good condition for the next heating season.
• Close the Damper: Close the damper when you’re not using the fireplace in the summer to keep out moisture, animals, and debris.
  Cap it for peace of mind: A chimney cap will prevent moisture, leaves, animals, and other debris from entering the flue. This will provide additional protection for your chimney during the summer months.
• Make Timely Repairs: During a routine cleaning visit, a certified chimney sweep will inspect the chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances for damage or excessive wear. This includes checking for cracks, leaks, and other issues that could compromise the safety and efficiency of your chimney.

If any repairs or replacements are needed, the sweep will recommend them and can often perform them on the spot, ensuring that your chimney is in top condition.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your chimney and fireplace are odor-free and, more importantly, aren’t a fire or health hazard. With a clean flue, you will breathe easier with improved indoor air quality.

Call Us To Schedule Your Summer Sweep

Remember, a clean chimney is a safe chimney. So, don’t let creosote turn your fun summer into a fire hazard. Schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning today. Call us at 845-471-1071 in Catskill, Hudson, Millbrook, New Paltz, Woodstock, or the greater Hudson Valley areas, or complete our simple contact form.