How do you know if you have creosote build up?

What does creosote buildup look like?

Unexplained poorly burning fires, a reduced draft or black deposits around your fireplace can all be signs of creosote buildup. To check for creosote buildup look for black soot or tar deposits around the opening of your fireplace, as well as around the throat of the chimney.

How do you test a chimney for creosote?

Use your fireplace poker.

Scratch the smoke chamber above your damper to see if there is any creosote. Even if the layer of tar seems very thin, it's time to call a chimney sweep ASAP. If you have more than 1/8 of an inch of buildup, do not use the chimney until it is clean.

What removes creosote?

Try using lard, WD-40, butter, chicken fat or olive oil on a rag. The oils combine with the creosote allowing it to lift off the fabric with a clean rag. Wipe the oil in one direction with a lifting motion so as not to smear it into a larger area. Wipe it in the direction of the threads when possible.

What dissolves creosote?

Vinegar is a natural acid that will break down the creosote over time. All you have to do is pour vinegar onto the creosote and then wait for it to dissolve. If you want to take a more natural approach, try dissolving the creosote using salt water instead of vinegar or chemical cleaners.

Training Video #12 - Creosote Build up

Will a hot fire get rid of creosote?

One method to loosen crusty or tarry creosote so it flakes off and falls down into the firebox or fireplace is to burn aluminum cans in a very hot fire. While this method works, it does not clean the chimney of creosote completely, and chimney brush cleaning is still necessary.

Where does most creosote build up?

It is produced by combustion gases that are given off from burning wood. When the temperature in your flue is below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, these gases condense in your chimney and buildup along the lining of the flue. Since flue temperatures often dip below 250 degrees, creosote regularly builds up.

How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

Do it yourself creosote remover?

A good creosote remover to use at least a few times a year is a mix of 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap and 4 cups of hot water. Wash down the stone, glass or metal and buff to a high shine. Repeat the process with this gentle creosote cleaner until the facade is free from creosote.

What does Stage 3 creosote look like?

Stage 3: Thick Coating

The final stage of creosote buildup looks like a thick coating of tar in the chimney. It can even look like it's dripping down the sides of the chimney. This is because as it heats up, the creosote can actually melt into a wax-like state.

Do creosote sweeping logs really work?

Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is no, they don't work.

What wood creates the most creosote?

In general, hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech are more difficult to ignite, but they last a long time. Softwoods like fir, pine and cedar make more smoke, and therefore more creosote.

How often should a chimney be cleaned?

Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.

What happens if you don't clean out your chimney?

When your chimney is not cleaned for a long time, a substance called creosote keeps building up in the flue during the use of the fireplace. This creosote is highly flammable and can lead to a dangerous chimney fire (an uncontrolled 2000 degree fire burning inside the chimney).

Do Duraflame logs cause creosote buildup?

Independent tests show that duraflame^® firelogs do not produce the hardened flammable tar deposits known as creosote, commonly produced from burning high moisture content wood fires. And the soot left in the chimney after burning firelogs has almost no BTU value so it can't be reignited to cause a chimney fire.

Does wet wood cause creosote?

Burning wet wood can cause increased creosote production because of incomplete combustion of the firewood. As the moisture level of firewood increases the amount of creosote being produced by the fire can also increase.

Should I worry about creosote?

Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that forms inside your chimney when smoke doesn't entirely escape. As it builds up, creosote can cause chimney fires, which can then lead to house fires. Luckily, a professional chimney sweep can help resolve the issue.

At what temp does creosote build up?

Understanding the Bomb: Creosote Build-Up and Ignition

With repeated heating and high moisture content, the ignition temperature of creosote is generally considered to be 451 degrees, the same as paper (also why the book is called Fahrenheit 451).

Will burning rock salt to clean chimney?

Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is a simple chemical that is easy to find. Put a little salt in the fire while it is burning. The salt combines with the water in the burning wood to create a weak acid that travels up the chimney and dissolves small amounts of creosote.

Why does my chimney keep getting clogged?

If you're still having problems, a clogged vent may be the culprit. Aside from a creosote buildup, your chimney or stove pipe may be obstructed by outside debris. This is a common problem when a chimney doesn't have a chimney cap.

How often should you burn a creosote log?

For the best results, you should use one log for every 60 fires. If you're not sure how frequently you use your chimney, keep track of every fire. You might hit 60 fires in two months, or it could take longer.