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.

How often should you use a creosote log in your fireplace?

You can use a Creosote Log every time you have a fire in your fireplace to help remove the build-up and keep it from getting too thick over time. If you only need to use it once or twice a year, then we recommend using one each month as long as you regularly stay on top of cleaning out your chimney.

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.

When should I burn a creosote log?

Any time you use the chimney, creosote can build up. While it can be hard to tell, you should use a creosote sweeping log when the creosote layer is 1/8 of an inch thick. That way, you can keep it from getting too thick and progressing to a later stage.

How long does a creosote log last?

1. The Creosote Sweeping Log burns for approximately 90 minutes. Making a wood fire prior to using CSL will heat the tar on your chimney wall, while it improves your draft.

Creosote Sweeping Log, does it work?

Will a hot fire remove 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.

How do I prevent creosote buildup in my chimney?

How often should chimneys be swept?

HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period.

How often should you clean your chimney?

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.

Do potato peels clean chimneys?

Potato peels and acorns help prevent creosote buildup in your chimney. Save your potato skins and collect acorns in the autumn. Just a handful thrown on top of a burning fire can help keep your chimney in good shape.

How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

Does burning aluminum cans help with creosote?

Heating the cans causes an increase in heat in a chimney which can help prevent creosote from building up on a clean chimney. However, aluminum oxides are very stable and do not react to high temperature. This means that there will not be much of an impact on built-up creosote.

What will dissolve 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.

Will a chimney fire burn itself out?

It is not safe to assume that a chimney fire will burn itself out. Though it is possible that it will eventually burn off and end, it is much better to call 9-1-1 if you have a chimney fire. A chimney fire can potentially spread to other parts of your home and risk the lives of the people inside.

Do you need to clean your chimney if you don't use your fireplace?

Even if you no longer fire-up your fireplace, you still need to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Think of it like an annual physical for your house. Since your chimney and flue help your house “breathe,” you'll want to make sure they're in peak physical condition.

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.

Where does creosote build up the most?

Creosote buildup increases when the air supply is restricted in the chimney, unseasoned wood is used to make a fire, and when the chimney temperature is cooler than normal. Too much creosote buildup can cause chimney fires and these low burning fires can go undetected until they spread.

How do you test for creosote build up?

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 happens if you don't get your chimney swept?

If you don't clean your chimney regularly, soot will accumulate around the flue causing an inability to draw smoke upwards. The smoke will then be directed to your room leaving black soot on the walls, furniture, and carpeting. It causes permanent staining around the chimney in some cases.

How many cords of wood do you need to clean a chimney?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be swept once they have ⅛” of sooty buildup or sooner if there is glaze in the system. Another theory is to clean your chimney after every two cords of wood. We at Valley Chimney like to recommend annually.

What should I put on my chimney breast?

Feature wall

Consider decorating your non-active chimney breast by installing a mantelpiece (if you don't already have one), putting flowers, logs, ornaments, books, bunting or even artwork in the hearth.

What does Stage 1 creosote look like?

Stages of Creosote

The first stage looks and feels like dust, ash, or coffee-ground like consistency. It's the easiest out of all the three stages to remove from the chimney. In stage two it looks like burnt cornflakes, a very crunch substance. The final stage is stage three which is candle wax, tar-like substance.

Where do most chimney fires start?

Chimney liners or structural problems can allow high temperatures, sparks and embers to escape to combustible areas in walls, roofs or attics. A common cause of chimney fires is creosote inside the chimney catching fire and burning inside the chimney.

Are Duraflame logs bad for your chimney?

Since duraflame^® firelogs are made with dry wood sawdust, only a fine soot is left in the chimney. In fact, tests show that a duraflame^® firelog has 66% less creosote accumulation per hour of fire than the creosote accumulation from burning a wood fire.