Fast Facts About Creosote Buildup

A chimney is essential to homes, especially in this part of the country. It provides ventilation for your fireplace and keeps hazardous fumes from getting inside your home. However, wood-burning vents can become clogged with creosote, which can compromise chimney efficiency and become a leading source of home fires. The chimney masonry repair experts at Chimney Doctors share more insight.

What Is Creosote Buildup in Chimneys?

Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood that forms in the chimney as vaporized substances condense and attach to the walls, creating a thick layer of soot. It is composed of organic compounds such as resins or waxes from old, untreated timber that contain microscopic particles that stick around when it re-condenses when exposed to cooler temperatures in the flue liner. This buildup can pose severe risks if ignored.

Causes and Stages of Creosote Buildup

Most chimney relining professionals know that creosote buildup occurs as a result of burning certain unseasoned woods, using too much damp wood, and reaching low temperatures inside the chimney. The level of the buildup’s severity can be described as such: first-degree creosote forms after a few uses of your fireplace or stove, while second- and third-degrees form over months or years as moisture evaporates from the residue and leaves behind more hardened deposits.

Effects of Creosote Buildup

Creosote is more than just a messy deposit in your chimney. It has toxic fumes that, if inhaled, can be dangerous to humans and animals, irritating the throat and respiratory system. The toxicity is such that it can even cause cancer. Creosote buildup also increases the risk of fires because it catches sparks from your fireplace and hosts “fire hotspots” inside the flue liner.

How to Get Rid of and Prevent Creosote Buildup

Chimney inspections are among the best ways to prevent creosote buildup. At Chimney Doctors, our team of certified experts will check your chimney for any loose parts, cracks, or debris and ensure there’s no buildup of soot or creosote. Maintenance cleaning, chimney relining, or masonry repair may follow as soon as the inspection is finished.

Work With Professional Chimney Experts!

Creosote can be harmful to your household due to it being a fire hazard. So, it’s essential to have your chimney inspected by qualified professionals like Chimney Doctors in Clifton Park, NY. Expect our chimney sweep to safely remove the buildup so that you can enjoy the warmth of your fireplace with peace of mind. Call us today at (518) 882-5009, or message us here to schedule an estimate.