We went straight to the experts to tell us why chimney sweeping is so important!

What Is Creosote? Is It Dangerous?

Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. It forms as the smoke and vapors from your fire move up the chimney, then cool and condense at the top of it. The end result is a brown or black substance that clings to your chimney’s interior walls. This invites a few different problems.

  1. Creosote deposits can trigger chimney fires. If you have too much creosote in your flue, it can ignite and cause a chimney fire. It’s highly flammable, especially if it’s given the opportunity to accumulate and harden – which is why clearing it on a regular basis is imperative to the health of your system.
  2. Creosote can clog your flue. Buildup of any kind in your flue will inhibit airflow, which both decreases efficiency and increases the likelihood of smoke and carbon monoxide entering your living space. As your wall of creosote thickens, it will create more and more problems for draft and airflow – the sooner it’s cleared out, the better.
  3. Creosote can break down your system. Creosote is naturally corrosive, and it can cause damage to your chimney liner, chimney components, and more. As these break down, using your fireplace becomes more risky – and eventually you could invite toxic gases or fire hazards into your home.

Long story short – while you can’t avoid creosote altogether, ensuring it’s regularly cleared out by a certified professional is a must.

 

Thank you for that great explanation Big Ash Fireplace & Stove!!

Schedule your chimney sweep appointment with Big Ash now!

BIG ASH FIREPLACE & STOVES CONTACT INFORMATION: 
bigashstoves.com 
3570 Fancher Road
Holley, NY 14470
Telephone: 585-638-0300