Homeowners with a chimney should be familiar with creosote. If you remain ignorant, it can greatly affect your health, safety, and savings.
When you own a home, there are certain responsibilities you take on. Some of them are cosmetic and others address the very integrity of the structure. Your chimney is one of those easily overlooked appliance, but it needs maintenance like any other. One thing a certified chimney sweep will inspect is your level of creosote.
We’ve gathered a short list of answers to a few common questions about creosote.
What is creosote?
Creosote is a variety of products derived from an array of mixtures and chemicals. Industrially, creosote may be used as a wood preservative and are usually used to treat railroad ties. But creosote can also be produced when there is burning of wood and moisture. It often accumulates, therefore, in the areas of the chimney that are prone to moisture.
Is creosote dangerous?
There are several stakes of creosote buildup. First, the soot form is what we normally see in our chimneys. The creosote only barely sticks to the flue walls and can be easily removed when brushing. The second form is when the creosote accumulates to form hard deposits. This becomes a little more difficult to remove and, when left unattended, it would promote further creosote buildup. The last form, and undeniably the most dangerous, is the glazed form. It’s when there is already severe creosote buildup. This is the form that is highly volatile and therefore more prone to starting house fires.
How can you remedy this issue?
Obviously, the best strategy here is prevention and constant monitoring. You should schedule regular inspections and cleaning from your trusted chimney experts to prevent creosote accumulation. You should also know what the best burning practices are and what is required to have a clean burn.
Everything you need to keep your home safe and creosote-free is only a phone call away. So what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!