It can be difficult to recognize an issue with your chimney system—especially when the majority of the issues take place INSIDE the system. If you burn wood, there are many gases and particles produced by the fire, and some of it coats the walls of the chimney system every time a fire is burned. If it isn’t removed through routine chimney sweeps, it will build up, heat up, and transform into stage three, or glazed creosote. It’s more difficult to remove, is flammable and dangerous, and can bring down the efficiency of the system significantly.
What is Glazed Creosote
When the fire produces creosote, it rises up the chimney and deposits bits onto the flue walls. Burning green or wet wood can increase the amount of creosote that is produced, and the amount that coats the walls. A chimney problem that decreases efficiency will also increase the amount of creosote in the chimney. It’s important to clean this away regularly. It’s made up mostly of tar, so it’s flammable. When it builds up and heats up, the moisture evaporates, leaving a highly concentrated “glazed” product that is dense and extremely flammable.
Signs and Symptoms
-A decrease in efficiency is a clear indication that something in the system is off. If you have an issue with the chimney or fireplace, and troubleshooting doesn’t help, you need to schedule a service appointment with a chimney expert.
-A glossy blackness on the chimney cap, around the top of the flue, and inside the firebox, stove, or insert indicates a creosote issue.
-Odors from the fireplace opening that smell of barbecue or a dirty stove, oven, or grill.
-Soot falling into the firebox or stove when it’s not in use.
What We Do
Glazed creosote can look permanent because it is dense, solid, and attached to your chimney walls. The important thing to remember is that it can be removed—and without damaging your flue liner. At Pristine Sweeps we specialize in glazed creosote removal. It requires a special industrial agent to be applied to the creosote, which transforms it, causing it to flake away. It’s then easily removed with a simple vacuuming system used for standard chimney sweeps.
Preventing Buildup
You can avoid needing glazed creosote removal, and avoid the dangers of flammable creosote in your chimney flue by scheduling a few preventative services. A routine chimney sweep will clean away creosote and soot before it gets to a dangerous stage. Scheduling annual chimney inspections can also prevent a buildup by keeping the chimney healthy. A chimney that works well will have less creosote buildup.
It’s not too late for your chimney maintenance. If you haven’t had it inspected in the last 12 months, you need to schedule one now. Call Seattle’s #1 choice for chimney maintenance now.
Call Pristine Sweeps at 206-574-8414!