Many homeowners love a warm, crackling fire during winter. Fireplaces hearken back to a simpler time and create an atmosphere you can’t get with other heating systems. However, there’s a danger that many people overlook — creosote. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood and can pose serious risks to your home if you don’t keep it under control. Let’s look at what creosote is, why it’s so dangerous, and how you can protect yourself.
What’s Creosote?You’ve likely heard the term creosote before, but what exactly is it? Creosote is a tar-like substance that forms when you burn wood. When smoke goes up the chimney, it cools, causing condensation. Creosote can be sticky, flaky, or hard, depending on its stage.
In the first stage, creosote is a flaky powder that’s easy to remove. It hardens during the second stage, becoming more tar-like. In the final form, creosote (called glazed creosote) is when it’s the most dangerous. It’s highly combustible and typically requires a professional to remove.
Here’s why you don’t want to ignore creosote buildup.
Fire Hazards: Creosote is highly flammable, especially in the later stages. A buildup can ignite and cause a chimney fire, which can spread rapidly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires is a dirty or blocked chimney, typically from creosote.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Chimney obstructions, whether from creosote, debris, or animal nests, prevent toxic gases like carbon monoxide from escaping. Carbon Monoxide is colorless and odorless and is known as the silent killer because most people don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late.
Health Risks: Creosote contains carcinogenic compounds, and repeated exposure to creosote dust can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
The good news is that you can manage creosote buildup with proper care and attention and avoid the dangers mentioned above. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Burn the Right Type of Wood: Many fireplace owners think any wood will do, but that’s not true. Seasoned firewood, like oak, maple, and birch, burns hotter and produces less smoke, resulting in less creosote than burning green wood. Also, don’t treat your fireplace like a garbage disposal. Don’t burn trash, cardboard, furniture, or anything else other than seasoned firewood.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: A well-vented fire burns hotter and more efficiently and prevents creosote from forming. Don’t close the damper too soon after extinguishing a fire because it can trap smoke and increase buildup.
Clean the Chimney Regularly: If you use the fireplace frequently, you may need to schedule more frequent cleanings than the recommended once a year. Heavy usage during winter can lead to faster creosote buildup and a higher risk of a fire.
Schedule Regular Inspections: The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting a professional chimney inspection at least once a year. A professional chimney sweep will assess the chimney’s condition and remove any buildup before it becomes a problem.
Install a Chimney Cap: Chimney caps prevent debris, animals, and moisture from getting in the chimney. Keeping these elements out prevents blockages and reduces the risk of creosote.
Beware the Warning Signs: Common warning signs of creosote buildup include a strong, smokey odor near the fireplace or wood stove, reduced draft, black, shiny, or tar-like deposits inside the chimney, and falling debris or flakes from the chimney.
While creosote is dangerous, it’s easy to manage by following our tips. Regular professional cleaning and inspections, installing a chimney cap, and burning the right kind of wood make your fireplace more efficient and enjoyable.
Call Chimney Solutions today to schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection!
