Tough, Glazed-On Creosote in Your Flue? We Can Remove It With PCR
Most San Diego fireplace owners are familiar with creosote – that blackish, brownish substance that builds up in your chimney as you burn wood. One of the most notable things about creosote is that it’s highly flammable and is a big cause for chimney fires – which is why it needs to be regularly removed by a professional chimney sweep.
That said, not all creosote is the same. If it’s light and flaky or sticky and tar-like, we can use the typical chimney sweeping strategies to remove it. But there’s a third type that’s harder to remove and requires some more intensive techniques – that’s glazed creosote. If you’re in the San Diego area and experiencing chimney issues, give Weststar Chimney a call or reach out online today. We’d be happy to help you out.
What Is Glazed Creosote?
Glazed (or 3rd degree) creosote occurs when layers of gooey creosote form on top of each other and eventually harden into a hard, glass-like substance. Needless to say, once it gets to this point, it’s extremely hard to remove – and it’s extremely flammable.
For glazed creosote, a standard sweeping service won’t do. And while a rotary cleaning may get a small portion of it, it won’t get close to removing it all – and it can actually damage the interior of your chimney during the attempt.
So, what can be done? Well, for us the answer is easy – use Poultice Creosote Remover (PCR).
What Is PCR? How Does It Work?
PCR, or Poultice Creosote Remover, is a trusted product used to loosen the glazed creosote’s hold on your chimney walls. Once it’s applied to the stubborn buildup, it proceeds to dissolve and absorb it as it dries. Once it fully dries, it will fall away from the flue walls – taking the absorbed creosote with it in the process.
So, how does it work? Well, let’s start with the word “poultice.” A poultice is a medicated material or paste that is applied to wounds or infections to aid in healing. PCR works the same way, just with creosote. Like a paste applied to a body part to remove an infection, the PCR is applied to your chimney to remove its “disease” – aka the creosote.
Is Creosote Flammable?
Yes – creosote is extremely flammable and can invite some significant fire hazards into your home when not regularly removed.
Chimney fires fueled by creosote can burn at very high temperatures and spread quickly, leaving behind lots of damage. What’s more concerning is that chimney fires aren’t always super noticeable – this means you could be using a broken-down chimney without even realizing it…increasing the potential of an eventual house fire.
Factors such as burning unseasoned wood, improper airflow, and cooler chimney temperatures can increase the amount of creosote that forms in your chimney.
Regular chimney cleanings and inspections are critical to prevent creosote from accumulating to dangerous levels.
Call Today for a Safer Fireplace Experience
Regularly clearing out creosote is essential when it comes to using your fireplace as safely as possible. If you’re concerned about the state of your system, get your annual inspection on the books today. We’d be happy to help you out.
Call 619-338-8116 or conveniently book online with us now.
Ask us about creosote deglazing the next time you schedule a chimney sweeping.