by Mike O'Mara | Jul 22, 2019 | Creosote Removal
Creosote is a substance that builds up inside of your flue as fires burn in your fireplace. it is known for being very flammable. While a little of it doesn’t pose any real threats, a lot of it can trigger a chimney fire, which could weaken your structure significantly. Chimney fires also put your household at risk, and because they often occur quietly, many homeowners aren’t aware that damage has happened!
Now, creosote comes in a few forms. One is light and flaky (typically the easiest to remove), another is sticky and tar-like, and then there is glazed creosote. No matter what type you have inside your chimney, you must get it removed from your chimney to stay safe. Fortunately for the folks throughout the San Diego area, our team is equipped to help.
What Is Glazed Creosote? Is It Dangerous?
Glazed creosote, also known as stage three creosote, is hard, shiny, and difficult to remove. It is more likely to form when airflow is restricted. If you are burning unseasoned wood in your fireplace or if the fires you burn aren’t hot enough, you will face more problems with your system. Avoid these scenarios can help your system run safer and more efficient.
All creosote is dangerous, but glazed creosote is especially so. If it catches on fire, the flames will be hot and hard to control, causing a lot of damage to your chimney. Your home could also be at risk if the flames spread to adjacent woodwork. Because of this, we strongly urge homeowners with creosote in their flue to refrain from using their fireplace until everything is thoroughly swept and cleaned out.
An important thing to note with glazed creosote is that it cannot be removed with basic sweeping methods. Doing so could actually result in a lot of damage to your chimney. In these cases, it is imperative to trust in a team of experts that know what to do and can get the job done right – that’s where we come in!
How Can Weststar Chimney Sweeps Help?
At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we have both the training and the equipment necessary to effectively and safely remove any glazed creosote from your chimney. The tools we use will give us the ability to break down this hardened substance in a way that won’t bring harm to you or your chimney so that you can feel good about lighting fires again.
We urge homeowners in the San Diego area to give our team of CSIA certified sweeps a call now so that you don’t need to stress when fall comes around. Our books fill up fast as the holiday season approaches, so schedule your appointment today to beat the rush. Our experts are ready to provide you with the long-lasting, reliable care you deserve!
by Mike O'Mara | Aug 14, 2018 | Chimney Safety
One of the biggest reasons why the CSIA stresses the importance of annual inspections is so sweeps can evaluate whether or not you have excessive creosote buildup inside of your chimney. Should dangerous amounts be present, having it removed will allow for a safer and better functioning fireplace, sure to bring countless nights of peace, warmth, and comfort. Learn more about creosote below!
What Is Creosote?
Creosote is a substance that builds up in your chimney as you light fires in the fireplace. It comes in a few different forms, ranging from soft and flaky to sticky and tar-like to hard and glazed. So no matter the texture, creosote is very damaging and dangerous to have in your chimney, which is why regular removal is important.
The reason why creosote triggers so many problems is due to its highly flammable nature. The more you have, the higher your risk is for a chimney fire, which causes significant structural damage and makes your fireplace unsafe and unsuitable for regular use.
Unfortunately, not all chimney fires are created equal. It may seem like they all would be loud and obvious, but many are quite quiet, meaning homeowners are unaware their system has undergone excessive damage. This means that they’ll continue to light fires and use their chimney, which could pose serious threats to their home and family in the form of gas leaks and house fires.
When Is Deglazing Necessary?
Now, for those who invest in regular inspections and maintenance, any creosote buildup should not be especially challenging to remove. Yet, fireplaces that have faced longer periods of neglect or misuse may find themselves with glazed creosote throughout, which is more challenging to take on.
Glazed creosote needs to be approached differently than your standard creosote buildup, as it is thicker, more solid, and essentially baked onto your chimney walls. Attempting removal without the proper tools and equipment will not get the job done, and it will likely cause damage to your chimney interior in the process.
If your find yourself face-to-face with glazed creosote, the best option would be to invest in help from a CSIA certified sweep, like the crew at Weststar Chimney Sweeps. This is the only way to avoid bigger issues down the line, and it will get the job taken care of in the most efficient manner possible. Investing in professional help will always yield the quickest and least expensive results overall, so be sure to contact us right away if you suspect trouble.
Need An Inspection?
Not sure where your chimney stands in terms of creosote accumulation? Sounds like it’s time for an inspection. Our professional and experienced crew can look things over for you, then assess whether or not further repair or sweeping services are necessary. Together, we can find the best solutions for your needs, so give us a call soon!
