Syracuse Creosote Removal
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Syracuse Creosote Removal Services
Causes of Creosote in Syracuse Chimneys and Why it is a Concerning Hazard that needs to be handled quickly.
As a natural byproduct of burning wood or coal, creosote is a combination of soot and tar. It’s a highly flammable substance that appears as a sooty, black, tar-like substance. When a wood or coal fire burns, the smoke contains soot, hot gases, creosote, and other particles that are deposited on your chimney’s interior, known as the flue. Excessive creosote in your chimney isn’t unusual, and it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Depending on the type of buildup that is found on your flue’s walls, it can be in one of three stages. As a sticky substance, it can be difficult to remove, and requires a more involved treatment than a usual chimney sweep of your Syracuse chimney. Not only is it flammable, but it can also obstruct your ventilation system, causing deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your home or business. It can cover parts in your chimney system and clog the clean-out areas, leading to a fire hazard.
Here are the three stages of creosote:
- Stage 1 Creosote: The first stage of creosote development is a flaky, black soot that is deposited when the flue is cold. It’s among the reasons why you should properly warm your flue prior to starting your main fire, typically by holding lit cardboard or paper pieces in the firebox under the flue. A basic chimney sweep by certified Syracuse technicians should be able to remove this material from your chimney.
- Stage 2 Creosote: The second creosote stage will appear as shiny and hard black flakes, which form when the airflow in the flue is restricted from exiting, allowing the creosote to deposit on the flue’s inner surfaces. This type of creosote is more difficult to remove, due to the hardened substance, but it’s typically able to be removed using a rotary loop or similar tool to remove it from the chimney.
- Stage 3 Creosote: The final creosote stage can also be known as glazed creosote. When a chimney isn’t regularly swept but continues to be used, the high flue temperature causes the creosote to boil, evaporating moisture away and leaving a thick layer of the hardened, concentrated fuel. This is the most dangerous type because it’s easy to ignite and can cause a chimney fire. It can’t be removed without damage to the liner unless handled professionally.