What does creosote buildup look like in a chimney?

What does creosote buildup look like in a chimney?

Creosote is a black or brown residue that can be crusty and flaky…tar-like, drippy and sticky…or shiny and hardened. All forms are highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and the internal flue temperature is high enough – the result could be a chimney fire.

What is creosote buildup in a fireplace?

Creosote is a black or brown residue that sticks to the inner walls of your chimney or stove pipes. In texture, it can appear crusty or flaky, drippy and sticky like tar, or shiny and hardened to the surface. But whatever its appearance, creosote is highly combustible.

How do I know if I have creosote buildup?

Unexplained poorly burning fires, a reduced draft or black deposits around your fireplace can all be signs of creosote buildup. To check for creosote buildup look for black soot or tar deposits around the opening of your fireplace, as well as around the throat of the chimney.

Can you clean a chimney from the bottom?

A better option is to “sweep” from the bottom up using a rotary chimney cleaning system. The Sooteater is a spinning chimney whip that removes soot and creosote build-up using small plastic lines (whips) attached to flexible rods that are fed up from the base of the chimney.

Do I need to clean my chimney with an oil furnace?

The National Fire Protection Association 211 states that chimneys shall be “inspected annually and cleaned and repaired if needed”. Just as the oil furnace is serviced annually, so should your chimney system be serviced annually by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®.

How do you clean and inspect a chimney?

Browse our inspection tips below.

1. Check the firebox for cracks and loosening joints.
2. Open the damper completely.
3. Using a high-powered flashlight or worklight, look up the flue to check for damage.
4. Make sure the chimney is unobstructed of leaves and other debris that may have fallen into the chimney.

What should I look for in a chimney?

Choose the size of the chimney depending on the size of the stove and the size of the kitchen. The chimney size should be slightly larger than the size of the stove, in order to absorb the smoke much more effectively. Auto-clean chimneys keep the main parts of the chimney clean automatically.