Do creosote sweeping logs really work?
In respect to this, do creosote sweeping logs really work? Getting back to the question of “do those chimney sweeping logs really work?” the first part of the answer is yes, they do work – to some extent. These types of logs contain a chemical catalyst with can reduce the early stages of creosote buildup up to 60% with repeated use.. Subsequently, question is, will a hot fire remove ...
Do chimney cleaning logs really work?
Return to the question, “Do these chimney sweep logs really work?” The first part of the answer is “yes”. It works to some extent. These types of logs contain chemical catalysts that can be used repeatedly to reduce the initial stage of creosote accumulation by up to 60%. Are there any other logs for cleaning the chimney besides the above?
Do the chimney cleaning logs work?
Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is no, they don’t work. At least, not well enough to completely clean out the flue the way it should be cleaned.
How to dissolve creosote?
There are several ways to dissolve creosote buildup and keep it from building up in the first place:
- Use Four (Fireplace) Enzymes.
- Use an alkaline or acid-base soap, followed by water and steam cleaning with a chimney brush.
- Add several pails of hot water to the flue once the fire is burning well. This will help to dissolve any creosote deposits.
Are chimney sweep logs effective?
If you use a chimney cleaning log regularly, they can work well. But you should get a professional cleaning as well. Not only can a chimney sweep get rid of stage one creosote, but a pro can clean up stages two and three as well. While a chimney sweeping log loosens creosote buildup, it won't get rid of it.
How long does a Creosote Sweeping Log last?
approximately 90 minutesHOW THE CSL REALLY WORKS. 1. The Creosote Sweeping Log burns for approximately 90 minutes. Making a wood fire prior to using CSL will heat the tar on your chimney wall, while it improves your draft.
How often should I use a creosote log?
Recommandations / Tips to know. We recommend using the Creosote Sweeping Log for wood stoves, inserts, fireplaces and other wood-fired equipment. If you use your fireplace frequently, we suggest that you burn a Creosote Sweeping Log at the beginning and middle of each season, for optimum results.
Should you use creosote logs?
Creosote Logs do work to loosen the creosote and make it easier to clean your chimney. However, these logs are no substitute for a thorough chimney sweep. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, creosote logs are effective products when used in conjunction with a professional chimney sweep.
Does burning aluminum cans clean your chimney?
Burning Aluminum Cans To Clean Your Chimney Many have claimed that burning aluminum cans is an effective technique to clean your chimney. Though there may have been cases where this method has worked slightly, nothing takes the place of actually cleaning out the chimney.
Do potato peels clean chimneys?
In all honesty, however, the old wise tale about burning potato peelings/skins does in fact help. You have to use fresh/uncooked potatoes. What's interesting is the byproduct of the potato peels/skins create a chemical reaction that drys out the chimney allowing any creosote buildup to dry up.
How do you prevent creosote buildup in chimneys?
How to Minimize Creosote Buildup & Prevent a Chimney FireOnly burn dry, seasoned firewood. ... Never burn artificial logs. ... Build hot, clean burning fires. ... Make sure the fire gets enough oxygen. ... Reduce condensation by warming up a cold flue. ... Schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection.
Can you use a Creosote Sweeping Log in a wood stove?
Creosote Sweeping Logs are compatible with fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts, gas starter fireplaces, wood/coal stoves, wood/oil mixed boilers, and wood furnaces. They should never be used with BBQs, gas logs, electrical appliances, oil stoves, or pellet stoves.
Does burning salt clean a chimney?
Long story short, you can use burning rock salt to clean chimney creosote. By pouring a bit of salt into your fireplace while you're using it, you'll be able to dissolve small amounts of creosote buildups. This phenomenon happens because the salt combines with the water in the burning wood.
Are creosote sweeping logs toxic?
Are creosote sweeping logs toxic. Yes, CSLs contain toxic chemicals. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's directions. Due to their toxicity, your damper will need to remain open until the fumes have been expelled.
Do Duraflame logs cause creosote?
Independent tests show that duraflame® firelogs do not produce the hardened flammable tar deposits known as creosote, commonly produced from burning high moisture content wood fires. And the soot left in the chimney after burning firelogs has almost no BTU value so it can't be reignited to cause a chimney fire.
How often should you have your chimney cleaned?
Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.
How often should you sweep a chimney?
HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood or bituminous house coal and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period.
Are creosote sweeping logs toxic?
Are creosote sweeping logs toxic. Yes, CSLs contain toxic chemicals. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's directions. Due to their toxicity, your damper will need to remain open until the fumes have been expelled.
Are creosote logs safe to breathe?
Breathing the creosote fumes given off by creosote-treated wood can cause asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as stomach pain and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, according to researchers from the UCLA Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program.
How often should a wood burner chimney be swept?
twice a yearGetting your chimney swept If you are burning wood, ensure your chimney is swept at least twice a year; this can be reduced to once if you are using multi-fuel in your stove.
What is creosote log?
Creosote logs are specifically designed to help break down the creosote and residual tar, lowering your chances of experiencing a chimney fire.
What is creosote sweeping log?
A creosote sweeping log can improve your fireplace and chimney performance, as long as you use it correctly and keep realistic expectations. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Enterprises)
Why Should I Consider Using Sweeping Logs?
If you use an open fire stove, fireplace, or wood-burning stove, chances are you’ve experienced the soot and other compounds building up in the burner’s chimney. These compounds accumulate regardless of what you use to make the fire, though poor airflow and greener or damp firewood increase the amount of smoke.
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
The cost of a chimney sweep depends on the level of inspection and if you need to have any additional maintenance work. As it stands, it costs around $130 to $380 to hire a professional chimney sweep. For damaged or precarious chimneys, you might find yourself paying as much as $1,000 to $5,000 for a serious inspection.
What is a CSL log?
Creosote sweeping logs (CSL)—also known as creosote chimney logs, chimney sweeping logs, or just sweeping logs—are designed to help loosen the creosote deposits inside of your chimney. By simply burning a creosote log (just as you would with natural wood) in your fireplace, your chimney’s deposit can be cleared more easily, preventing unwanted buildup.
Can you replace creosote in a chimney?
Keep in mind: Though creosote sweeping logs loosen the soot and creosote from your chimney, they are by no means a replacement for your regular chimney cleaning.
Do creosote logs work?
You may have seen creosote sweeping logs on the shelves at big-box stores and wondered if they really work. Experts say the answer is yes, but only if you have realistic expectations. Michael Hirsch, vice president of Joseph Enterprises, which manufactures the log, says the product improves safety and makes a professional chimney sweep’s job easier.
Why use a creosote log?
The final benefit of using a Creosote Sweeping Log is that when the time comes to have your chimney swept, the chimney will be able to be cleaned much more effectively because there is not such an extensive build-up of creosote. In addition, much of the tar present is rendered easier to remove.
How Does A Creosote Sweeping Log Work?
The first piece of advice to anyone contemplating using a Creosote Sweeping Log is to light a wood fire first. The wood fire will heat the tar within the chimney as well as improve the draft, which is essential for the chemicals released in the burning of the CSL to be distributed well so they can do their work. On average, a CSL will burn for 90 minutes.
What is a CSL log?
A Creosote Sweeping Log (CSL) contains minerals which actively help to dry out the creosote and tar, which subsequently reduces the risk of fire, and still enables the homeowner to enjoy the benefits of their fire during the cleaning process. It is essential to understand that a Creosote Sweeping Log is not a replacement for having a chimney professionally cleaned, but it can deliver benefits and help reduce the risk of a fire in the period between professional chimney cleanings. It can also make cleaning a chimney using physical methods easier and more effective.
Can a CSL replace a chimney?
A CSL can be a helpful part of that process. But remember that a CSL is not meant to replace a professional chimney cleaning, but to supplement it. We will discuss this further in our next blog.
Can you use a CSL for a fireplace?
Before you begin using your fireplace for the winter, make sure you are doing so safely. Using a CSL can be helpful, but give us a call to schedule a professional chimney cleaning, as well.
What happens when you use a creosote log?
When you use a creosote sweeping log, it is going to dry out the creosote. In return, that will cause the particles to fall down into the firebox. This will make it much easier for the sweep to be cleaned the next time around. Should you be using these products to clean your chimney?
How long does it take for creosote to brittle?
Here, a chemical reaction is going to take place. It will carry on for one or two weeks. If everything goes well, the creosote will become brittle and this will make it much easier to clean. During this period of time, you will still be able to use your appliance.
How long after CSL can you start a fire?
It is generally a good idea to wait a few hours before starting another fire after using the CSL. Then, you should try to start fires every few days for the next week or so. This will ensure that all of the additives are released and the creosote is dealt with. Before doing a medical sweeping, you should wait at least one or two weeks after using the CSL. As long as you take these precautions and plan ahead, you should be just fine and the CSL should be effective.
How long after CSL should you wait to do a medical sweep?
This will ensure that all of the additives are released and the creosote is dealt with. Before doing a medical sweeping, you should wait at least one or two weeks after using the CSL. As long as you take these precautions and plan ahead, you should be just fine and the CSL should be effective.
Can you use a creosote log?
Using a creosote sweeping log can be a little awkward at first. In fact, you might believe that you’ve done something wrong. The good news is that you probably have not. It is nearly impossible to make mistakes. If you see that the CSL is still smoking, you shouldn’t worry about too much.
Is it normal to have creosote in your flue?
This is completely normal. The smoke will continue to flow into the flue and this will dry the creosote. Just remember to keep the damper fully open. Keep it this way until the smoke has stopped completely. Be cautious of falling creosote. You probably won’t be able to tell the difference between the creosote and ash. Just deal with both as you would normally.
Can you use a single log in a fireplace?
However, you must first take the time to find out how many logs you’re going to need. If you have a smaller fireplace with a smaller flue, you should be fine with a single log.
What happens if you don't clear creosote?
If you don’t clear out the loose creosote, you can put yourself at risk of chimney fires. The creosote at the bottom of your fireplace can also catch fire. This is yet another reason to hire a chimney sweep whenever you start to use your fireplace.
Why does creosote build up in firewood?
Creosote builds up when you use green or less-dry firewood. Because the fire doesn’t get as hot, smoke condenses faster. As it condenses, it clings to the walls of the chimney. The creosote build-up can also occur if your fireplace doesn’t have sufficient airflow. While you can use the right type of firewood and keep your fireplace ...
How Often Should You Clean a Chimney?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have a professional chimney inspection and cleaning at least once a year. Even if you rarely use the fireplace, animals may take up shelter in the chimney and bees may decide it’s perfect for building a hive in the summer.
What to do after using a chimney log?
After you use one of these logs, use a broom to sweep up debris. That way, you won’t risk the creosote building up and catching fire. You should also use these logs along with professional chimney sweeps. A professional can ensure your chimney is clean, and they can reach places that the chimney logs can miss.
What is the third stage of creosote?
The third stage is when the creosote turns into a glaze, and you will need to replace the chimney liner to get rid of everything. If you use a chimney cleaning log regularly, they can work well. But you should get a professional cleaning as well. Not only can a chimney sweep get rid of stage one creosote, but a pro can clean up stages two ...
How to get rid of creosote in chimney?
You can put the log with your next fire, and its chemicals will help loosen the creosote. By getting rid of the deposit, you can keep your chimney working efficiently, and you can reduce the chances of chimney fires.
What is a chimney sweeping log?
Chimney sweeping logs help clear out your chimney and remove any creosote. These logs may also be referred to as a creosote sweeping log, a chimney sweeping log, a creosote log, or a creosote cleaning log. Creosote builds up when you use green or less-dry firewood. Because the fire doesn’t get as hot, smoke condenses faster.
When to use creosote remover?
Whether they use chemicals or poles and brushes to eliminate the buildup, creosote removers are most effective when the creosote is at the first- or second-degree stage.
How to get rid of creosote buildup in fireplace?
One of the simplest ways to prevent creosote buildup is with a creosote sweeping log, such as the First Alert Creosote Buster Fire Log from Pine Mountain. Simply remove the outer wrapping and then place the sweeping log atop already-burning logs in the fireplace. The log contains heat-released chemicals that become airborne and seek out first- and second-degree creosote in the chimney liner. These chemicals then penetrate soot and residue and break it down, leaving it to dry and fall to the firebox where it can be swept away. The manufacturer recommends adding a sweeping log to the fireplace once per season or, if the fireplace is used frequently, once every 40 fires.
How to remove creosote from chimney?
Soften glazed creosote and reduce the risk of chimney fires with the Liquid Creosote Remover from ACS. This potent liquid creosote treatment should be sprayed daily in the firebox, over the wood, and upward in the flue (sprayer not included). It works to break down hardened, glazed creosote deposits in preparation for a professional chimney sweep to clean.
What is the least dangerous level of creosote buildup?
First degree is the least dangerous level of creosote buildup. It consists of a loose, sooty film that adheres to the chimney liner, much like a layer of dust. At this stage, the creosote is dry and flaky and can be easily brushed away during fireplace cleaning.
What happens if you put creosote in a chimney?
Creosote deposits in a chimney can release toxic gases while a fire is lit below. If the gases back up into the home because the fireplace (or stove) isn’t adequately vented, they can cause health problems, such as headaches, burning eyes, skin rashes, and breathing difficulties.
How to keep creosote from building up in chimney?
Preventing creosote from building up in a chimney liner and removing existing creosote can be as simple as sprinkling a few teaspoons of Meeco’s Red Devil Creosote Destroyer over firewood or coal every third time a fire is lit in the fireplace. As the fire burns, the remover’s chemicals—which include copper chloride, silicon dioxide, and fixed carbon—coat the chimney liner and keep creosote residue from adhering while also breaking down any existing buildup.
How many lbs of powdered creosote is in a tub?
This powdered formulation comes in a 5-pound tub, enough to keep a chimney clean for a whole season of fires. Keep in mind that it is not intended to remove thick, hardened creosote deposits.
