What is the black soot in my Chimney?
If discussing soot resulting from burning oil, or even gas, this is just soot and it’s just called soot. Though the black residue in the chimney from burning wood is called creosote, it is in fact mostly tar. There are, generally speaking, three types of creosote are found in chimneys and they are usually called ‘stages’ or ‘degrees.’
What causes creosote in chimneys?
First degree creosote develops when there is a relatively good combustion of the wood and/or relatively high flue gas temperatures. This describes an open fireplace. The burning wood had lots of air for the combustion process and the heat flies up the chimney.
How much creosote does it take to clear a chimney?
More frequently the creosote partly boils, partly burns and leaves a dried out light-weight “sponge,” often more than 2” thick which is actually very easy to remove. But if it is not removed, new third degree creosote fills that sponge you can have well in excess of 100 pounds of creosote in a chimney.
What does third degree creosote look like on a chimney?
Third degree creosote looks like tar coating or running down the inside of the chimney. It is extremely concentrated fuel. It can get very thick as it hardens and is recoated over and over. An inch thick would be unusual, but it’s not unheard of. And worse yet is third degree creosote that fills up “chimney fire fluff.”
Is chimney soot harmful?
Yes, soot and creosote CAN be dangerous. Both are topical and inhalation hazards. People who work in the fireplace maintenance industry must be aware of and avoid chimney systems. So while these dirty substances do naturally occur, they can cause various health issues for humans.
Why is there black stuff coming out of my chimney?
Chimney soot is fine black or dark brown powder formed due to incomplete combustion of wood or coal in a confined place. Hence it can be correctly referred to as the byproduct of fireplace combustion. Soot is formed in a temperature lower than 284 degrees.
What do you do with chimney soot?
2:053:42How They Occur in Chimneys & Fireplaces & How To Remove ThemYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow it works simply toss a convenient Rutland creosote or soot remover tube or canister onto a fireMoreHow it works simply toss a convenient Rutland creosote or soot remover tube or canister onto a fire with a bed of hot coals.
What does creosote look like in chimney?
Creosote is the black or brown residue that forms as a result of wood-burning fires inside a fireplace. It can be crusty, flaky, drippy, sticky, shiny, or hard.
Will creosote burn off?
0:053:05Can You Burn Creosote Out of Chimney? | Ask Russ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne of the questions that we frequently hear at the office here is can I just burn my chimney out toMoreOne of the questions that we frequently hear at the office here is can I just burn my chimney out to get rid of the creosote deposits. And the answer is no you order the different types of creosote.
How do I stop creosote buildup in my chimney?
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.
How do you know if you have creosote build up?
Signs of Creosote Build-UpReduced drafting in fireplace.Less ash and more wood in fireplace after a fire.Black soot in and around fireplace.Very dark smoke from chimney.You can visibly see more than 1/8 of an inch of soot build-up.
How do you get rid of creosote build up?
1:242:56Chimney Creosote Removal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the creosote is crusty a rotary clean can often help break down into pockets glaze critter canMoreIf the creosote is crusty a rotary clean can often help break down into pockets glaze critter can often be removed by a chemical treatment.
How often does chimney need to be cleaned?
HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood 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.
Should I worry about creosote?
Primary Dangers of Creosote If a chimney is obstructed, the result can be that toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, can enter the home. Everyone with a fireplace or stove should have a carbon monoxide detector in the home, since the gas is odorless, invisible, and tasteless.
How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?
Here are our top 9 Signs that Your Chimney Needs to Be Cleaned:Oily Spots on the Walls of Your Fireplace.Poorly Burning Fires.Odors Coming from the Fireplace.Animals are Inside Your Chimney.Smoke Doesn't Rise Up the Chimney.Fires are Difficult to Get Started.Chimney Soot is Falling from the Chimney.More items...
Is creosote harmful to humans?
These reports indicate that brief exposure to large amounts of coal tar creosote may result in a rash or severe irritation of the skin, chemical burns of the surfaces of the eye, convulsions and mental confusion, kidney or liver problems, unconsciousness, or even death.
First Degree Creosote Buildup
First degree creosote has a high percentage of soot and can be removed from a chimney effectively with a chimney brush. First degree creosote devel...
Second Degree Creosote Buildup
Second degree creosote is a bit trickier. This creosote buildup is generally in shiny black flakes. Imagine dry, hard tar corn flakes, and in great...
Third Degree Creosote Buildup
Third degree creosote buildup is the worst of them all. This occurs when the flue temperatures are low and/or combustion is incomplete. This is com...
What is the black smattering on a chimney?
Black stains smattered across the exterior and interior of the chimney are one of the most common types of stains. Most black stains are reflective of soot buildup, which translates into a failure to regularly clean and maintain the chimney.
What is the white sand on the outside of a chimney?
Finally, there are the white stains. This powdery discoloration is known as efflorescence, a white mineral salt that’s left behind when water evaporates. Efflorescence can remain from all different types of water sources—rain, ground water, sprinklers, and run-off. It’s common to spot efflorescence on the exterior of your chimney; after all it’s constantly being exposed to water and the outer elements.
What is the red rust on a chimney?
Red-hued stains appear on the exterior sides of chimneys that are prefabricated or made of metal. The red staining is the rusting of the metal of the chimney chase cover. Rust occurs and the red stains begin to form when the metal is exposed to water.
Why is my chimney turning green?
They form in streak-like patterns and are often confused as deterioration, but these stains are caused by algae growth.
Do you need to get a chimney inspected?
Before you start your chimney, you’ll want to get it inspected. Your chimney should go though proper inspection to ensure that it’s safe to use. From evaluating chimney flue liners to inspecting hidden areas, your chimney will be properly inspected so you won’t miss any maintenance requirements. Next, we clean out all the stains, mold and creosote so it will be safe to use. Contact us today!
