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Creosote Self-Cleaning Logs: Helpful or Harmful?

Are creosote self-cleaning logs the answer to fireplace woes? Maybe it’s an easy way to keep that chimney clean and make those cold winter mornings bearable, or maybe it should be avoided with caution. Before stocking up on logs, let’s separate fact from fiction and discuss what these self-cleaning logs are all about—the good, the bad, and if they’re actually helpful or harmful for chimneys.

How Do Creosote Self-Cleaning Logs Work?

The Need-to-Know About Creosote

First, let’s define creosote. This tarry, black substance sticks to the walls of a chimney as a result of burning wood and can be flammable if it builds up in large enough quantities.

Fuels like hardwood, softwood, and compressed logs release various by-products, such as smoke, water vapor, hydrocarbons, and tar fog while burning in a fireplace. When these substances escape through the chimney (which is cooler), they condense on the inner surface of the chimney and create a sticky residue called combustible creosote and tar. To keep a chimney clean, it’s important to have it inspected annually and have any creosote removed by a professional.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires (30%) was having a dirty chimney (i.e., creosote buildup). These fires are completely preventable with regular chimney maintenance!

When Is Creosote Buildup Serious?

Creosote buildup can be a serious fire hazard, so it’s important to take steps to prevent and remove it. There are different stages of creosote buildup, and if left unchecked, it can eventually form a layer of glazed creosote, which is the most combustible type.

Stage I Creosote: This is the most common type of creosote and is characterized by a flaky or powdery layer. It can be safely removed with regular chimney cleaning but should not be ignored.

Stage II Creosote: This type of creosote is darker and shinier than stage I and has a tar-like consistency. If this type of creosote is present, it should be professionally removed to avoid any fire hazards.

Stage III Creosote: This is the most dangerous type of creosote and is usually jet-black in color and glossy or shiny. It’s highly combustible and should be removed immediately by a trained professional.

About Creosote Self-Cleaning Logs

Now, let’s talk about creosote self-cleaning logs. These logs burn at an increased temperature compared to traditional wood-burning logs, which can help break down built-up creosote in the chimney walls. Many brands of self-cleaning logs are designed to be used on an as-needed basis, meaning they should only be burned as needed once or twice a year. Burning these logs more often may lead to damage to the chimney or even fire hazards.

Creosote self-cleaning logs are made from a variety of natural ingredients and chemical accelerants, which helps raise the burn temperature. Some logs contain sawdust mixed with wax or other substances with a higher burning point than traditional wood-burning logs. Other types may contain paraffin wax, sodium nitrate, or charcoal briquettes. The idea is that by burning these logs at higher temperatures, creosote within a chimney will be burned off sooner or avoided altogether. These logs are also designed to release additional chemicals that supposedly enhance the cleaning process.

creosote self-cleaning logs

Are Creosote Self-Cleaning Logs Helpful or Harmful?

Now comes the million-dollar question: Are these logs safe and effective? Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer as to whether or not these logs are helpful or harmful for chimneys. Though some chimney sweeps may recommend them, there’s no scientific evidence that these logs actually clean creosote out of a chimney.

In fact, some experts caution against using these logs as they can cause damage to the chimney or even fire hazards if not used correctly. The higher burning temperature released from creosote self-cleaning logs can actually cause further creosote buildup if used improperly or too often.

In short, it’s best to consult a professional chimney sweep before using these logs to ensure they are safe and effective for a fireplace and chimney. Overall, regular maintenance and inspections are key to avoiding the dangers of creosote buildup.

Takeaways About Self-Cleaning Logs:

  • Self-cleaning logs should never be used as the primary source of heat during cold winter months.
  • These logs do not replace the need for annual chimney inspections and cleanings.
  • Burning these logs can increase the risk of a chimney fire if used too often or in combination with other fuels such as coal or wood pellets.
  • The use of these logs can lead to an accumulation of ash in the flue, which can cause dangerous blockages and reduce ventilation.
  • Self-cleaning logs may also emit hazardous fumes and gases, so it’s important to make sure the room is properly ventilated when burning them.
  • Some brands of self-cleaning logs may contain additives that are potentially hazardous to our health and the environment.

The Bottom Line

Creosote self-cleaning logs can be helpful in reducing creosote buildup, butdirty chimney they should be used in moderation and only as a supplement to regular chimney inspections and cleanings. It’s also important to read the directions carefully before using self-cleaning logs and make sure the room is properly ventilated during burning.

Ultimately, the decision to use these logs or not should be based on personal preference and needs. However, it’s important to remember that these are just one tool for helping keep a chimney clean and safe—annual inspections and cleanings by a certified professional should never be replaced or neglected.

Better Ways to Remove Creosote

The best way to remove built-up creosote from a chimney is still a professional cleaning. Certified technicians have the tools and experience necessary to safely remove creosote and other debris from a chimney while also inspecting it for any potential problems or hazards. Additionally, regular inspections can help ensure that the firebox and flue are in good condition and that the chimney is properly ventilated.

Preventing Creosote Buildup

In addition to regular inspections and cleanings, there are a few other ways to prevent creosote buildup in a chimney.

  1. Burning only dry, seasoned wood is one of the best ways to reduce creosote formation, as unseasoned or green wood can create more smoke and cause it to stick to the walls of the chimney.
  2. Burning smaller fires can help prevent creosote buildup as well.
  3. Finally, keeping the damper open and fully extended when lighting a fire can also help reduce smoke and the resulting creosote formation.

Preventing Chimney Fires

Chimney fires are a serious threat and can be caused by built-up creosote, but there are also other factors that increase the risk.

  1. Make sure never to burn any type of flammable materials in the fireplace, such as cardboard boxes or wrapping paper.
  2. Avoid burning items like pine cones or Christmas trees that can cause sparks to fly up the chimney and ignite any built-up creosote or debris.
  3. Finally, keep the fireplace clean and clear of any debris or combustible materials that could catch fire.
  4. Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of a chimney fire and keep the home safe.

As professional chimney sweeps, we don’t mess around with creosote buildup and take extra care to make sure our chimneys are safe and up to code. If in need of an inspection or cleaning, give us a call today! We’re always happy to help.

In conclusion, creosote self-cleaning logs can be helpful in reducing the build-up of creosote, but they should not be used as a replacement for professional cleaning. For best results, all chimneys should be inspected annually and cleaned when necessary by certified technicians.

 

STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT AND YOUR CHIMNEY IS COLD…

Seize the moment!

Those with wood-burning fireplaces take note! Have you heard about the most recent new proposal to be mandated by the (BAAQMD) Bay Area Air Quality Management District? In a nutshell, there is a strong push toward the elimination of fireplaces.

As a result, if you are considering the installation of a set of artificial gas logs or a gas-burning fireplace insert, seize the moment NOW, especially if you are considering relocating in the near future.

The Time is NOW!

As we move toward September, Bay area retail stores and professional chimney installers will be overwhelmed and those dreams to have an installation completed by the Holidays may not become a reality. This is YOUR MOMENT to be pro-active. So before that little cold nip of fall air puts a shiver in your spine, start planning.

4 Guidelines to help with your Chimney decisions

  1. Any time a fuel source is changed in a fireplace, for example, wood-burning to a gas conversion, the chimney must be cleaned.
  2. If the plan is to install as set of artificial gas logs, an inspection of the interior surfaces of the chimney is required to determine the worthiness of the clay liners inside the chimney and their related mortar joints.
  3. If the chimney fails the inspection, you might want to consider your options which could include installing a stainless steel liner in the chimney that will support that set of logs or installing a gas-burning or wood-burning fireplace insert.
  4. It might also be time to consider the seismic liability of your chimney.

The BAAQMD is on the move. There is a proposed mandate coming down the pipeline and all Bay Area residents who love their open wood-burning fireplace should take notice. If the proposal is approved, this will be a requirement on all home sales; Please check our website www.theirishsweep.com regularly for updated information.

The Irish Sweep offers complete installation of artificial gas logs or fireplace insert. Contact us today to schedule your install at 510-521-4088.

The Truth About the Installation of Artificial Logs

The commitment to purchase a gas fireplace insert is expensive.  Mind you, you will receive true heat value for years to come once you make that monetary investment.  But some people feel they cannot bare that expense and want an alternative choice and many folks would like just to install a set of artificial logs.

The manufacturers of artificial gas log sets state clearly in their installation directions that a chimney must be suitable for wood burning.

In order for us to determine if your fireplace and chimney are safe for this use, we must clean and inspect the interior surfaces of your chimney with our remote vision system (a chimney camera).  With this tool, we can check the condition of the clay liners and their related mortar joints.  If the clay liners in the chimney are fractured or damaged in some way and if the mortar joints are missing or deteriorated the chimney is not suitable for wood burning and in turn not safe for use with a set of artificial gas logs.

If we discover any of these defects our typical recommendations are to line the chimney with stainless steel or recommend the installation of a gas burning or wood burning fireplace insert.

The codes, standards and installation directions clearly state that anytime there is a change in the fuel source in a fireplace and chimney, the chimney must be cleaned prior to the installation of any new product.

What Makes an Artificial Log Set

First of all, let me be clear, artificial log set can only be installed in a fireplace that is suitable for wood burning.  The only way we can determine the fireplace is fire safe is to clean the chimney and then look at the interior surfaces with our remote vision camera system.

These sets come in various sizes and include ceramic logs of your choice with a burn pan, decorative silica sand, volcanic cinders, dual effect embers, a pedestal grate and damper stop.

A plumbing contractor is required to install a gas valve on the floor or wall near the fireplace and a gas supply line into the firebox.

Vent-free artificial gas log sets are illegal in the State of California.

HOW AND WHY TO CHOOSE A GAS LOG SET

Do you miss out on the joy of watching flickering flames in the fireplace because chopping, hauling, and storing logs just is not for you? With a cozy fire, the fireplace is often a favorite gathering place in the home. There’s no need to let your fireplace go to waste! Gas log sets provide the ambiance of a roaring fire without the hassle and smoke that goes along with wood burning. The natural gas or liquid propane gas used by gas logs is clean-burning. In fact, gas logs are an efficient and environmentally friendly choice, that is ultra-convenient and easy to use.

Gas log sets can change the look and ambiance of your existing wood or masonry fireplace and are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. Gas logs come in two basic varieties, vented log sets and vent-free log sets. 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GAS LOG SET

A gas log set must be used in a regular fireplace, designed to burn a wood fire. The benefits are numerous and they can offer some unique advantages. With all of the different types and options, it can be hard to know what the set is right for you, so let’s take a look at the key differences between gas log sets.

HOW DO GAS LOGS WORK?

Gas log sets are used in a regular fireplace designed for wood that releases the gas fumes through the chimney. Flame size is typically large, lending to a more realistic look, however, they aren’t especially efficient for heating since the heat goes up the chimney. Log sets must be operated with the damper wide open. Only a few varieties of vented gas logs will give off heat, otherwise, you will want to look into a Gas Log Heater, which will provide up to 25,000 BTUs of heat into the room and can be used with or without glass doors. Gas log sets can be connected to a manual on/off  gas valve, or a manual safety pilot.

GAS LOG ADVANTAGES:

  • Large flames not unlike wood-burning fire flames
  • Increased safety
  • Reasonable purchase price

GAS LOG DISADVANTAGES:

  • Higher fuel input than wood fires
  • Lower heat output that wood-burning fires

VENT-FREE GAS LOGS

You may have heard about vent-free logs because they do exist; however, they are illegal in California.

WHAT SIZE GAS LOG SET DO I NEED?

Most gas log sets range from 18 “to 30”. The size is determined by the length of the front log, which is typically the largest. To choose a size you’ll need to measure your fireplace front width, back width and depth.

• Measure the front and back widths, the depth, and the height of your enclosure

• Choose a log size based on the available enclosure space

• Uncommon sizes of gas logs are available from 16 “up to 70” 

• Be sure to account for clearing of the gas valve or any added remote receiver box

WHY CHOOSE GAS LOGS

Convenience: Lighting gas logs is quick and easy, which means there is minimum hassle to enjoy a delightful fire in your home.

Easy Maintenance

Chimney Fire Prevention: Maintenance and cleaning are still important. Because gas logs produce a lot less creosote and soot in the chimney lining, they bring safety. There is much smaller risk of a dangerous chimney fire when you enjoy the warmth provided by a gas log set.

Environmentally Friendly

Affordable Installation: The total cost involved with buying and installing a gas fireplace in your home can be as little as $ 5,000, and the potential return on your investment if you sell your home is high. In fact, if you sell, you can count on getting back about 90% of the cost to add a gas log set to your home.

Authentic Appearance: Today’s gas logs are much more than realistic than the sets of the past. You can now find artificial logs that are very convincing! 

Lower Utility Costs: You can practice zone heating with convenient gas logs sets. When zone heating, you only heat the part of your home that you are currently occupying.

Style: There are a wide variety of gas log sets to choose from, and you’ll find one that fits into your decor.

CHOOSING YOUR GAS LOG ACCESSORIES

There are a large variety of accessories available for gas logs, so we’ll just highlight a few. Platinum Embers are a low-cost addition to your set that really makes it sparkle. They are significantly brighter than regular embers, mix both regular and Platinum for the most realistic look. You can connect your set to a thermostat, a remote starter, or both.

DOES YOUR HOUSE USE NATURAL GAS OR LIQUID PROPANE?

Always make sure you buy a gas set that matches the gas already in use in your home. You will have either liquid propane or natural gas already set up for other appliances. When you buy vented and vent-free log sets, they are often pre-set to either natural gas or liquid propane. 

In Conclusion, gas log sets are a great way to reinvigorate your existing fireplace and create a more convenient and affordable heating solution. The safety and reliability of a gas log set are matched only by the efficiency and convenience they offer. Be sure to find a unit that matches your preference and enjoy the many benefits of a gas log set.

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