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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.

 

What Is Stage 3 Creosote and How Do You Deal With It?

A dirty chimney is the leading cause of chimney fires! In this article, we will discuss what leads to stage 3 creosote and how to deal with it.

Creosote is a toxic byproduct of burning wood. The black, tarry substance can build up in your chimney over time, and not only is it corrosive and damaging to the flue liner, but it also presents a serious fire hazard.

What is Creosote and How Does it Build Up?

Creosote is a substance that develops as the byproducts of burning wood adhere to the inside of your chimney. The byproducts, including smoke, water vapor, gasses, particles of burned wood and tar fog, rise up the chimney as you burn your firewood. When they reach the cooler parts of the chimney, they rapidly cool and condense on top of each other until they form a black sticky substance known as creosote.

Stage 1 Creosote

The early stages of creosote buildup usually indicate that your chimney has not been cleaned in some time. This type of creosote is dusty, flaky, and relatively easy to remove with a chimney sweep.

Stage 2 Creosote

Stage 2 creosote is harder and blacker than stage 1. It is more difficult to remove, but must be dealt with before it progresses to stage 3.

Stage 3 Creosote

Stage 3 creosote is the most severe stage. It is more concentrated, tarry, and far more likely to cause chimney fires. Creosote also restricts air movement within the chimney and blocks parts of the air column. Surprisingly, this stage can develop in a single burning season, and should only be removed by a licensed chimney sweep, using specialized equipment.

Why is Creosote Buildup So Dangerous?

The biggest danger of stage 3 creosote is that it can cause chimney fires. When the buildup ignites, it burns very hot and may spread to other areas if not quickly contained. In addition, stage III creosote will damage or destroy your flue liner as well as the masonry within the chimney system.

What Can You Do to Prevent Creosote Buildup?

The best way to prevent creosote buildup is to have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis. Depending on the size of your fireplace, you should have it swept at least once a year. A good rule of thumb is to schedule a cleaning after 75 fires, or one cord of wood. Also, make sure you are using seasoned wood in your fireplace—freshly-cut wood contains a lot more moisture and causes more creosote buildup.

If it has been a while since you last had your chimney cleaned, contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our CSIA-certified technicians!

Here’s What to Do if You Have Stage 3 Creosote

If you have stage III creosote, do not attempt to clean it yourself. Contact a licensed chimney sweep and schedule an appointment for professional cleaning. The Irish sweep will use specialized equipment to remove the creosote buildup and restore your chimney to a safe condition.

For more information on stage III creosote or any other type of fireplace or chimney service, give us a call at 510.521.4088

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I plan on sharing some day-to-day experiences with you because I live in an awesome world, I get to be in nature all day, I meet some very interesting people and have some amazing adventures.

But first there is some information that I want to present so that this information can be found on the world wide “interweb” as we call it at my house.

Let’s start with the most frequently asked questions.

People ask me all the time,

“How often should I have my chimney and fireplace professionally cleaned?”

The rule of thumb is once every 75 fires or every cord of wood.

“How much is a cord of wood?”

It is a stack of wood 4 feet high X 8 feet long X 4 feet deep.

“Do I need my chimney cleaned if I am using a manufactured log instead of real wood?”

Yes, anything you burn will leave debris in your fireplace and on the walls of your chimney. All of that debris is a flammable substance known as creosote.

“What is creosote?”

Inside chimneys and stovepipes deposits originating as condensed wood smoke having three stages:
1st stage is soft soot
2nd stage is lumpy and crisp
3rd state is like roofing tar and is smooth as glass

“What is a damper?”

A damper is a moveable blade located in the throat of the fireplace that is designed to impede airflow in the chimney. During the colder months of the year, it is important to keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use because the damper will keep the exterior cold air from sinking down the chimney and entering your home and prevent your expensive PG&E heated air in your home.
If you live with air condition, the same is true when using that option to cool your home.

A glass fireplace enclosure also impedes airflow.

CREOSOTE, WHAT IS IT?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America defines this word as, “Chimney and stovepipe deposits originating as condensed wood smoke, including tars, oils.”

Webster’s Dictionary defines it as, “A dark brown or black flammable tar deposited from especially wood smoke on the walls of a chimney.”

In my experience, I find most people do not realize that creosote is the by-product of anything that is burned in a fireplace or wood-burning stove or insert.  This material is flammable and is the major reason to have a chimney cleaned.

In most cases, it is impossible to remove all the creosote in a chimney.  Creosote can be stone hard and burns into the surfaces of a flue.  But creosote is amazing because it oxidizes and changes chemical composition so that hard, burned on material will become cleanable in some amount of time.

WHY IS SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY FIREPLACE?

If smoke is coming out of your fireplace instead of going up the chimney it indicates there’s an issue that you need to correct. A smoky fireplace is not only unpleasant it can also be a health and fire hazard in your home. Here we look at some of the causes of smoky fireplaces and what you or a San Francisco Bay chimney sweep can do to alleviate the problem and improve

Continue reading “WHY IS SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY FIREPLACE?”

THE HIDDEN THREAT OF CHIMNEY FIRES

Most of us know the beauty of fires through the ones we see in our fireplaces. As we’ve seen wild fires burn throughout California, many of us have been reminded of the real dangers of fire.  The fire within a fireplace gives your warmth and comfort, and the chimney carries the gases from the fireplace and out from its top, providing you with safety in your home.

Continue reading “THE HIDDEN THREAT OF CHIMNEY FIRES”

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