November 2017 – Ask the Chimney Sweep

Creosote Problems? ??? Stuart of SaverSystems explains how to efficiently and inexpensively take care of your creosote problems. Today we are addressing one of our most common questions: how do I handle my creosote problems? Fortunately, there is a product that greatly helps in treating and preventing creosote. What is Creosote? Creosote is the product of unburned combustibles from incomplete combustion in your firebox. It deposits on the interior walls of your chimney. Furthermore, creosote is actually very dangerous because it is easily flammable and can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Additionally, a chimney fire will lead to significant structural damage in the home and puts the inhabitants of your home at risk. Also, a good signifier you have a creosote problem is when you smell a foul odor emitting from the fireplace. Additionally, creosote is observable by the human eye, as it is a black tarry substance that you can see building up on the flues inside the chimney chase. An easy way to treat and prevent creosote with ACS (Anti-Creo-Soot). Anti-Creo-Soot (ACS) is an easy and inexpensive way to treat and prevent creosote. There are two forms of Anti-Creo-Soot: Liquid and Powder. For liquid creosote, you simply spray the ACS into the firebox during the burn while adding fuel. Also, you will want to spray 5 or 6 times. For powdered creosote, you insert a straw into the top of the canister and puff the powder up inside the fireplace. Also unlike the liquid form, you will puffing the powder into the chimney chase in between fires. In conclusion, both products modify the creosote. As a result, they break down the creosote and transform it into a harmless char or ash that can be easily removed the next time you have your chimney swept. ?