Video Highlights:
0:22 Stage 3 Creosote
0:28 Very Dangerous Buildup
0:48 If Stage 3 Creosote catches fire
1:05 Best options if Stage 3 is present
1:15 Chemical options for removal
1:25 ACS Liquid form
1:47 ACS powder
2:10 Use in combination
2:32 ACS is a Powerful tool!
According to statistics, there are over 25,000 Chimney Fires per year in the US that are responsible for
over 125 million dollars in property damage. The build-up of creosote along the chimney walls can
facilitate the start of a chimney fire. I am Melissa from Northline Express, and today I am going to talk to you
about stage 3 creosote and what you can do about it.
Third-stage creosote is definitely the most dangerous and something to be avoided. Not only is it
extremely difficult to clean, it is a highly concentrated fuel that resembles a coating of tar dripping down
inside of your chimney. This type of glazed creosote can become very thick as it hardens and is
repeatedly re-coated with another layer. A hot fire can very easily ignite this type of creosote, which is
extremely hazardous. If stage three creosote catches fire, it does become easy to remove because it
leaves behind a spongy residue. But a chimney fire can too easily lead to a house fire because the
intense flames often cause a fire on the roof or damage the flue so it is not as simple as burning it out of
your chimney. Many times it is best to replace a chimney liner if it is severely coated with stage 3
creosote. There are chemical removers that are fairly effective. The two best products to use are Anti Creo-Soot
(ACS)Liquid spray or ACS Powder.
ACS in liquid form is a chimney creosote removal spray that can be applied directly onto the fire or used
to pre-treat the wood before burning. The vapor goes up the flue and attaches to the glazed creosote
and chemically modifies it, converting it into a harmless ash that can easily be swept out with a chimney
sweep brush.
ACS in powder form is a little bit more powerful. This powdered chimney creosote remover is applied to
the chimney walls and up the flue. When you start a fire, the temperature needs to reach 300 degrees F.
Once this happens, the ACS Powder causes the creosote to expand and contract at a different rate than
the flue it is attached to, causing it to peel away from the flue liner. Both of these products contain a
unique chemical catalyst that breaks down the creosote over time. They are the most powerful when
used in combination. Use the ACS Powder for the first 2 weeks to break down the really heavy duty
creosote. Then use the regular ACS liquid spray every time you have a fire. Give it 5-6 sprays each fire to
reduce creosote buildup and keep your chimney creosote-free.