Video Highlights:
0:08 The Key to preventing chimney fires
0:11 What is Creosote
0:17 3 degrees/stages of creosote
0:25 Stage 2 Creosote
0:33 What the buildup looks like
0:43 The best approach in removing Stage 2
1:02 What appliances commonly produce Stage 2 Creosote
1:09 Preventing Stage 2 buildup
1:17 How much buildup signals the need for cleaning
1:22 How often to check your chimney
1:28 Products recommended for cleaning and prevention
1:37 Flue-Renew Creosote Remover Log
1:57 Safe-T-Flue Chimney Cleaner
2:19 Creosote Control Firebricks
Chimney fires cause hundreds of deaths and millions of dollars in lost property every year in the United States, but they can be easily prevented. The key is to keep the fireplace free of creosote build-up. Creosote is a flammable, sticky substance caused by unburned gases that condense on the inside of the chimney, but did you know that there are three degrees or stages of creosote? I am Melissa from NorthlineExpress and I am going to talk about stage 2 creosote.
Stage 2 or second degree creosote is more complicated to remove than the type that contains mostly soot. This type of creosote builds up in glistening black flakes. The flakes are hard and contain hardened tar. Second degree creosote is not brushed away as easily as the stage one variety, but it is removable. The best approach to cleaning stage 2 creosote is to use a rotary loop. This stainless steel piece of equipment is a cable attached to a hub which has metal rods that are turned by a special type of powerful drill.
An example of a situation in which stage 2 creosote is built up in the chimney is when there is restriction to the amount of incoming air. It is fairly common for fireplaces and wood stoves with glass doors to produce this type of creosote. Proper chimney cleaning is the key to preventing creosote build-up. First, check the chimney closely for creosote. Or have a professional chimney sweep do it for you. A quarter-inch of creosote build-up signals the time for a cleanup. Check as often as twice a month during the heating season.
Here are a few products that we recommend for helping to remove stage 2 creosote and keeping creosote from building up in your firebox and chimney.
Flue-Renew Creosote Remover Log – By adding one 3 lb Flue-Renew Creosote Remover Log to your fire once a month, you substantially decrease the amount of flammable, sticky, tar-like creosote in your chimney flue making your regularly scheduled cleanings faster, easier and far more thorough.
Safe-T-Flue Chimney Cleaner – is a granular material used to modify soot and creosote deposits in the chimney to an ash which is easily brushed away. It is easy to use and basically toil free. Just add two scoops to a good bed of coals, add firewood, and burn the fire hot to activate the soot destroying chemicals. Chimney can then be brushed clean without a great deal of exertion.
Creosote Control Firebrick – The Creosote Control Firebricks are made from 100% all natural wood. Each tightly compressed firebrick contains special chemicals that help slow build up; helping to prevent chimney fires and extending the time between cleanings. This firebrick contains no waxes or oils so they are safe to burn in any wood burning appliance. Each box contains four firebricks for ease of use. The frequency of your fires, the type of wood (hard versus soft) and whether the wood is green or seasoned will determine the frequency with which each piece should be used.
Regular chimney cleanings and burning good seasoned wood in additions to using a creosote control product that we recommend here at NorthlineExpress is the best way to avoid stage two creosote buildup in your chimney and reduce your risk of dangerous and damaging chimney fires.
I hope you found this information helpful and please keep watching for our next part in the Creosote Removal and Prevention Series, “Stage 3 Creosote”. Remember NorthlineExpress.com is your one stop shop for all of your creosote remover needs and is also the home of the “Buy and Try” Satisfaction Guarantee.