How to Prevent Creosote Buildup in Chimneys

Creosote is a brownish-black natural product of combustion usually found in fireplaces and chimneys after a fire has been extinguished. According to the Vancouver, Washington Fire Department, too much creosote buildup in your chimney can lead to potentially explosive chimney fires. Regular chimney maintenance and taking care when starting and maintaining fires in your fireplace can help prevent high levels of creosote from building up in your chimney.

Things You'll Need

• Seasoned wood
• Chimney cleaning

Instructions

1. Burn only dried or seasoned wood in your wood stove or fireplace to avoid creosote problems in your chimney. Wood that is moist, usually referred to as green wood, can increase the amount of creosote deposited in your chimney because it burns slower and cooler than dry wood. Burning paper and plastic products may also have the same effect as green wood, according to the Vancouver, Washington Fire Department.

2. Feed your fire regularly to keep it going strong to prevent unusually large quantities of creosote from developing. Smoke and soot from a fire that is low and slow stays in your chimney longer than a strong, hot fire and adds to the creosote levels.

3. Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney on a yearly basis. He will clear the chimney of creosote that built up over the last season and can make repairs to your chimney if he finds cracks. The Greenland, New Hampshire Fire Department suggests asking your professional about getting a chimney cap. A chimney cap reduces the likelihood of debris falling into your chimney from outside. Foreign objects in your chimney can reduce the rate of ventilation and can cause creosote to build up more quickly.

References

• Vancouver, Washington Fire Department: Chimney Safety
• Greenland, New Hampshire Volunteer Fire Department, Chimney Fire Prevention