Fuel oil and natural gas prices have soared, and with them so has the popularity of alternative fuels. Wood stove, pellet stove and fireplace use are all on the rise, and with each of these comes a hidden danger that every dedicated "wood burner" needs to keep in mind: Burning wood creates creosote, and if left untreated creosote can cause fires.
The "Skinny" on Creosote When wood fire burns, it releases unburned gases. These unburned gases condensate on the walls of the chimney liner or flue tile and form a tarry or glazed substance called creosote. Creosote becomes dangerous when allowed to accumulate in the chimney, where it becomes a fuel source for a potential chimney fire. Creosote buildup can be minimized by burning small hot fires and using dry, well seasoned wood, but the reality is the formation of creosote from burning wood cannot be avoided. The Dangers of Creosote Buildup A chimney fire will occur when built-up creosote deposits are ignited by extreme heat from the fireplace. For this to occur, the creosote must be subjected to high temperatures-temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees or so. Although 1,000-plus degrees may seem a bit extreme, the following quote from the March 1990 Home & Hearth Magazine puts this all in good perspective: "Creosote buildup, by itself or in combination with other factors, was involved in 92 percent of chimney fires reported in a study commissioned by the Wood Heating Alliance. A buildup of as little as 1/8 to 1/4 inch of creosote is sufficient to create a fire hazard." First Key to Safety is Cleaning Eventually, every chimney requires a manual cleaning to remove creosote build-up. Since the formation of creosote is an unavoidable byproduct of burning wood, cleaning your chimney becomes an unavoidable task as well. Cleaning a chimney on your own is a dirty job and is somewhat difficult to do. The proper brushes and techniques should be used to ensure that the sides of the chimney are left clean from creosote. And, more importantly, proper inspection should be done at every cleaning to ensure there are no structural defects, such as cracks or missing mortar joints in the chimney flue that could lead to eventual safety problems. For these reasons it is highly recommended that the task of cleaning be left to a CSIA Certified professional chimney sweep. The frequency for the cleanings can vary, based on the amount of use that the fireplace receives, but should never be longer than a year between cleanings. "Chemical Cleaning" is a Great Idea, Too Understanding that creosote can begin to reform within a few days after cleaning, a regular method of ongoing maintenance is always recommended. To accomplish this, chemical cleaners are a great solution. Chemical cleaners, used during burning, will help to prevent creosote from reforming, as well as help to reduce chimney odors. These types of cleaners can be found in several different forms, including powders, liquid sprays, logs and sticks. When selecting a product to use, keep in mind that the best alternative in chemical cleaners is one that can be used on a daily basis with every burn. My experience has been that the liquid sprays, such as ACS's Anti-Creo-Soot, are the best choice when selecting a cleaner. They tend to be the least expensive per application, they're extremely easy to use and, since they are used with every burn, they are the most effective at reducing ongoing creosote buildup. Burning wood, whether in a fireplace or a wood-burning appliance, offers many advantages to the homeowner, including the lure of heating with wood and the joy of stoking the fire. The energy savings that can be gained by wood as an alternative fuel source have motivated many homeowners to become "wood burners." By taking a couple of steps to keep your fireplace clean from creosote buildup you will enjoy all of the benefits of natural wood without the risks of fire. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
