CHIMNEY SWEEP AND HEARTH PROFESSIONAL OF CT MA AND RI

Creosote and Chimney Care

ne of the dangers of not maintaining a fireplace/chimney is a chimney fire. One related cause is from creosote buildup. Creosote is the residue from unburned products that are left inside of the chimney. This is a natural by-product of wood burning. Essentially, no chimney is immune to creosote.

There are 3 different levels of creosote:

1. Light soot covering the inside walls of the chimney

2. A gel-like substance

3. A hardened black glazed buildup that is plastered on the

    inside walls of a chimney (requires professional removal)

The best practices are:

1. Have your chimney checked annually for the

development of creosote to maintain a CLEAN FIREPLACE

2. Burnonlyseasoned wood

3. Make sure there is enough ventilation running through

    the fireplace area

4. Maintain a high temperature while burning the wood

*MOST IMPORTANTLY: MAINTAIN A CLEAN CHIMNEY*

Other hazards, other than creosote are animals residing within the chimney as well as, any cracks and or deterioration of said chimney. All of these hazards can be prevented with proper chimney inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

THINGS TO DO IF YOU HAVE A CHIMNEY FIRE

1. Get everyone out of the house

2. Call 911.

3. Do not close the damper of any wood stove or fireplace

4. Close all doors and vents/air inlets to fireplace/wood stove

5. If you see flames at the top of the chimney, if possible, hose down the roof and not the chimney. Water on a flaming chimney will break it down.

6. Call a chimney sweep before using the chimney again.

For more information on creosote click on site below:

www.encyclopedia.com/topic/creosote.aspx#1E1-creosote

Call Jeffrey L. Decker today for all your chimney needs.

1-860-444-0462

OR

1-860-634-4259

(EMERGENCY SERVICE)

Working Together to Protect Your Home and Family