By Veronika There isn’t an exact rule when you should get your chimney cleaned, such as cleaning after you’ve used it 100 times. But it’s still something to keep on your list; a fire without sufficient oxygen emits ‘creosote’ or tar vapors that can cling to your flue and eventually cause a fire. The last thing you want is to be sitting by the fireplace hearth and need to call the fire department!
It’s possible to reduce the buildup of creosote in a fireplace by ensuring there is enough air and making a hot fire that burns clean.
How Do You Check For Creosote?
You can do this yourself. First, you should double-check that there isn’t a downdraft from your chimney. If you put your hand in the fireplace and feel air moving, you need to open a window or door until it stops.
With a dust mask and goggles, shine a flashlight and scratch the area just above the damper with your fireplace poker. If you scratch creosote and it’s as thin as a piece of paper, you don’t need to worry about cleaning the chimney right now.
However, if it’s ⅛” thick, get a chimney cleaning soon. But if it’s ¼” thick, don’t use your fireplace until you have it cleaned. A fire could start at any time.
Creosote that’s easiest to get rid of is dull gray, brown, or black. The next-easiest type is an accumulation that is black and granular, which can be scraped off with a chimney brush. Another type is a tar-like substance that is challenging to remove.
The most dangerous and challenging creosote is shiny and glaze-like. It’s almost impossible to get rid of this creosote.
Getting Rid of Creosote
It’s possible to clean out creosote yourself (if you have a dust mask, flashlight, and goggles), but for the best job, it’s wise to contact a chimney sweep. Make sure the Chimney Safety Institute of America accredits them.
Also, be sure the chimney sweep you bring in does the job. A good chimney sweep knows building codes, what deterioration looks like, and when there’s a venting problem. They should be able to give you a detailed description of your chimney’s condition.
Note that the National Fire Protection Association advises that fireplaces, chimneys, and vents get an insection every year.
Try a Chimney Sweep Log
Another thing to try when it’s time to get that chimney cleaned is to buy a chimney sweep log. Also known as a fireplace cleaning log, this product can help avoid chimney fires by eliminating creosote stuck to your chimney’s walls.
Remember that creosote that sticks to the chimney over many years builds up and can burst into flames. Removing creosote is essential to your and your family’s safety, so be sure that your chimney is cleaned regularly, one way or another.
Here are some additional safety tips for your fireplace:
- Have a carbon monoxide detector: These are common and inexpensive today, but many people still don’t have one. A dirty fireplace and chimney can release lethal carbon monoxide into the home.
- Ash benefits: Having about an inch of ash in the fireplace can make the coals keep heat, which lengthens burn time.
- Beware of smoke: A fireplace that is working right shouldn’t emit smoke into the home. If it happens, something’s wrong.
- Check the temperature outside: This affects how the chimney drafts. It’s recommended to open the damper 100% if it’s above 45 F outside. If it’s below that, keep the damper open about 50%. This keeps airflow at the optimum levels.
Now that you know more about operating and cleaning your fireplace, you can enjoy it more because you know it’s safe.
Lorenzo Billie