Creosote Buildup In Wood Fireplace

Creosote buildup in woodburning stoves is a function of wood moisture content and combustion temperature.

Creosote buildup in wood fireplace.

Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires. If the flue is oversized for the appliance. Unfortunately wood never burns completely. It contains chemical byproducts that become airborne as the wood burns and then solidifies onto the chimney walls as it cools.

The two primary threats caused by creosote are chimney obstruction and chimney fires. Hometap to call nowvisit our main website. Un insulated chimneys or any other reason the chimney is cold when using unseasoned wood. An issue with either of these can lead to incomplete combustion of the wood where a struggling fire can release more creosote than usual.

Creosote buildup is dangerous as it can cause chimney fires. In texture it can appear crusty or flaky drippy and sticky like tar or shiny and hardened to the surface. Creosote buildup is dangerous for several reasons. When the temperature in your flue is below 250 degrees fahrenheit these gases condense in your chimney and buildup along the lining of the flue.

This occurs when the flue temperatures are low and or combustion is incomplete. On wood stoves with the air controls turned way down. Creosote is a black or brown residue that sticks to the inner walls of your chimney or stove pipes. This describes wood stoves and fireplaces with glass doors.

Ultimately more than 100 pounds of creosote could build up in the chimney creating tremendous danger in the event of a chimney fire and causing deterioration of the chimney lining. Small amounts of creosote aren t a concern. Primary dangers of creosote. Creosote buildup settles in chimneys after burning wood or artificial logs.

Creosote is a flammable and corrosive substance that can build up on the walls of your fireplace and chimney. This is common when any of or a combination of these conditions exist. The dangers of creosote buildup. It is produced by combustion gases that are given off from burning wood.

But whatever its appearance creosote is highly combustible. As the creosote builds up though it can pose a serious risk to you and your family s well being. These are signs you have a creosote buildup on the inside of your chimney flue. One of the main causes of creosote buildup is a poorly burning fire due to a problem with either the air supply to the fire or a problem with the wood.

Third degree creosote buildup is the worst of them all. Some of its energy will be lost through moisture evaporation resulting in the creation of creosote that sticks to the insides of your chimney s walls. It is a smelly corrosive material that is incredibly combustible. Creosote forms when unburned wood particles fly ash and other volatile gasses combine as they exit the chimney.