Creosote- What's that?

Creosote is residue, a by-product of combustion – the substances produced when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog and assorted minerals. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and when they flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs.

Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky, tar-like, drippy and sticky, or shiny and hardened.

Certain conditions encourage the buildup of creosote like restricted air supply, turbulence, unseasoned wood, and cooler than normal chimney temperatures, are all factors that can accelerate the buildup of creosote on chimney flue walls.

There are 3 level of creosote

Level 1

Stage 1 creosote is typically a light powder or soot. It can be easily removed by a brush during a chimney sweeping.

Level 2

Level 1

Stage 2 creosote is often seen as shiny, hard, and black flakes. It is more difficult to remove and often requires rotary chains if the typical brushes aren't getting the job done.

Level 3

Level 1

Level 3

Stage 3 creosote is the most serious form of creosote, It s a thick, hardened layer similar to tar, also known as glazed creosote, It is extremely difficult to remove and poses a serious fire hazard.