The Risks of Creosote
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and you are enjoying the warm glow of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. In the company of friends, a sweet scent of maple wood fills the air while guests sip eggnog and enjoy fresh-baked gingerbread cookies, a cherished tradition in many homes. But behind those flickering flames lurks a potential danger: creosote. This natural byproduct of burning wood silently builds up in your chimney, posing a serious fire hazard and even health risks.
Fire Risk
Creosote buildup in the chimney is a primary cause of house fires in Pennsylvania. Recently, an early morning fire broke out in the chimney and spread throughout a home in southern Allegheny County. The multi-alarm blaze caused significant damage to the residence, and a firefighter was injured and hospitalized. Unfortunately, situations like this occur frequently in our communities during winter.
Health Risk
Creosote is a fire hazard, but it can also pose health risks. Particulate matter in the smoky air can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure may exacerbate conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Some studies also suggest a link between creosote exposure and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
The Different Stages of Creosote
Creosote starts as a powdery substance that condenses on the cooler parts of your chimney flue. It can harden into a thick, crusty layer without regular chimney inspections and sweeping. Creosote is highly flammable; even a tiny spark can ignite this buildup, leading to a fast-moving and potentially devastating fire. It is the leading cause of house fires in Pennsylvania. However, this buildup doesn’t happen overnight. It goes through distinct stages as it matures:
- Stage 1: Light Glaze: In the early stage, creosote forms a thin, shiny film on the flue walls. It’s easily removable with regular chimney sweeping.
- Stage 2: Crusty Buildup: The substance thickens and becomes a tarry, crusty layer. While still manageable with professional cleaning, this stage requires immediate attention due to the increased fire risk.
- Stage 3: Glazed-Over Flue: This is the most dangerous stage. The creosote completely coats the flue, narrowing the passage and significantly increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
How to Prevent Creosote Buildup
The good news is that creosote buildup is entirely preventable! Here are some key steps homeowners can take to ensure a safer fireplace experience:
Inspect Your Chimney Annually
One of the most important steps is to have a Certified Chimney Sweep® inspect the entire chimney and venting system at least yearly. The sweep will look for any signs of damage or creosote buildup. Cracks in the flue or black, tarry residues are red flags that require professional intervention. By staying vigilant, you can catch potential issues early and prevent them from becoming serious problems.
Schedule Regular Chimney Sweeping
A certified chimney sweep can remove creosote buildup before it becomes a problem. The recommended cleaning frequency depends on how often you use your fireplace, but once a year is the minimum.
Burn Only Seasoned Hard Woods
Unseasoned wood burns less efficiently and creates more smoke, soot, and creosote. Dry, seasoned hardwoods like Ash, Cherry, Maple, and Oak burn cleaner and hotter, minimizing smoke and creosote buildup.
These simple steps will help reduce creosote buildup’s safety and health risks in your chimney, reducing the chances your family will awaken in the middle of the night to a devastating house fire.
Pittsburgh Chimney Sweep Services
Remember, a clean chimney is a safe chimney. For expert chimney cleaning and inspection services in southwestern Pennsylvania, contact Advance Chimney Sweeps. Our certified professionals serve the Greater Pittsburgh and Southern Alleghany Valley communities, including Carnegie, Mt. Washington, O’Hara Township, and Scott Township. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
