Post by : Admin
09-Nov-2022
Ever wondered why chimney cleaning needs to be done regularly? One of the major reasons why these are necessary at regular intervals is because of creosote build-up.
Creosote is a black-colored oily substance. It sticks to the walls of the fireplace and chimney. Creosote is a by-product of fire.
In this blog, let’s take a detailed look at chimney creosote as well as the dangers and health effects it poses.
There are 3 main types of creosote. Coal tar, wood, tar, and water-borne creosote. Creosotes are also made artificially for other uses. What you find in your chimneys after the winter is wood tar creosote, also called chimney creosote.
Chimney creosote is unwanted and doesn’t have any practical application within the chimney. It’s also difficult to remove because of its sticky nature. Professional chimney sweepers use specialized creosote removal equipment to clean chimneys and remove creosote build-ups inside.
Creosote is flammable and can catch fire when heated. Excessive creosote in your chimney can lead to chimney or house fires.
Creosote also blocks the chimney liner as it accumulates, disrupting the airflow to the chimney. This also prevents the gasses and fumes from escaping properly from the burning fire. These fumes and gasses can make their way into your house and can cause health and financial damage.
Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by burning fire. It’s colorless and odorless, which makes it hard to detect. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, so you must ensure there are carbon monoxide detectors in your home and that the chimney liner doesn’t have any blockages.
If you come into contact with creosote, it can cause a variety of health problems, including skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory issues, and more. Pregnant women should avoid contact with creosote because it can cause congenital disabilities in children.
Creosote is dangerous, and to ensure there’s no build-up inside your chimney, getting regular inspection and cleaning is necessary. If you’re a resident of Connecticut, Creative Masonry & Chimney can help you. We are a chimney cleaning company offering chimney and fireplace services in Connecticut for over 20 years. We provide chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repair, fireplace remodeling, and more. Get in touch with us now to book a fireplace inspection and cleaning.
