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Chimney Cleaning
Creosote: Formation and Need for Removal

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapours condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once every two months during the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.

In summary, a certain amount of creosote is inevitable and must be lived with. Regular inspection and cleaning is the solution. The use of dry, seasoned wood and ample combustion air will help to minimize the buildup.

Chimney Fires

The result of excessive creosote buildup is a chimney fire. Chimney fires are dangerous. Chimney inside temperatures can exceed 2000 degrees F. This causes much higher than normal temperatures in the chimney and on its exterior surfaces thus ignition of nearby or touching combustible material is more likely during a chimney fire. Proper clearances are critical during such a fire.

Chimney fires are easy to detect; they usually involve one or more of the following:

Clogged Gutters
In Case of a Chimney Fire

The services of a competent certified installer are strongly recommended.

Avoiding a Chimney Fire

There are two ways to avoid chimney fires:

Clogged Gutters
Gutter Cleaning

Keeping your gutters clean is important. Clogged gutters can cause water leakage into the house as the water backs up. Clogged gutters can also lead to stagnant water build up which allows mosquitoes to breed and also allow grasses and weeds to grow in the gutter.

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