What Causes Soot Build-Up 

What is Creosote?

Before we can talk about what causes soot buildup, we need to discuss what creosote is. Creosote is the buildup of burnt wood and coal. It is a dangerous byproduct that stays in your chimney until it is removed. Creosote solidifies and sticks to your chimney.

What Causes This Build-Up?

There are many contributing factors to why creosote builds up in your fireplace. It could be from unseasoned wood, poor maintenance, or inadequate oxygen. Let us discuss some of the causes.

• By not burning the right type of wood. Burning wood that is wet or not seasoned will only cause concerns later on. Also, smoke that billows from your fireplace. Only burn well-seasoned or cured wood. Wood should be seasoned for at least 6 months before burning. Seasoned wood burns the best. 
• Burn hardwood. Wood such as oak, ash, birch, or maple. These woods will burn the hottest, allowing the resin from the burning to go right up the chimney.
• Be sure that the fire is getting enough oxygen. The damper should be opened before starting a fire. Open the glass doors slightly. This will ensure proper oxygen for the fire. 
• Warm up a cold flue. This will avoid condensation collecting in the chimney which encourages creosote. Light a rolled-up piece of newspaper. Place it up the chimney to warm the chimney a bit before actually lighting the fire. This will prevent the condensation buildup which starts when a fire is started in a cold chimney.
• A fireplace and chimney that has accumulated creosote will continue to build up. Have an annual chimney sweep to clean out any creosote that accumulated over the year. 

What Harm Can Creosote Cause?

Being a byproduct of slow-burning wood, creosote can be dangerous in several ways. 

• Skin irritation. Creosote can irritate the skin. Severe eye Burning, rash, and itching as well.
• Breathing. The respiratory tract can be jeopardized when breathing in coal tar creosote.
• Fire hazard. The buildup of creosote in the chimney can cause a serious risk of fire. Signs of a creosote fire would be dense black smoke, and cracking and popping sounds. As well as an intense burning smell. A chimney fire can cause damage to the chimney lining beyond repair. It can cause a house fire.

If there is a concern of buildup of creosote in your chimney it is time to contact Northeastern Chimney. It is time for a chimney cleaning and inspection. Don’t delay. For the safety of you, your family, and your home. We are more than happy to help you with any concerns. 

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney at 860-233-5770. We can clean your chimney no matter what bend or curve you have. We come with all the equipment needed for all sorts of chimneys. Our certified chimney technicians provide quality chimney sweep services including chimney repairs, chimney cleaning, and chimney rebuilding for residents in West Hartford, East Windsor, Farmington, Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Marlborough, Cromwell and the surrounding Central Connecticut area.

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