Thorough, Mess-Free Creosote Removal Services
Many wood-burning fireplace, stove, and insert owners know that creosote is something they want to avoid. But why exactly is it so harmful? And why does it need to be professionally removed on a regular basis?
Our knowledgeable crew takes pride in not only resolving a large number of chimney issues, but also in ensuring our customers are as informed as possible. We’re always happy to share both what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. So, let’s talk creosote.
What Is Creosote?
First off – what is creosote? What does it look like? How does creosote even form in the first place?
Creosote is a substance that builds up inside the chimney as you burn fires in the fireplace. It’s the result of smoke, water vapor, tar fog, and assorted wood-burning byproducts that cool and settle on the interior walls of the chimney as they pass through.
Creosote tends to present itself in a few different ways. The easiest to remove is light and flaky. Other times it’s on the stickier side and textured more like goopy tar. And the most difficult to tackle is the glazed creosote, which is glossy and hard.
English Sweep – Creosote Removal
Why Is Removing Creosote Important?
A lot of creosote is bad for the health of your system, and it can clog things up if not regularly removed. This will affect air flow and efficiency, slowing the removal of smoke and harmful fumes so that they backdraft into your home instead of exiting the chimney.
Additionally, creosote buildup can cause awful chimney odors, especially during the humid summer months.
That said, the bigger worry with creosote in your flue is the increased risk of experiencing a chimney fire due to creosote’s flammable nature.
Chimney fires can be loud, attention-drawing events, but for the most part they’re quiet and slow-moving. Most homeowners won’t even realize one has occurred unless they spot more obvious signals like honeycombed creosote, cracked flue tiles, discoloration, warped metal components, or other signs of extreme heat exposure. Yet, even these aren’t so easy to spot, meaning you could be using your system when it’s really unsafe to do so.
Routine sweepings and creosote removal can keep chimney fires from occurring, so, be sure to make professional sweepings part of your normal fireplace routine. It’s the best move for your schedule, budget, health, and comfort.
With English Sweep, Inc., You’re Guaranteed Top-Notch Service
At English Sweep, Inc., we’re known for having high standards and providing the best care. How do we maintain such high standards and deliver such exceptional service? Our team is made up of Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified sweeps, National Fireplace Institute (NFI)-certified sweeps, and the only CSIA Master Chimney Sweep in Missouri. We’re also members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NSCG) and the Midwest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (MWHPBA).
We’re committed to education and excellence because it’s what’s best for our customer base – simple as that. We strive to be the best so we can deliver the best service around!
Think Creosote May Be a Problem? Give Our Sweeps A Call
You deserve peace of mind when operating your fireplace system, and one of the most effective ways to gain this is by booking chimney sweepings on a regular basis.
So, if your chimney is dirty and you think you may have creosote buildup in your chimney, call us at 636-225-3340 to get an appointment on the books. We’ll safely and quickly remove creosote – even stubborn glazed creosote – so you can get back to using your fireplace ASAP.
Call or reach out online to book your appointment today.
Annual chimney sweeping goes a long way toward ensuring safe operation of your chimney system. Schedule this important service with us today!