The Risks of Creosote

During the chilliest months of the year, it’s normal to have more fires in your fireplace than usual. To cut through the bitter cold keeping your home, a toasty and cozy fireplace is comforting. However, the more fires you have, the more regular maintenance you should keep up with. Why? Mainly because of the natural byproduct of fires called creosote. Let’s take a closer look at what this is and what issues it may cause.

Creosote 101

Creosote is a normal byproduct of fires that is impossible to avoid. But there are ways to get ahead of any adverse effects with some planning. As creosote collects on the inner walls of your chimney, it takes on a tar-like consistency. It becomes very difficult to clean yourself, so that is why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly suggests annual cleanings to tackle it. Not only does it have a thick, difficult consistency, it also comes with a strong smell and the possibility to inhale toxic chemicals.

Concerns That Comes with Creosote

Not only is creosote potentially smelly and difficult to deal with, it can also be a cause for concern if neglected. These concerns vary, including health, safety, and cleanliness.

Cleanliness

As creosote collects, it is harder to remove. Because of this, it’s important to get ahead of the buildup. If it gets to be neglected, the buildup could even require a complete replacement of your chimney liner rather than just a cleaning. Chimney professionals will be able to determine the level of cleaning that is correct for you as it varies from moderate to severe.

Health & Safety

The more creosote that accumulates, the worse the smell can become. It can even be potentially dangerous to inhale, making it toxic to breathe in. This can be irritating for skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Continuous exposure to creosote fumes can even increase your chances of cancer of your lungs, skin, and others. It can also be particularly unpleasant if you have asthma or respiratory issues.

Creosote buildup also greatly increases your risk of a house fire because creosote is highly flammable. Because of this, it is actually one of the leading causes of house fires. In fact, creosote in high quantities could even catch fires just from extreme heat. These types of fires spread quickly and rapidly as it spreads throughout the creosote.

Take Care of Creosote

To get ahead of these issues, it is important to have an annual cleaning and inspection by local chimney professionals. No matter how big or small the issue or maintenance may be, call the professionals sooner rather than later.

Ready to Tackle Creosote? Call Chimney Specialists Inc. Today

Are you due for your annual chimney sweep? Do you think you have a build-up of creosote that you need to take care of? If yes, it may be time to call Chimney Specialists Inc. with your questions or to book an appointment. If it turns out you are in need of some repairs, we can determine the right path for you with your timeline and budget in mind. Regular maintenance can help avoid issues in the future and make for the most enjoyable fire experiences throughout the season. Contact us today!