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What is creosote and why is it so dangerous
What is creosote and why is it so dangerous in your chimney?
Creosote is a highly flammable, tar like deposit in a chimney that consists of soot, chemicals, and a range of particles originating from incomplete combustion when burning wood.
It's carcinogenic substance encompasses a range of materials, More information at the HETAS advice Hub:
https://www.hetas.co.uk/consumer/advice-hub/advice-articles/what-is-creosote/
A number of factors affect creosote in a chimney or flue. For exampmple: Wood species and moisture content of the wood being burned, the appliance size and operation, the characteristics of the chimney and flue system also have an impact
Combustion by products cool as they are drawn up the chimney when in use, it condeses along the walls of the chimney/flue and forms creosote. These deposits contain acetic acid which can trap the carbon from smoke produced by your fire, creating an extremely flammable substance that grows as you burn more.
Large amounts of creosote in a chimney is dangerous and can cause chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Burning good quality fuel and making sure logs/wood is below 20% moisutre content which helps reduce the risks.
Three types of creosote build up:
1st degree creosote build-up - Resembling a coating of dark dust on the walls of your chimney, first degree creosote is primarily composed of soot and is the easiest to eliminate. First degree creosote build-up causes minimal issues; the main concern is if the build-up increases in size. This can be removed easily by a chimney sweep.
2nd degree creosote build-up - Forming thick, shiny black flakes, second degree creosote is significantly more difficult to remove. The increased size of these deposits can cause your chimney draught to become restricted, resulting in smoke and other gases such as carbon monoxide re-entering the room - This can normally be removed by a chimney sweep using some other tougher methods.
3rd degree creosote build-up - Resembling glossy, thick tar dripping down your chimney, third degree creosote is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. This level of creosote can liquefy at high temperatures, causing it to drip down your chimney, resembling thick wax as it cools. This level of build-up is a result of irresponsible burning practices. Burning wet wood, having an unsuitably large flue for your appliance, and neglecting regular chimney sweeps all contribute to this severity of creosote build-up.
Creosote’s ignition point is just 232.8°C
The most common cause of chimney fires is combustible deposits being ignited.
creosote is a combustible deposit that will continue to accumulate as you use your stove, increasing the likelihood of a chimney fire.
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The Risk of Chimney Fires your chimney
The Risk of Chimney Fires
Chimney sweeping and maintenance is needed for most home insurance policies
Because a chimney is part of a fuel burning system, it can pose a danger if not maintained.
Insurance Companies selling house insurance want to know if a chimney being used in a property is being properly maintained. Some insurances wont pay out on the back of a chimney fire with out proof of a sweep. Regular sweeping helps identify any issues early, helps prevent chimney fires & carbon monoxide poisoning.
The best way to prove a chimney is being maintained is to show evidence such as a chimney
