Understanding the Creosote Buildup | Why it’s Dangerous & How to Prevent it in Spokane!

Chimneys are an important part of a Spokane home, especially in the cold winters. However, there is a hidden danger in the chimneys of Spokane homes. That danger is “Creosote.” It’s a tar-like, flammable substance that is a major cause of chimney fires and other health risks.

As per the U.S Fire Administration report, heating equipment like chimneys is the main reason behind home fires. Since creosote buildup is the major culprit behind the chimney fires, we should understand it. Let’s understand what it is and how to prevent it to ensure your home safety, especially in winter when chimneys are used often.

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What is Creosote Buildup?

Creosote is a blackish, tar-like, flammable substance produced by the incomplete combustion or burning in fireplaces and stoves. It forms due to the condensation of smoke, moisture, and gases, making a flammable and sticky material. The building process occurs in different stages, which are as follows:

  • Stage 01: Building up of a light, sooty substance. A chimney brush can remove it.
  • Stage 02: Hard and flaky deposits. Require a professional chimney cleaning.
  • Stage 03: Tar-like, thick, and flammable substance buildup. Extremely dangerous.

Wood heating and chimney usage are common in Spokane, especially in cold temperatures. So, creosote formation and buildup are common issues. But don’t worry, we know how to make your home safe. Call us at (509) 461-5359 and get a free quote today. 

Why is Creosote Buildup Dangerous?

Chimney Fires

Creosote of stages 2 and 3 is highly flammable and can ignite and cause chimney fires. As per the USFA, there were 34,200 incidents of residential heating fires reported to U.S. fire departments in just two years.

Reduced Efficiency

Creosote accumulation not only poses a risk of fires but also imposes risks to your health. It restricts the airflow, causing smoke to back up in your home. It also lowers the stove and fireplace’s efficiency, leading to high fuel costs.

Health Risks

A chimney with higher creosote buildups also releases harmful gases that are produced by combustion. Harmful gases (e.g., Carbon Monoxide) and unpleasant odors affect indoor air quality and your health.

How to Prevent Creosote Buildup

Preventing creosote from building up in the chimney involves taking some easy but effective steps to keep your chimney creosote-free. Here are the steps from our chimney expert:

Seasoned Wood Usage

Use the seasoned wood with a low moisture content below 20%. Unseasoned and green wood, when burned, produces more smoke and creosote due to incomplete combustion.

Ensure Proper Combustion

Ensure proper or complete combustion by maintaining correct temperatures and air intake. Incomplete combustion increases creosote formation and buildup. You can use a wood-burning stove with proper insulation and a chimney liner.

Install Chimney Cap

Install and use a chimney cap to prevent moisture and unwanted elements from entering the chimney. It helps in many ways, like complete combustion and ultimately reduces the cresoote buildup. In Spokane’s weather, it is necessary to install.

Ensure Regular Chimney Cleaning

A regular chimney cleaning and inspection by a professional chimney sweep ensures the removal of creosote before it becomes a risk. The NFPA recommends sweeping or inspecting your chimney at least once a year, and more often if usage is frequent.

Chimney Brush Usage

For stage 1 creosote buildup, a chimney brush can help remove the creosote from your chimney. However, you must have some experience inspecting your chimney and crooked buildup stage. Consult with a professional for more safety.

Professional Chimney Cleaning in Spokane

Do you need a chimney sweep in Spokane? Our CSIA-certified Spokane chimney cleaning experts use advanced technology and tools like high-powered brushes to remove every layer of creosote from your chimney. Here’s what we offer:

  • Comprehensive Inspections: Our experts do deep inspections and identify issues like creosote and chimney liner damage.
  • Tailored Fixes: We remove every layer of creosote, even stage 3, with our advanced tools and techniques.
  • Local Expertise: Our local professional knows Spokane and provides tailored solutions for your chimney.

We not only serve in Spokane but also in the neighbourhoods. If you live in Spokane Valley, Deer Park, Cheney, Loon Lake, Medical Lake, or nearby areas, you can book our expertly curated chimney cleaning services. Call today and book your appointment or get a free quote!

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a blackish, tar-like, flammable substance produced by the burning of wood and accumulates in your chimney. It causes smoke backup, produces unpleasant odors, and has a tar-like appearance in your chimney.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney cleanings, or twice a year if you use it more frequently.

Using seasoned and dry wood, along with installing a chimney cap, helps ensure efficient wood burning and combustion. Ultimately, proper combustion helps in preventing creosote accumulation.

A certified and professional chimney cleaning expert inspects and identifies all the issues and removes them before they become a risk. Acquiring an expert service helps remove the creosote on time and ensures the home’s safety.

Contact Us to Prevent Creosote Buildup

Want to protect your chimney from fires and creosote risks with our professional Spokane chimney cleaning services? We serve all over Spokane and neighbourhoods like Spokane Valley, Deep Park, and nearby areas. Let’s ensure your chimney is safe and efficient. Call (509) 461-5359 or book an online service to get your chimney crosote-free!

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