It is produced by combustion gases that are given off from burning wood.
Creosote buildup in wood fireplace.
An issue with either of these can lead to incomplete combustion of the wood where a struggling fire can release more creosote than usual.
Call your local chimney sweep to find out if your chimney should be cleaned of the sticky substance.
If the flue is oversized for the appliance.
Creosote buildup in woodburning stoves is a function of wood moisture content and combustion temperature.
Third degree creosote buildup is the worst of them all.
Small amounts of creosote aren t a concern.
But whatever its appearance creosote is highly combustible.
Some of its energy will be lost through moisture evaporation resulting in the creation of creosote that sticks to the insides of your chimney s walls.
Unfortunately wood never burns completely.
It contains chemical byproducts that become airborne as the wood burns and then solidifies onto the chimney walls as it cools.
In texture it can appear crusty or flaky drippy and sticky like tar or shiny and hardened to the surface.
The dangers of creosote buildup.
This describes wood stoves and fireplaces with glass doors.
Creosote buildup settles in chimneys after burning wood or artificial logs.
On wood stoves with the air controls turned way down.
If there s a poor draft these unburned particles and gasses can condense and build up on the walls of your chimney.
Primary dangers of creosote.
It is a smelly corrosive material that is incredibly combustible.
When the temperature in your flue is below 250 degrees fahrenheit these gases condense in your chimney and buildup along the lining of the flue.
Creosote buildup is dangerous as it can cause chimney fires.
Third degree creosote buildup.
As the creosote builds up though it can pose a serious risk to you and your family s well being.
Creosote buildup is dangerous for several reasons.
Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires.
These are signs you have a creosote buildup on the inside of your chimney flue.
This is common when any of or a combination of these conditions exist.
Creosote is a black or brown residue that sticks to the inner walls of your chimney or stove pipes.
The two primary threats caused by creosote are chimney obstruction and chimney fires.
One of the main causes of creosote buildup is a poorly burning fire due to a problem with either the air supply to the fire or a problem with the wood.
Creosote forms when unburned wood particles fly ash and other volatile gasses combine as they exit the chimney.
Un insulated chimneys or any other reason the chimney is cold when using unseasoned wood.
Ultimately more than 100 pounds of creosote could build up in the chimney creating tremendous danger in the event of a chimney fire and causing deterioration of the chimney lining.