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How To Prevent Creosote From Taking Over Your Chimney

How To Prevent Creosote From Taking Over Your Chimney


Creosote is a tar-like substance that forms within the flue of any appliance that burns solid fuel products, like wood or coal. It is formed when hot gases reach the top of the chimney and interact with cold outside air, creating condensation along the walls.

The gases that mix with the cold air are by-products of the fuel, so the condensation eventually solidifies and builds up along the walls of your vent piping. Wood is the absolute worst for creating creosote while burning coal isn't as damaging.

Why do I care if it's in my chimney?

How To Prevent Creosote From Taking Over Your Chimney
House Fire

You should care about creosote for two reasons:

About the Author

Collin Champagne

With over 13 years in the industry, Collin is a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technician and managed content for the eFireplacestore and eCanopy brands. He has achieved the highest NFI certification possible as a Master Hearth Professional and is certified in all three hearth appliance fields: wood, gas, and pellet. With experience with sales and in-field installations, his expertise shines through his technical knowledge and way with words.

Customer Q&A with Product Specialists

Chris C. from Muncie Indiana asked:
I can't figure out my woodstove. How do I prevent dripping creosote?
I can't figure out my woodstove. How do I prevent dripping creosote?
The first things would be to make sure that your wood is a dry, well seasoned wood, so the fire can burn hot and not deposit creosote. Typically a moisture meter can help make sure your wood is properly seasoned. Also, stove pipe should be running like down spout will all of the crimps pointing back into the flue collar on the stove. This allows creosote to funnel back into the unit, instead of out of the joints in your stove pipe.
Answered by: Cody S. on Dec 26, 2023

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Alice from Cass County Michigan asked:
Is it helpful in keeping sone creosote off to tap on the metal stove pipe to loosen creosote and let it fall back into my little Lopi cabin wood stove?
Is it helpful in keeping sone creosote off to tap on the metal stove pipe to loosen creosote and let it fall back into my little Lopi cabin wood stove?
For safe operation of a wood stove and for creosote removal, a qualified chimney sweep should clean the system.
Answered by: Jason W.

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