The Hidden Danger of Creosote Build-Up During the Winter Season
What could be better on a California winter’s night than enjoying a cozy fire in the fireplace? Unfortunately, this charming, peaceful scene often becomes a nightmare because of the hidden danger of creosote buildup during the winter season. If more homeowners understood the risk posed by neglected chimney maintenance, there wouldn’t be thousands of destructive fires annually caused by dirty chimneys. It isn’t unusual for chimney sweeps to find that creosote has nearly blocked the chimney draft. In our quest to help prevent such disasters, we provide the following information.
What is Creosote?
Creosote is a combustible, tar-like residue that forms when wood does not burn completely. During a fire, smoke carries a mixture of gases, fine particles, moisture, and chemical byproducts up the chimney. As the hot gases rise, they cool and condense along the flue’s inner walls, where the residue adheres. Each additional fire adds another layer, allowing the creosote to thicken steadily over time.
What are the Multiple Risks of Creosote?
One risk of creosote is its tendency to ignite easily when it builds up. The thicker the creosote layer, the greater the susceptibility to ignition. A single ember, an unusually hot fire, or even external factors such as a lightning strike can set the chimney ablaze.
Chimney fires fueled by creosote can burn extremely hot, crack flue liners, damage surrounding masonry, and spread flames into the home’s structure. Most chimney fires, even small ones, cause structural damage. Therefore, it is essential to schedule a chimney inspection after every chimney fire.
Beyond the threat of a chimney fire, creosote buildup can also restrict airflow, reduce a fireplace’s efficiency, and increase the likelihood of smoke backing up into living spaces. Carbon monoxide is among the toxic fumes produced by fires. Known as the Silent Killer, carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, tasteless, and symptomless. In other words, when people are exposed to carbon monoxide, they have no warning that their life is in danger until it may be too late.
Can Creosote Buildup Be Reduced?
There are several ways to minimize threats caused by creosote buildup, as follows:
Minimizing creosote accumulation starts with how and what you burn. Using well-seasoned firewood that has been properly dried for at least six to twelve months helps ensure cleaner combustion. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and residue.
Building fires that burn hot and steady—rather than slow, smoldering flames—also makes a significant difference by minimizing creosote buildup. Adequate airflow is essential. Keeping the damper fully open during fires and avoiding overloading the firebox helps ensure smoke and gases burn more completely before entering the chimney.
Routine chimney inspections and professional cleanings are another critical safeguard. Fire safety experts recommend annual chimney inspections. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends scheduling annual chimney cleaning, as well. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends chimney cleaning once there is 1/8” of creosote buildup in the flue liner.
For those looking for a long-term solution, upgrading heating equipment can further reduce risk. Modern wood stoves and gas fireplace inserts are designed to burn more efficiently and at higher temperatures, producing less smoke. Converting to a gas fireplace or stove eliminates creosote entirely, as gas does not produce the same byproducts as wood combustion.
Contact Us for Professional Creosote Removal
Our technicians at are NFI-certified and qualified to provide dependable chimney and fireplace services, ultimately delivering peace of mind. Rather than worry about the hidden danger of creosote buildup during the winter season, contact us.
Removing the 3 types of creosote buildup isn’t all we do. Let us handle your chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, masonry rebuilding, new fireplace installation, chimney crown rebuilds, chimney liner replacement, and all of your chimney and fireplace needs. Schedule a visit today by calling or filling out our contact form.
