Cleaning logs work well as a quick fix for creosote build-up. Creosote occurs in three stages , and these logs can help with the first stage. At that point, the creosote is flaky, and you can brush it away. But by the second stage, the flakes contain tar. The third stage is when the creosote turns into a glaze, and you will need to replace the chimney liner to get rid of everything.
If you use a chimney cleaning log regularly, they can work well. But you should get a professional cleaning as well. Not only can a chimney sweep get rid of stage one creosote, but a pro can clean up stages two and three as well. When you use them often and correctly, these logs are safe.
These logs have chemicals that loosen the creosote, but you can use them in any wood-burning fire. You do need to make sure you remove the creosote as it falls to the bottom of your fireplace. After you use one of these logs, use a broom to sweep up debris. You should also use these logs along with professional chimney sweeps. A professional can ensure your chimney is clean, and they can reach places that the chimney logs can miss.
But you should take advantage of chimney sweep services to maintain your chimney and fireplace. These logs have other advantages besides their safety. You simply put the log in your fireplace and light it like another piece of wood.
Over a few hours, the cleaning logs will do their job. You can store them for a while, and they will still work well. Buying them in bulk can save you money, and you can always have one on hand when you need it. You can sweep out the bottom of your fireplace, and you can clean around the sides.
Even if you use one after every time you use your fireplace, you will still need to hire a chimney sweep. If your chimney has only a small amount of light creosote, you might not get much benefit out of these logs.
In fact, only chemical treatment can completely remove glaze. The log does a lot to break down the glaze, making the cleaning job easier for your chimney sweep. Before you buy a chimney cleaning log, make sure it will work with your fireplace.
First, burn fires with regular firewood for two or three days to make sure there are no issues with the fireplace or chimney. Before you use the creosote sweeping log, inspect your chimney for leaves, animal nests, and other debris and obstructions, and make sure your fireplace damper is open. If you have a wood stove with a catalytic combustor, close the device using the bypass mechanism.
Leave it this way for the next week or two as the chemicals in the chimney cleaning log do their work. To minimize risk of downdrafts, burn a fire with regular wood, then after this fire has died down, place the chimney cleaning log on the hot embers. If the room has poor airflow, open a window to get more air in. Never put a creosote sweeping log in a burning fire. Once the log is burning, leave it alone.
Poking it or adding wood to the fire can cause it to burn too hot. Chimney sweeping logs advertise themselves as an alternative to a professional chimney sweeping.
As they burn, the smoke from the logs loosens creosote in the flue; as it loosens, the creosote then falls down and into the firebox where it can be easily removed.
While this may work in theory, it often fails when put into practice. Because most chimneys do not have straight, vertical flues, the loosened creosote often winds up trapped in the bends of the flue. Accumulated creosote can cause a number of problems; first, creosote is extremely flammable. Having accumulated creosote in the bends of the flue increases the risk of chimney fire if any stray sparks and embers were to travel up the flue. Second, large amounts of fallen creosote sitting in the bends of the flue can cause chimney blockages.
These types of blockages can impact venting and cause gas and smoke to flow back into your home instead of up the chimney.
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