It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using chimney sweeping logs.
Due to its toxicity
, the door must remain open until the fumes have been expelled. Washington Public Fire Educators have pointed out that creosote sweep logs may also increase the risk of a chimney fire. This is because, after the use of CSL, creosote undergoes intense combustion to form an ash-like residue.This combustion increases the risk of a runaway fire in the chimney and can cause creosote flakes to come out of the chimney and fall into the chimney, creating dangerous bursts of fire. When used correctly and frequently, these logs are secure. You can burn the creosote log in your chimney, so you don't need to get in the chimney. These logs contain chemicals that loosen creosote, but you can use them on any fire that burns wood. Because creosote is highly flammable, accumulating it anywhere in the chimney can increase the risk of fire in the chimney.
Similarly, creosote stuck in chimney bends or in the smoke platform can be difficult to clean and remove without professional help. When a creosote log is burned in your chimney or stove, it causes creosote that has accumulated on the inner walls of the chimney to detach and fall down the chimney. Because creosote is highly flammable, these creosote flakes could ignite when they go down the chimney and cause a fire in the chimney. If the creosote pieces don't ignite, they simply fall into the smoke platform where they meet with other creosote pieces to form another fire hazard. Chimney sweeping logs or creosote scavenging logs are supposed to loosen that thick layer of dirty creosote left after a wood fire, turning it into a scaly, easy-to-clean layer that can be scraped off so homeowners don't have to spend hours trying to get rid of it. If you only use the trunk of the chimney sweep, you may be able to scrape off some of the remaining creosote, but you won't be able to clean the entire chimney. After using your fireplace, fireplace insert, or stove during cold weather months, it's smart to have it cleaned and inspected when it's warmer.
While you can use the right type of firewood and keep your chimney open, you may still need to clean your logs. Because much of the chimney is nearly impossible to see or is inaccessible from the ground, it is important to work with a professional who can inspect these hard-to-reach areas of the chimney as well as understand what they are looking at. Seeing that these chimney sweeping logs cost much less than a professional chimney sweep, you may have thought that you could save money with this product. However, if you had a chimney fire and didn't know it at the time, there may be some visible signs of a chimney fire. CSL is ideal for these types of chimneys as its vapors penetrate the creosote deposits in these areas which helps chimney service experts get rid of it with ease. Ultimately, you still need a professional chimney sweep out and clean your chimney before using it, especially if you plan to use it as frequent source of heat during autumn and winter seasons.
Although a chimney sweep log does its job, it is not as effective as a professional chimney sweep and inspection. The professional will alert you to any problems so that you can repair your chimney before using it. When it comes to professional chimney cleaning and inspection, Vertical Chimney Care is one of the most trusted companies in Chicago and its suburbs. Another advantage is that several chimneys have a bent shape or are long making it difficult to manually clean hard-to-reach areas where creosote may have been deposited. A professional can make sure your entire chimney is clean and that all areas are reached - something that even a good quality log may miss. The bottom line is that while using a good quality log may help reduce some of your cleaning costs, it cannot replace a professional inspection and cleaning service.
When it comes to keeping your family safe from potential fires caused by creosote build up in your fireplace or stove - nothing beats having an experienced professional come out and inspect your system.
