Chimney cleaning logs are a great way to remove creosote buildup from your chimney. They contain chemical additives that rise through the chimney and adhere to the creosote deposits, drying them into a flaky substance that is less flammable and easier to remove. This method works well as a quick fix for creosote buildup, but it is not a substitute for a professional chimney sweep. Creosote occurs in three stages, and chimney cleaning logs can help with the first stage.
At this time, the creosote is flaky and can be brushed off. As the logs burn, the smoke from them loosens the creosote in the chimney, causing it to fall into the combustion chamber where it can be easily removed. Chimney cleaning logs are effective products when used in conjunction with a professional chimney sweep. By disposing of the tank, you can keep your chimney running efficiently and reduce the chances of chimney fires.
There is no substitute for having your chimney cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional at least once a year. Using chimney cleaning logs can cause serious problems within your chimney system. A certified chimney professional can identify any signs of damage or deterioration during a clean; often, detecting problems early can help prevent serious damage, as well as costly repairs. While you can use the right type of firewood and keep the chimney and chimney open, you may still need to clean the logs.
The chimney sweep will alert you to any problems so that you can repair the chimney before using it. Although the chimney sweep register does the job, it is not as effective as a professional chimney sweep and inspection. Always get a thorough inspection and cleaning from an experienced chimney sweep to make sure your chimney is safe and ready to use. Not only can a chimney sweep remove creosote from the first stage, but they can also clean stages two and three. Birds, branches, nests and more can cause your chimney to need a good clean, and it's not always obvious that a chimney is compromised until after a fire has burned.
A certified chimney sweep not only removes debris, but they also inspect the chimney for things other than creosote and soot. An experienced chimney sweep does much more than clean the chimney and flue; they can detect any signs of damage or deterioration that may be out of sight. Chimney cleaning logs are an effective way to loosen creosote and make cleaning easier. However, they are not a substitute for a complete professional inspection and cleaning at least once a year. By getting regular inspections from an experienced professional, you can keep your chimney running efficiently and reduce the chances of dangerous fires.
