Creosote in fireplace...?

Question

We bought this house a year and a half ago and have had two "fireplace" seasons. The first time we used it we burned one of those little creosote reducing logs. We haven't used another since. We had probaby at least three fires a week on average the first year, but this year we've used it at least five times a week.

What I want to know is how fast does it take to build up, how often should we really get this chimney cleaned out professionally, if the creosote slag breaks free what should I expect and is it really as scary as I've heard? Our house was built in 1994 and I don't know if the first owners ever got it cleaned. Should we get the chimney professionally cleaned? Should I be very, very afraid of it and decorate the inside of the fireplace with plants?

And please don't tell me to do that self-cleaning job thing with the chain because I can tell you, that ain't gonna happen. :)

Thanks!

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Exactly how BAD is a chimney fire?

Answer 1

All previous answers are great--I would only add that unless you 'need' to have a genuine fire in it, i.e., wood burning for budgeting, I would buy a beautiful gas log instead. I think it would work as well. They look wonderful and the heat is easy to regulate. I would plant plants in it if I only had the option of a real fire. It is dirty, much too dangerous and smoke comes into the room much too easily. Be very careful. Good Luck!

Answer 2

It depends on what kind of wood has been burnt. Soft woods like pine cause a lot of creosote build up.I have seen chimney brushes at Home Depot.I would have professionals do it the first time and watch what they do.Then you can decide if you want to do it your selves the next time.It is very messy when all that creosote comes down, lots of dust.There is something called red devil that you can use when you have fires that is supposed to keep creosote build up down.When I was seven we had a chimney fire in the two story house we were were renting.Burnt the whole house down we were in town when it started.

Answer 3

My mother had a professional company come out to clean the fireplace in her 100+ year old home. The fireplace was huge compared to the ones they build in houses today. A few days after it was cleaned we had a good fire going and all of a sudden there was a blast that sounded like a plane hit the house. We stepped outside and saw a fire coming out of the top of the fireplace. We had to call the firehouse and have the guys put out the fire. Evidently the guy who cleaned the fireplace only knocked some of the stuff loose but never cleaned it out so it caught on fire and could have burnt our house down. Make sure and get a company to do it that knows what they're doing and guarantees it.

Answer 4

I would have a chimney sweep come out and clean it. Not knowing if it's ever been cleaned, 13 years can build up alot of creosote and could cause a good size chimney fire.

Answer 5

have it cleaned, better safe ,than sorry
when creosote burns it gets hot enought to melt the cement between the block in chimeny
fire place fires are hard to put out !!