Why You Should Hire A Professional For Creosote Removal
It was just two days before Thanksgiving, and a family was enjoying the beautiful fire in the fireplace, until a knock on the door changed their lives forever. It was a neighbor who alerted the homeowner that her chimney was on fire. The Houston Fire Department arrived in minutes, but the entire home was destroyed, leaving nothing more than a “thick, black layer of soot.” The cause of this entirely preventable tragedy was the buildup of creosote in the chimney.
What Exactly is Creosote?
Creosote is a highly combustible residue that forms in your chimney as a byproduct of burning wood. When smoke travels up the cooler chimney flue, unburned particles and volatile organic compounds condense on the interior walls of the flue.
It starts as a relatively benign, powdery substance. The buildup eventually hardens into a dark, thick, tarry glaze that is extremely difficult to remove without professional assistance. It is this hardened creosote that is incredibly flammable and serves as the primary fuel source for most chimney fires. Even a thin layer of 1/8” or more, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), is a fire hazard and must be removed.
The Dangers of DIY Creosote Removal
While the temptation to save money with a do-it-yourself chimney cleaning kit may be tempting, attempting to remove creosote yourself is inherently risky and often ineffective for several key reasons:
Incomplete Removal
Standard chimney brushes are not designed for the hardened, glazed creosote. DIY efforts typically remove only the flaky outer layer, leaving the most dangerous, flammable layers behind.
Safety Risks
Climbing onto a slippery or steep roof is a serious fall hazard, especially for those without proper safety equipment and training. Even so, it is inherently difficult to safely and efficiently scrub the creosote away from deep inside the dark and narrow smoke chamber.
Damage to the Flue
Aggressive or improper scraping can inadvertently crack and damage the chimney flue liner, which is essential for containing heat and preventing fires from spreading to the attic, ceiling, and walls of your home.
Why Hire a CSIA-Certified Sweep
Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are trained professionals. They have the expertise, equipment, and supplies to thoroughly and safely eliminate creosote (and other hazards) from your chimney flue:
Chimney Inspection
A professional sweep typically first performs a thorough visual or camera inspection. The sweep will inspect all components, including the damper, firebox, smoke chamber, and chimney cap for damage, cracks, and blockages, ensuring the entire venting system is structurally sound and operates efficiently.
Professional Tools
We use special tools, such as industrial-strength brushes, rotary cleaning systems, and chemical removers specifically designed to remove all three stages of creosote—including the highly hazardous third-degree glaze—without damaging your chimney liner.
Improves Efficiency & Indoor Air Quality
Removing creosote, soot, debris, and other contaminants allows for better airflow, enhancing your fireplace’s efficiency and improving indoor air quality.
The cost of professional cleaning is negligible compared to the loss of a home, or worse, a life. Protect your family and your most valuable asset by leaving the task of creosote removal to the experts.
Professional Chimney Cleaning & Creosote Removal Near Me
Don’t risk a chimney fire! Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will thoroughly clean your chimney, removing flammable creosote and reducing health and safety hazards while improving heating efficiency. Call the Master’s today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve residents from Dallas, Fort Worth and Surrounding Areas.
