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a chimney swift 
on her nest

What is creosote?

Soot and creosote are by-products of burning wood and are formed out of the smoke going up the chimney. The form and amount of these deposits are dependant upon the temperature of the smoke. The cooler the smoke, the greater the buildup. These deposits accumulate on the inside of the venting system; i.e. stovepipes and chimney flues. They are flammable and, in sufficient quantities, will restrict the flow of flue gases, Obstructed flues can spill toxic flue gases (smoke) into the home. More information about creosote can be found here.

Different types of creosote deposits

 

glaze.jpg (34478 bytes)

heavier-glaze.jpg (43642 bytes)

 very light coating of glaze creosote

thicker coating of glaze creosote

flue-fire.jpg (25596 bytes)

honeycomb.jpg (40399 bytes)

creosote deposits AFTER a flue fire

flaky creosote laying on roof after flue fire

blocked-flue-pipe.jpg (25368 bytes)

liquid.jpg (22623 bytes)

flue pipe almost completely filled
with creosote

liquid creosote running out of
cleanout door

glaze2.jpg (25726 bytes)

raincap.jpg (22266 bytes)

glaze creosote with some bare tile showing

raincap covered with creosote