You may have seen chimney sweeping logs, a product that claims to reduce and remove the amount of creosote that builds up on the inner walls of your chimney. Seeing that these chimney sweeping logs cost much less than a professional chimney sweeping, you may have thought that you could save money by using this product. If they can remove creosote, your chimney should be safe to use. However, All Seasons Chimney would like to warn you against using chimney sweeping logs as they do not work sufficiently and can pose potential dangers. We would like to tell you more about this product by sharing with you some information from the Washington Public Fire Educators Association.
What are chimney sweeping logs?
The manufacturer of this product claims that specially developed minerals in chimney sweeping logs will reduce deposits of tar and creosote to prevent chimney fires. To use one of these logs, you place it in the firebox and burn it for one hour. The website for these chimney sweeping logs states that burning one of these logs will reduce creosote buildup by 60%.
Are these claims true?
While chimney sweeping logs do remove some of the creosote that has accumulated in your chimney, the claims are very misleading. In no way can these logs take the place of a professional chimney sweeping. There is also no mention of the potential dangers that can occur when you use this product.
What are the dangers that could occur when you use chimney sweeping logs?
When a chimney sweeping log is burning in your fireplace or stove, it causes the creosote that has built up on the inner walls of your chimney to flake off and fall down the chimney. Since creosote is highly flammable, these flakes of creosote could ignite on the way down the chimney and start a chimney fire. If the pieces of creosote do not ignite, they just land on the smoke shelf where they gather with other pieces of creosote to form another fire hazard.
Why are chimney sweeping logs not a valid substitute for a professional chimney sweeping?
Not only could chimney sweeping logs possibly ignite a chimney fire, but they do not remove all of the creosote from your chimney. The certified chimney sweeps at All Seasons Chimney guarantee to remove every single bit of creosote from your chimney. Our sweeps will also inspect your chimney to be sure there is no damage that needs repairing. They will also check to see if anything like bird and animal nests and other debris are blocking your chimney.
If you need your chimney cleaned, do not fall for the claims of chimney sweeping logs. Contact us at All Seasons Chimney to schedule an appointment for a professional chimney sweeping today.
