What Is Creosote?
Creosote is a dark, tar-like substance that forms when wood burns incompletely. It builds up inside chimneys and flue pipes, especially in wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. Over time, it becomes highly flammable and can lead to chimney fires, smoke damage, and poor airflow.
There are three stages of creosote:
| Stage | Description | Removal Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Stage 1 | Light, flaky soot | Easy to brush away |
| 2️⃣ Stage 2 | Crunchy, tar-like deposits | Requires aggressive scrubbing |
| 3️⃣ Stage 3 | Glazed, hardened buildup | May need chemical treatment or professional tools |
How We Remove Creosote
At Miami & Grove Fireplace & Stoves, we use a combination of proven techniques to safely and effectively remove creosote:
🧹 Manual sweeping with chimney brushes for Stage 1 and 2 buildup
🧪 Chemical treatments like Cre-Away or Anti-Creo-Soot for glazed deposits
🔍 Video inspections to assess buildup and confirm full removal
🧯 Fire safety checks to ensure your system is clean and secure
We tailor our approach based on your fireplace type, chimney condition, and creosote stage.
Why It Matters
Neglecting creosote removal can lead to:
🚨 Chimney fires (over 25,000 annually in the U.S.)
💨 Smoke backdraft and poor indoor air quality
💧 Moisture damage and corrosion
💸 Reduced heating efficiency and higher energy costs
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney inspections and cleaning when buildup exceeds 1/8 inch.
Safety First
Creosote is toxic and flammable. Our technicians wear protective gear and follow strict safety protocols to protect your home and family.
