Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Stop Creosote Damage Early

Having your chimney swept is about more than just removing soot and ash! One of the most important parts of an annual sweeping is creosote removal. Wood burning appliances are the most vulnerable to creosote buildup and damage. However, burning all types of fuel can create this dangerous and flammable byproduct of combustion.

What is creosote?

Cresote is a natural byproduct of combustion; while creosote is created by all fuel-burning fires, it accumulates in much larger amounts in wood burning fireplaces and stoves. While naturally occurring, creosote is not as innocuous as soot and ash. It damages the chimney in two ways: it is highly flammable and corrodes the chimney liner.

Accidental creosote ignition is the leading cause of chimney fires in the United States. When creosote is allowed to accumulate in the flue, stray sparks and embers can ignite. This is what can cause a chimney fire. Even if a fire does not occur, creosote buildup can corrode the liner of the flue. This is often seen in homes where the fireplace fuel source has been changed but the chimney has not been relined.

Three stages of creosote.

When produced in a fire, creosote is a sticky liquid. It hardens as it dries inside the chimney and can be identified in three stages.

• Stage 1: Creosote has dried to a velvety soot. This means it can be easily removed using chimney brushes during a chimney sweeping. Since Stage 1 creosote heavily resembles soot, it can be difficult to distinguish it from normal soot accumulation in the flue.
• Stage 2: Creosote has dried further, creating a thin, dry, crunchy layer inside the flue. This creosote is the most common and can still be removing using chimney brushes.
• Stage 3: Also known as glazed creosote, it is extremely difficult to remove. Dried to a hard, glassy finish, special products or equipment is often required to carefully remove glazed creosote from the flue.

Preventing creosote damage.

Having your fireplace regularly swept and inspected is often the best and most effective way to prevent creosote damage. Because creosote is corrosive, allowing it to accumulate in the flue can damage the chimney liner. The longer creosote accumulates, the more damage will occur. Likewise, removing Stage 3 or glazed creosote can further damage the flue or liner.

Small amounts of creosote are created during normal burning conditions. Unfortunately, using your fireplace incorrectly can cause greater than normal amounts of it to stick to the walls of the flue. Letting a fire smolder for a long period of time, burning green wood, incomplete combustion, or burning a fire at low temperatures can all cause additional creosote to be created.

Regular maintenance is the best way to stop creosote damage early, before it seriously impacts the condition and safety of your fireplace system. For more information on creosote removal or to schedule your next chimney sweeping or inspection, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Firebrick Patterns For Interior Fireplaces

One of the newest trends in home interiors is firebrick patterns. Whether you are adding a new fireplace to your home or renovating an existing fireplace, creating firebrick patterns allows you to add personality and style to your fireplace system.

Safety and firebrick lining

The firebrick lining of the firebox is one of the most important safety features of your fireplace system; not only does it reflect heat back into your home, but it also protects the surrounding building materials from damage from heat transfer. Made of refractory ceramic materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures, firebricks are used in the fireboxes of both manufactured and masonry chimney systems.

Even when creating firebrick patterns, safety standards must be followed. Most fireplaces require ASTM C-27 firebrick lining of 1 ¼” thick or 2 ½” thick. 2 ½” firebricks must be used on the floor of the firebox, but either 1 ¼” or 2 ½” firebricks can be for the sides and walls of the firebox.

Popular firebrick patterns

Customizing your firebrick is an unexpected way to add style to the most utilitarian part of your fireplace. In addition to selecting the firebrick tile color and size, these five firebrick patterns can turn any fireplace into a focal point!

1. Running bond. This easily-recognizable pattern is the standard for most fireplace systems. This simple pattern is created by alternately stacking horizontal firebricks; it is easy to install and creates little waste due to the minimal cutting required. Give this traditional a modern twist by using several different firebrick colors, an unexpected size tile, or even creating a vertical instead of horizontal pattern.
2. Stacked bond. The stacked bond pattern, also known as stand bond, features continuous vertical and horizontal lines. This simplistic pattern can create an understated, modern look; use alternating colors to create a checkerboard pattern or oversized firebricks to add visual interest.
3. Standard herringbone. Standard herringbone is made by laying firebricks in alternating directions to create a “V” pattern. The increased popularity in herringbone in recent years makes this an on-trend design update for your home.
4. Split herringbone. Split herringbone puts a twist on the standard herringbone pattern. Use 2 ½” firebricks in the standard herringbone pattern on the floor, then create the same pattern on the walls and back using the narrower 1 ¼” firebricks.
5. Basket weave. This Old English pattern, once considered old fashioned, has found increased popularity in recent years. Created by alternating horizontal and vertical pairs of firebricks, basket weave firebricks creates a vintage, rustic look in your home.

When building a new fireplace or renovating an existing heating appliance, creating a pattern using firebricks is a unique way to turn your fireplace into the focal point of your home. For more information about creating a firebrick pattern in your interior fireplace, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!