01
What creosote is and why it matters
Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. Ask a qualified chimney professional to assess deposits and explain the cleaning or evaluation needed.
Appearance alone cannot establish the system’s condition. A clean-looking firebox or an online deposit-thickness guide is not a substitute for professional assessment.
02
Can a cleaning log replace a sweep?
- Chemical cleaning products alone do not replace mechanical cleaning and inspection, according to CSIA guidance.
- Difficult or heavy deposits call for a professional decision about how to treat them, not a stronger product or a hotter fire.
- A sweep removes deposits physically and gives an inspector a clearer view of the flue, which is why a log cannot stand in for that work.
03
If you suspect a chimney fire
If you think a chimney fire is happening now, leave the home and call emergency services first. A website form cannot dispatch help, and it should never be the step you take during an active fire.
After any suspected chimney fire, do not use the chimney again until a qualified professional has swept and evaluated it. A cooler or clean-looking fireplace does not mean the system is safe to use.