Many people including myself have spent the money and purchased a product such as a chimney sweeping log hoping it will play a small role in reducing creosote buildup.
Does the chimney sweep logs really work.
And remember there are simply situations where cleaning logs do not take the place of chimney sweep brushes.
This is done by impregnating the logs with certain chemicals that are designed to break down the build up that is on the inside of the chimney.
These types of logs contain a chemical catalyst with can reduce the early stages of creosote buildup up to 60 with repeated use.
Make sure you have a reliable chimney sweep if you are going to use his assistance.
How they work the idea behind these logs is very simple.
Chimney cleaning logs also known as creosote sweeping logs are marketed as an easy way to deal with this sticky problem.
The logs do not take the place of structural and mechanical inspections.
Michael hirsch vice president of joseph enterprises which manufactures the log says the product improves safety and makes a professional chimney sweep s job easier.
Experts say the answer is yes but only if you have realistic expectations.
These logs have special chemicals that attach to creosote to make them flakier and therefore easier to remove.
A chimney sweeping log usually burns for approximately 90 minutes.
Burning a regular wood fire before adding the log softens tar buildup inside the chimney which makes the chimney cleaning log more effective.
You are supposed to be able to put them in the fireplace burn them and they will make your chimney easier to clean.
The short answer is no they don t work.
These need to be done as well.
Getting back to the question of do those chimney sweeping logs really work the first part of the answer is yes they do work to some extent.
You may have seen creosote sweeping logs on the shelves at big box stores and wondered if they really work.
Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use.
These logs aren t a replacement for thorough cleaning of your chimney.
To the best of my knowledge there is no evidence that states the product does not work and you can read the multiple reviews from people who are very satisfied after many years of using them.
A chimney sweeping log seems like a regular log at first glance but they actually have active minerals that allow them to dry out creosote buildup.
There s a fair amount of misconception about how these logs work though.
However regular use of a sweeping log helps to lengthen the interval between manual cleanings of the chimney.
As it burns the cleaning log releases chemicals that adhere to the chimney walls loosening tar and creosote buildup or rendering it less likely to cause a fire.
