A chat with a mason in Portland made me reconsider creosote buildup

He mentioned that in their damp climate, he sees heavy stage three deposits in chimneys after only one season if the wood is even slightly green. I've always stuck to the standard annual inspection advice, but now I'm thinking moisture content in local firewood might be a bigger factor than I gave it credit for. Has anyone else adjusted their service schedule recommendations based on regional weather or fuel quality?

3 comments

3 Comments

bailey.sam2mo ago

Adjusted their service schedule" is putting it mildly. That Portland mason basically said you're getting a whole new chimney made of creosote if you blink wrong. Guess the standard advice doesn't hold up when your firewood is basically a damp sponge.

dylanwilliams2mo ago

Yikes, my last chimney cleaning basically funded my sweep's vacation home.

danieltaylor1mo ago

$480 for my last one... and the guy was gone in 45 minutes. It's like everything now has this hidden markup nobody talks about. @dylanwilliams you're probably right, that guy's got a ski condo somewhere off our dime.