Saw a big shift in creosote buildup after switching to seasoned oak

I've been sweeping for about 8 years now, mostly in the Portland area. Last winter I noticed way more customers calling about heavy creosote, like the flaky stuff that's a pain to remove. Turns out a lot of them had started burning green pine because firewood prices shot up. One house I went to last month had a 1/4 inch of buildup in just 3 months, which is crazy fast. Has anyone else seen more of this sticky creosote lately with folks trying to save on wood?

2 comments

2 Comments

eric_murphy3625d ago

Man that flaky stuff is the worst, I feel for you. It's hard enough getting a proper brush through a flue without dealing with that sticky mess that just laughs at your wire bristles. Quarter inch in three months is terrifying, that's a chimney fire waiting to happen. People don't realize saving twenty bucks on firewood now can cost them thousands in damage or worse later. Sounds like you're seeing the same thing we are out here, it's a real problem when folks get desperate on heating costs.

nina18025d ago

Hold up, is this REALLY that common? I burn whatever's cheap and never had issues.