An open fireplace provides a great source of heating and creates a warm and cosy ambience on cold winter nights. While most of us know to clean out our fireplace regularly, it’s important that you don’t neglect your chimney so that any build-up of creosote can be removed. If you need to buy firewood Mornington Peninsula is home to Bittern Garden Supplies, we deliver premium quality firewood at highly competitive prices. Read on to learn more about creosote, why it can be dangerous, and why cleaning your chimney regularly is essential.
What is Creosote?
Creosote is a by-product of wood combustion that consists mainly of tar. Traces of creosote are found in the smoke that rises from open flames and when the smoke travels upward and mixes with cold air near the top of a chimney, it solidifies and sticks to the lining of the chimney.
Why Is Creosote Dangerous?
Creosote does a lot more than simply reduce the airflow of your chimney.
Creosote is Toxic – Exposure to creosote can have a wide-range of effects on your health. From skin and eye irritations to respiratory issues and severe effects such as cancer.
It’s A Fire Hazard – Being toxic to your health isn’t the biggest concern, a build-up of creosote is also one of the leading causes of chimney fires across the world. The deposits that are left in your chimney are flammable, and when it ignites it creates a scorching hot fire. Chimney fires are incredibly dangerous. They can damage your chimney structure beyond repair and ignite anything combustible within reach of its heat.
Preventing Creosote Build-Up
The presence of small amounts of creosote in your chimney isn’t harmful—it’s a build-up that’s problematic. You can reduce the risk of creosote build-up by:
- Making sure that your chimney is adequately ventilated
- Having the chimney professionally cleaned, as this will interrupt the growth cycle of the creosote and prevent it from spreading.
- Burning properly seasoned, high-quality firewood. Moorooduc and Mornington locals can trust us for seasoned firewood that will burn clean and efficiently. Purchase yours today.
How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?
It is recommended that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once per year. As a general rule, you should clean your chimney when there’s a 1.5-centimetre deposit in the chimney, or at least every year if you it is used regularly.
A wood burning fireplace is both charming and functional. It can be a central place for families and friends to meet and gather, listening to the calming crackle and warming up on those freezing winter nights. However, it is important to understand that the failure to properly and effectively clean chimneys is a major contributor to house fires so make sure you have your flue cleaned at least once per year. For more advice or to buy firewood, Redhill can rely on us for fast and affordable firewood delivery. Call us today.
Bittern Garden Supplies – Mornington Peninsula’s Favourite Landscaping Centre
We are the leading choice for high-quality landscaping and garden products and services located near Hastings. Garden supplies, including mulch, crushed rock, screenings, sand, and soil are all in stock and ready to be delivered to your location. Visit us or call us today to discuss your needs and let us help you bring your landscaping project to life. Call 5983 9779 now.
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