Creosote 101: the three stages and why Stage 3 is scary
That black, glossy build-up is the #1 cause of chimney fires in Ohio. Here's how to tell which stage you're at — and what we can actually remove.
Stage 1 — flaky soot
Dusty, dry, and brushes off easily. This is normal residue from any wood fire. A standard sweep handles it in one visit.
Stage 2 — hardened flakes
Crunchy, tar-like deposits that have started to bond to the flue. Caused by cooler smoke, often from burning unseasoned wood. We use rotary chains to break it loose.
Stage 3 — glazed creosote
Black, shiny, almost lacquered. This is concentrated fuel sitting in your flue. A single Stage-3 chimney fire can reach 2000°F in under a minute and crack tile liners straight down the chimney.
We treat Stage 3 with a thermal modifier over multiple visits — a regular brush will not touch it. If you see a shiny black coating with a flashlight, stop using the fireplace and book an inspection.
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