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What is creosote?  By definition creosote is a combustible deposit that originates from condensed wood smoke. It also includes tar, vapors, and other organic compounds. It’s a natural by-product of burning wood. Once inside the chimney, creosote usually under goes pyrolysis, a chemical alteration of the fuel molecules as a result of the application of heat.

The by-products of pyrolysis are gases and solid compounds. It takes on many different appearances. It can be sooty or ash like, sticky, tacky and runny tar glaze, dry honeycombs or curly flakes. It can also be dense, hard and shiny black tar glaze. Several variables that affect the amount of build-up deposited in the wood heating system are smoke density, flue gas temperature, and residence time.

The smokiest fires and the coolest chimneys produce the greatest amount of build-up. In addition over-sized equipment usually causes more build-up. Contrary to popular belief, burning seasoned hardwood does not eliminate build-up. Wood can actually be too dry.

How Do I Reduce Creosote?

Proper operation of the wood heating system is the single, most important contributing factor in minimizing build-up. Burning smaller fuel loads, refueling more frequently and avoiding slow, smoldering burns is also important.

Avoid over firing and keep internal flue gas temperatures under 900 degrees F. You want internal flue gas temperatures over 400 degrees F. The build-up must also be removed from chimneys because it can restrict the draft, corrode metals, cause foul odors and lower the systems heat transfer efficiency.

To reduce creosote build-up, install a stainless steel chimney liner with insulation.








    *Note: If you have a terra cotta clay chimney
    flue lining, be sure to measure the true length and width of the
    inside of your chimney flue space.

    *If there is a terra cotta clay flue liner, does it protrude out of
    the top of the chimney at least 2 inches? If there are at least 2
    inches and the terra cotta clay is in good condition, you will use
    our stainless steel, terra cotta top plate that has a 1 1⁄2inch edge
    that goes all the way around (like a shoebox lid).

    *If your terra cotta clay flue is in bad shape at the top, you may
    need to just take a hammer and tap all around that terra cotta,
    taking it away to make the surface flat at the top of your chimney.
    In that case, you will simply use the flat top plate that comes with
    our liner kit.



    *Note: If you have a terra cotta clay chimney
    flue lining, be sure to measure the true length and width of the
    inside of your chimney flue space.

    *If it is on the back of the stove, is it parallel with the back of the stove or is it at an angle, like 45 degrees?

    *If it is at an angle you will use an insert stove adaptor (an insert liner kit) rather than a two-part tee with cleanout cap.


    Usually pellet stoves have an exhaust hole id of 3 inches. However, if you are going up more than 15 feet to the top of your chimney you need to use a pipe and/or flex liner that is 4 inches diameter.





    If you are only venting a hot water heater then the exhaust hole diameter is probably 3 inch diameter. If it is 3 inch diameter and you are going up more than 15 feet to the top of your chimney, you must use a 4 inch diameter flexible liner or ridged pipe for proper draft. We also suggest to go ahead and use a 4 inch diameter flexible liner or ridged pipe even if the total length is 15 feet or less.


    Not the depth or any other dimension inside your fireplace.

    Most gas log fireplaces require an 8 inch liner kit or rigid kit. But do not assume that is the case for the gas log fireplace kit you are installing. Obey the requirements for that specific unit that are in your installation/instruction manual.

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