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3rd Degree Creosote Removal | The NFPA Recommends Annually Cleaning Your Chimney

3rd Degree Creosote Removal

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that failure to sweep the chimney to remove 3rd-degree creosote properly can result in a devastating fire. Bethesda Chimney specializes in 3rd-degree creosote removal in chimney flues in Washington, DC, Kensington, MD, and throughout the Washington DC Metro Area. Our CSIA Certified chimney sweeps are specially trained on the most advanced technologies that will safely remove the glazed creosote and restore your flue as if it never happened.

chimney sweep in fairfax va3rd Degree Creosote Removal

What if you could put your chimney flue in a time machine, taking it back before its very first fire? Now it’s possible with our innovative 3rd-degree creosote removal system. Bethesda Chimney is one of very few chimney companies in the Greater Washington DC area to offer this type of removal using the latest cutting-edge technology. With this newly invented Poultice Creosote Remover, also known as PCR, our specially trained and certified chimney professionals safely coat the entire lining of your chimney flue with a special chemical that bonds to the carbonaceous material, completely removing 3rd degree glazed creosote from your chimney. It restores your chimney flue, making it safe to operate your fireplace, wood stove, furnace, and other attached heating appliances again.

 

What is Creosote?

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Creosote is a carbon material naturally created during wood and fossil fuel combustion. When the distillation of tar mixes with air and moisture, it leaves a light ash-like coating known as creosote. Draft problems that result in incomplete combustion can produce more creosote in the flue. There is an increased risk of a chimney fire the longer it remains in the flue.

1st Degree Buildup

In this stage, the creosote is a grayish ash-like coating that is relatively easy to remove with a standard chimney brush. However, failure to properly sweep the chimney regularly will cause the buildup to continue, leading to 2nd and, ultimately the most dangerous type, 3rd-degree buildup.

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2nd Degree Buildup:

In this stage, the creosote is starting to harden into dark tar-like flakes with a hard, shiny surface. It’s a little harder to brush away, so it takes longer to remove. The hardened tar is also flammable, which increases the risk of a spark starting a chimney fire.

3rd Degree Buildup:

This is where the creosote has hardened into a thick, tarry, crusty material that can cover the flue lining, interior walls, damper, and other components. It is also highly flammable and complicated to remove without professional help. All it takes is a spark from a hot ember to ignite the creosote causing a devastating chimney fire that could spread throughout the house, resulting in extensive property damage and even endangering the lives of those residing in the home.

3rd Degree Creosote Removal in Montgomery County, MD

The Certified Chimney Professionals at Bethesda Chimney are specially trained to safely remove 3rd-degree creosote and restore the flue using the latest advanced technology. We serve residential, commercial, and government customers in the Washington Metropolitan Area, including Olney MD, Silver Spring MD, Tysons VA, Chevy Chase MD, District of Columbia, and Sterling VA. Call 301-969-4444 or 703-935-4444 to schedule an appointment today!

 

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