Tried a creosote sweeping log for the first time last weekend, here's what my flue looked like after

I got one of those anti-creosote logs from the hardware store in Portland, figured it was worth a shot for a light mid-season clean. Burned it exactly like the box said, then ran my rotary brush through the chimney the next morning. I expected maybe a little less soot, but the stuff just flaked off in these big crispy sheets, almost like it loosened everything all at once. My collection bag was heavier than after a normal sweep by maybe 5 or 6 pounds. Now I'm wondering if that log actually does anything long term or if it just made the mess easier to knock down. Anyone else notice a difference with those things, or was I just lucky with the build-up I had?

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nathanb7120d ago

Those logs definitely help, but you gotta read the fine print on the box. They don't actually burn off the creosote, they just change its makeup so it dries out and flakes off way easier, which is exactly what you saw. The long term trick is still getting a proper sweep at least once a year, especially if you burn a lot of softwood. Using one of those logs every month or two can keep things from getting too thick in between, but it's not a replacement for the real deal. Sounds like you got lucky with the buildup you had, but don't count on that weight difference every time.