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CHIMNEY SWEEP AND HEARTH PROFESSIONAL OF CT MA AND RI

Tar condensates in chimneys; chimney soot;

and chimney insulation

Wood tar and coal soot

When wood or coal is burnt, impurities (or condensates) are present in the flue gases. The dew point of the condensates in the flue gases is 50 degrees Celsius. Tar and impurities in the flue gases condensate on surfaces in the flue and chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.

Because a stove is a lot more efficient than a fireplace (often 75% more efficient than an open fire) more of the heat from the fuel is transferred to the room. Thus the flue gases are colder. Therefore tar condensation is a bigger problem with stoves than it is with a fireplace. Because wood does not burn as hot as coal a stove burning wood will tend to result in more condensates in the chimney than one burning coal.

So when installing a stove this is the reason why we use double skin insulated flue pipe, poured liners, or insulated/non-insulated flexible flue liners. All these products create an insulated chimney in which the flue gases are kept as hot as possible and thus tar deposits are kept to a minimum. 

You still have to sweep insulated chimneys once a year as deposits will still build up. These deposits form what looks a little like "fur" on the inside of the liner. These deposits reduce the cross-sectional area inside the liner, reducing the draw of the chimney, and thus reducing the effectiveness and safety of the stove.

Damage caused by chimney condensates

The tars and acids that are deposited in chimneys will corrode and compromise lime and cement based mortars. This can occur to the extent that it is sometimes possible to lift bricks off the top of the chimney by hand. This can compromise the integrity of the chimney, which then increases the risk of the fire spreading should there be a chimney fire.

Tar and condensates may also leak out of the chimney and come through the chimney breast where they are a nuisance as they discolor the wall and ruin the decor.

Reducing tar condensation

lowers chimney fire risk!!!!

Call Jeffrey L. Decker today for all your chimney needs.

1-860-444-0462

anytime

Working Together to Protect Your Home and Family

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