Creosote Buildup Risk Checker

Creosote is a flammable byproduct of burning wood. This tool helps you assess your risk level based on your setup and habits, and provides recommendations to keep your home safe.

1. What kind of wood do you burn most often?

2. How would you describe your typical fire?

3. What type of appliance do you have?

4. When was your last professional cleaning?

About Creosote & Chimney Safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that failure to clean chimneys is a leading cause of home heating fires. Creosote develops in stages:

Stage 1: A fine, dusty soot that is easy to remove.
Stage 2: Flaky, tar-like deposits that are more difficult to remove.
Stage 3: A hard, glazed “glazed creosote” that is highly concentrated and extremely flammable. This stage often requires specialized removal methods.

Disclaimer: This is an educational tool, not a substitute for a professional inspection. A certified chimney sweep can identify the actual stage and amount of creosote in your system. All homeowners should have their chimneys inspected annually as per NFPA 211 standards.