What will dissolve creosote?

Nothing you pour in truly dissolves hardened, glazed creosote. Chemical treatments only loosen light, flaky buildup. Third-degree glazed creosote has to be removed mechanically with rotary tools.

Does burning aluminum cans remove creosote?

No, and it is a dangerous myth. Tossing cans or a chimney-sweeping log on the fire does not clean the flue and it gives a false sense of safety. Glazed creosote has to be physically removed by a sweep.

How do I know if I have dangerous creosote buildup?

Warning signs are a strong smoky smell, thick black or shiny deposits in the firebox, weaker draft and black flakes dropping into the fireplace. An inspection confirms the stage and the risk.

Can't I just burn it out with a hot fire?

No, that is exactly how chimney fires start. Glazed creosote has to be mechanically removed. Trying to burn it off risks igniting it inside your flue with your house attached to it.

Creosote Removal in Baltimore

Creosote is the tar that burning wood leaves behind, and in its hardened, glazed form it is the number-one cause of chimney fires. A standard brush will not touch it. This takes the right tools.

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What's included

Rotary chain and cutting-head removal of glazed creosote
Assessment of the creosote stage, first, second or third degree
Post-removal camera check of the flue
Guidance on burning habits so it stays gone

A repointed Baltimore brick chimney crown with a new stainless cap

Third-degree creosote is hard, shiny and stuck to the flue like glass. It is what turns a normal fire into a chimney fire that can reach 2,000 degrees and crack your liner. Removing it safely takes rotary tools, not a brush and a prayer.

If you are smelling a strong campfire odor, seeing black flakes in the firebox or your last inspection flagged glazing, do not wait for the next cold snap. We remove it and show you the before-and-after on camera.

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Questions we get

Creosote Removal FAQs

What will dissolve creosote?: Nothing you pour in truly dissolves hardened, glazed creosote. Chemical treatments only loosen light, flaky buildup. Third-degree glazed creosote has to be removed mechanically with rotary tools.
Does burning aluminum cans remove creosote?: No, and it is a dangerous myth. Tossing cans or a chimney-sweeping log on the fire does not clean the flue and it gives a false sense of safety. Glazed creosote has to be physically removed by a sweep.
How do I know if I have dangerous creosote buildup?: Warning signs are a strong smoky smell, thick black or shiny deposits in the firebox, weaker draft and black flakes dropping into the fireplace. An inspection confirms the stage and the risk.
Can't I just burn it out with a hot fire?: No, that is exactly how chimney fires start. Glazed creosote has to be mechanically removed. Trying to burn it off risks igniting it inside your flue with your house attached to it.

More services

Get it swept before the first freeze

Damp falls and freeze-thaw winters are hard on old Baltimore brick. A free inspection now beats a crown rebuild in January.

Call (410) 555-0117 Book My Free Inspection