Chimney Problems and Solutions

Quite often I receive emails from people from all over the U.S. trying to find solutions to their chimney problems. If you're having a problem you can't figure out, or you're looking for a particular product you can't seem to find, there's a nifty little form on my "Technical Page" on my website. Just fill it out and hit submit. Here is one I just received last night

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My problem, I have a air tight woodstove I burn hot fires daily , to keep creosote build up minimum, I have 6 in stainless pipe no bends , I burn such hot fires the cap condensates and drips the nasty tar on my roof, from the cap, I was told to take the cap off
during the winter months, here in the midwest it rains alot so that makes no sense to me . I need a cap that will send that condensation back down the chimney , then the hot fire will take care of it , instead of me cleaning the cap once a month. Help, this has been a problem , I use seasoned wood, oak, been burning wood for years, tired of cleaning cap.

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I have 2 things that could help with this chimney problem. The first is called an "Inverted cone cap". This cap is constructed with a cone on the inside of the cap that directs creosote and condensation back down into the chimney flue rather than onto the roof and exterior masonry surfaces. It is made of 100% 304-alloy stainless steel. It also has stainless 3/4" mesh which is removable. The inverted cone cap is available in 5" through 8" diameters.

The cost of this cap in the 6" diameter is $81.99. Shipping will be approximately $8.00. Making the total cost$89.99.

The second thing I would recommend is a creosote spray called "Anti-creo-soot". This product is the only thing I have found after 23 years in the business that actually works on creosote, when used on a consistant basis. It is a non-flamable, non-toxic, spray that you spray directly onto the red coals and around your firebox when burning. Wait 2-3 minutes and reload your stove with wood. Using this a couple of times per day will keep the creosote in the powdery form rather than the glaze that you have described.



Anti-creo-soot comes in a 1 quart spray bottle and costs $16.95 per quart. Shipping runs $5.00 per bottle. This would be a total of 21.95 per quart. It also comes in one gallon jugs but is sold only in two gallon cases.



If you're having problems similar to what this reader is having you may want to try either or both of these options.


Thanks,
Terry
Buckeye Valley Chimney Service