Does The Chimney Sweep Logs Really Work

A chimney sweeping log seems like a regular log at first glance but they actually have active minerals that allow them to dry out creosote buildup.

Does the chimney sweep logs really work.

Michael hirsch vice president of joseph enterprises which manufactures the log says the product improves safety and makes a professional chimney sweep s job easier. A chimney sweeping log usually burns for approximately 90 minutes. The logs do not take the place of structural and mechanical inspections. This is done by impregnating the logs with certain chemicals that are designed to break down the build up that is on the inside of the chimney.

Many people including myself have spent the money and purchased a product such as a chimney sweeping log hoping it will play a small role in reducing creosote buildup. Burning a regular wood fire before adding the log softens tar buildup inside the chimney which makes the chimney cleaning log more effective. They really can make your chimney easier to maintain but they can t replace regular professional cleaning and they ll only help if you use them correctly. There s a fair amount of misconception about how these logs work though.

You are supposed to be able to put them in the fireplace burn them and they will make your chimney easier to clean. However regular use of a sweeping log helps to lengthen the interval between manual cleanings of the chimney. The short answer is no they don t work. Chimney cleaning logs also known as creosote sweeping logs are marketed as an easy way to deal with this sticky problem.

These logs aren t a replacement for thorough cleaning of your chimney. How they work the idea behind these logs is very simple. You may have seen creosote sweeping logs on the shelves at big box stores and wondered if they really work. And remember there are simply situations where cleaning logs do not take the place of chimney sweep brushes.

These logs have special chemicals that attach to creosote to make them flakier and therefore easier to remove. Experts say the answer is yes but only if you have realistic expectations. To the best of my knowledge there is no evidence that states the product does not work and you can read the multiple reviews from people who are very satisfied after many years of using them. As it burns the cleaning log releases chemicals that adhere to the chimney walls loosening tar and creosote buildup or rendering it less likely to cause a fire.

These types of logs contain a chemical catalyst with can reduce the early stages of creosote buildup up to 60 with repeated use. These need to be done as well. Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. Sweeping logs are recommended for maintaining basic chimney cleanliness in wood burning fireplaces.