Quote:
Originally Posted by tbpew
Is creosote a residue of all wood types or just pines/conifers?
Do you know at what temperature the creosote (resins/tars?) are burned? I have heard that the cooler chimneys are the real problem with these kind of build-ups. I only start my fires (woodstove) with pine, then switch to hardwoods.
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Creosote or soot is a naturally occuring by product of all wood combustion.
I do think hardwoods are better than the softer pines, however creosote formation is more relative to the moisture content in the wood, and the combustion efficiency of the appliance being used. In addition, formation of creosote is dependent on chimney diameter, height, and location - which, as you mention, effects the stack temperature.
We have what we term three "degrees" of creosote.
First degree - lightweight soot and fly ash contains minimal tar droplets.
Second degree - scaley crunchy and heavier, contains substancial fuel.
Third degree - very hard glass-like build up, contains highest fuel load
Any of these may ignite within the normal flue gas temperature range of 200 to 1000 degrees. When ignited the creosote fire will likely spread throughout the flue and burn at temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees.
Generally speaking, the greatest danger is present in chimneys that serve controlled combustion appliances with poor air to fuel mixure, those burning unseasoned wood, or improperly lined and sized chimneys.
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