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Looking for a Chimney Sweep Near You in Bethlehem, NY? Trust Northeastern Masonry & Chimney

If you’re searching for a trusted, experienced chimney sweep near Bethlehem, NY, look no further than Northeastern Masonry & Chimney. For years, we’ve been providing top-tier chimney cleaning, sweeping, inspection, and repair services to homeowners throughout the area, and our certified technicians are committed to ensuring you’re able to use your system with peace of mind. Ready to book your appointment? Reach out today.

What Type of Wood Should I Burn in My Fireplace?

Choosing the right type of wood to burn in your fireplace can make a big difference in heat output, fireplace safety, and your levels of creosote buildup. What you shouldn’t burn is wet wood, treated wood, cardboard, paper products, trash, plastic silverware, and unseasoned wood.

To put it more simply, remember this rule: The only thing you should burn in your fireplace is seasoned hardwood.

original graphic titled "Fireplace Q&A" in a decorative font. Below the title, a question in a dark orange box reads: "What are the qualities of properly seasoned wood?". Below this, a circular graphic shows a chimney sweep on a roof. Underneath, a bulleted list provides the qualities of properly seasoned wood:</p> <p>It has been split and dried for at least 6-12 months.<br /> Its moisture content should be under 20%.<br /> It should be light in weight and make a hollow sound when smacked.<br /> It shouldn't smell sappy or "fresh."<br /> It should have split ends and be more of a dull color.

Seasoned hardwoods are denser and burn hotter and longer than softwoods. Because of this, they produce less creosote and smoke, which will be better for your fireplace over time.

Qualities of seasoned wood include:

  • It has been split and dried for at least 6–12 months.
  • Its moisture content (determined by a moisture meter) should be under 20%.
  • It should be light in weight and make a hollow sound when smacked against another piece.
  • It shouldn’t smell sappy or “fresh.”
  • It should have split ends and be more of a dull color.

What Are Chimney Fires? How Do I Avoid Them?

Chimney fires are fires that start inside the chimney flue, often fueled by creosote (a highly flammable substance that builds up from burning wood). These events can be fast and loud (think roaring noises and visible flames), but it’s important to note that most are slow and silent, smoldering for a long time – and completely unbeknownst to the homeowner.

Because of this, booking regular (annual) inspections and sweeps is imperative – you never know what dangers may be hidden away in a seemingly “fine” chimney!

What can you do to help prevent chimney fires?

  • Burn only seasoned hardwood to reduce creosote buildup.
  • Never throw trash or paper products in your fires.
  • Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
  • Use a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out.
  • Install a spark arrestor at the top of the chimney.
  • Don’t overload your fireplace or burn too hot too fast.
  • Avoid slow, smoldering fires.
  • Ensure your flue is the right size and in good condition.

What Are the Stages of Creosote?

Creosote is the dark, tar-like residue that builds up inside a chimney when wood burns. It’s also one of the primary causes of chimney fires. Most don’t realize that creosote forms in stages – and the type you have will play a big role in determining how easy it is for the chimney sweep to remove.

  • Stage 1 (First-Degree Creosote): This is the earliest and least dangerous form of creosote buildup. First-degree creosote is light, flaky, and dry. It’s also relatively easy to remove with a standard chimney brush during your yearly chimney sweeping – a best-case scenario for chimney maintenance.
  • Stage 2 (Second-Degree Creosote): At this stage, the creosote becomes more stubborn and tar-like. It forms shiny, black flakes or chips that can adhere more firmly to the inner walls of the flue. Second-degree creosote usually results from burning unseasoned wood or when airflow is restricted, and it’s harder to clean than first-degree buildup.
  • Stage 3 (Third-Degree or Glazed Creosote): This is the most severe and hazardous form of creosote. It appears as a thick, shiny, and hardened glaze, and it is extremely flammable and difficult to remove. Glazed creosote will typically require chemical treatments or sometimes a partial chimney relining.
original image presents a 'Fireplace Q&A' with a gradient background transitioning from dark red at the top to a lighter orange at the bottom. The title is prominently displayed in a large, decorative, dark red font at the top. Below this, centered in a dark red rectangular box with rounded corners, is the question: 'How can I avoid creosote buildup in my chimney?' written in a white, sans-serif font. Beneath the red box is the same circular emblem as the previous image, featuring a dark blue silhouette of a chimney sweep with his tools, outlined by a thin white border and a dark blue circle. Below the emblem, in white text, is the answer to the question: 'You can minimize creosote buildup by burning only seasoned hardwoods, keeping your fires burning hot and efficiently, ensuring proper airflow by opening the damper, avoiding overloading the firebox, and scheduling annual inspections and sweepings.' The background gradient continues behind the answer. The image provides practical advice on preventing creosote accumulation in a chimney.

You can minimize creosote buildup by burning only seasoned hardwoods, keeping your fires burning hot and efficiently, ensuring proper airflow by opening the damper, avoiding overloading the firebox, and scheduling annual inspections and sweepings.

Trust Us – the Trusted Chimney Company in Bethlehem, NY

Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your home and fireplace’s safety and comfort. Northeastern Masonry & Chimney is proud to serve Bethlehem and surrounding communities with honest, reliable chimney sweep services with every season. Call us today or schedule an appointment online. We’d love to hear from you soon.