Opinion on Chimney Cap

[deborita3]

My husband went on the roof to inspect the chimney cap and took some pics. I was wondering if the cap is too dark and if anyone can tell if there is any creosote visible. We are new to wood burning so I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

 

[TedyOH]

That does not look good to me....when i clean my liner in the fall its pretty much spotless up top at the cap.

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[deborita3]

That does not look good to me....when i clean my liner in the fall its pretty much spotless up top at the cap.

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I had some wet wood to start out with. What do you think is causing the dark color and is it a safety issue?

 

[deborita3]

I had some wet wood to start out with. What do you think is causing the dark color and is it a safety issue?

The liner and cap was installed in October.

 

[TedyOH]

I had some wet wood to start out with. What do you think is causing the dark color and is it a safety issue?

The black shiny stuff is caused by wet wood....a poor draft will add to it....if that was my liner I'd clean it ASAP....as far as safety goes, I'll let the certified guys answer that as they do servicing for a living...im sure you'll hear from them by tomorrow.

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[deborita3]

Any input? Can I still keep using the stove? Is it a safety issue or can it wait to be cleaned? Getting snow here tonight.

 

[vwmike]

Looks pretty normal to me for the very top. How much wood do you think you have burned so far? If your capable yourself give it a quick clean and move on. I personally wouldn’t stop burning for that little of buildup.

 

[maple1]

Any input? Can I still keep using the stove? Is it a safety issue or can it wait to be cleaned? Getting snow here tonight.

I don't see anything about the cap that would stop me from burning it, but the pics don't show what really counts which is what is in the chimney. The one pic shows some buildup but can't tell how much.

 

[deborita3]

I don't see anything about the cap that would stop me from burning it, but the pics don't show what really counts which is what is in the chimney. The one pic shows some buildup but can't tell how much.

We're suppose to get snow tonight. My husband is going to clean the chimney but was wondering in the meantime if it was OK to keep burning. Thanks for your reply!

 

[deborita3]

Looks pretty normal to me for the very top. How much wood do you think you have burned so far? If your capable yourself give it a quick clean and move on. I personally wouldn’t stop burning for that little of buildup.

We have burned about 2 cords. We don't burn when we are sleeping but do burn during the day and at night 7 days a week

 

[deborita3]

What can we use to clean the cap? Should it be that dark in color? Someone posted that it shouldn't be that dark.

 

[Hogwildz]

The cap is going to get dark because the gases are cooling at the top where the cap is. No totally un-unormal. If it was me, I would have no issue to continue burning. The top of the piping is more than I see in a full burning season, it is probably your wood is not dry enough, but nothing alarming in what is seen. Sweep the chimney when you can, and check again in a month. I clean my cap with a small wire brush.

 

[Woody5506]

Use a wire brush to clean the cap. Don't worry about the color I don't think it's a big deal but it's just indicative of lots of smoke I would think.

 

[mstoelton]

Clean it when you can. There does not appear to be anything abnormal about your cap. There is some black - looks like tar creosote on your cap. With you being new to burning and likely not having ideal wood, it is "normal". That is to say it is not ideal, but it does not look dangerous to me. If on inspection you find a build-up of the tarry type 3 creosote down below in the liner, then you will want to have the liner cleaned ASAP. It appears to me that the pictures show a more dry gray creosote in the liner, that is common and should be easily removed in a routine cleaning. Note: my liner looked similar to yours after my first season burning less than ideal wood.

 

[deborita3]

Use a wire brush to clean the cap. Don't worry about the color I don't think it's a big deal but it's just indicative of lots of smoke I would think.

Clean it when you can. There does not appear to be anything abnormal about your cap. There is some black - looks like tar creosote on your cap. With you being new to burning and likely not having ideal wood, it is "normal". That is to say it is not ideal, but it does not look dangerous to me. If on inspection you find a build-up of the tarry type 3 creosote down below in the liner, then you will want to have the liner cleaned ASAP. It appears to me that the pictures show a more dry gray creosote in the liner, that is common and should be easily removed in a routine cleaning. Note: my liner looked similar to yours after my first season burning less than ideal wood.

Thank you for the info! I heard using vinegar and water can help clean the cap. Was hoping to get rid of the discoloration but more concerned about getting rid of the creosote.

 

[deborita3]

Use a wire brush to clean the cap. Don't worry about the color I don't think it's a big deal but it's just indicative of lots of smoke I would think.

I had alot of dry wood in the beginning but have much dryer wood now. I've learned alot here so I believe next winter will be much better. I'm getting hotter burns now, 500-600. Thanks for the help!

 

[Ludlow]

Take the cap down and spray with oven cleaner. Hose off when dissolved and you are good to go.