Residual creosote?I’m

[Ctwoodtick]

Definitely feeling some frustration here. Provide some background.- I had my Wood insert installed in 2013 and have been using it since. After a couple years and doing some checking, I didn’t feel comfortable with the initial install and had a different company come out to redo. About a year after the second install, I decided to check behind the surround and noticed it looked like some residual creosote. I called that company back, and the guy came back out and did, what I felt, was a very quick once over of that area.l and sort of dismissed the whole thing.
At that point, I decided to just live with it and move on. Decided to take a better look with better flashlight that I bought in feel bit concerned with what I’m seeing in the chimney just above the damper area. I can see some old creosote, but the exact amount is a little bit difficult to discern, because it appears that there may have been some parging of that area on chimney was built (1977). I wanted to see what you all thought about what’s in the pictures. Some areas look pretty clean, while others do not. For reference, the pictures go from the left side of the fire box to the right in a circle so I could try to get all visible areas photographed. The steel damper was left in, which is unfortunate and blocks a better view of the entire area.
Although it completely rots, I am prepared to call a good sweep to pull the liner in stove and completely rid the area of any residual buildup, so I can put this issue to bed.

 

[MRD1985]

Is this insert not connected to a liner? It’s a little hard to tell from the pictures, but just may be some spot build up.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Is this insert not connected to a liner? It’s a little hard to tell from the pictures, but just may be some spot build up.

The liner is connected. I was able to get around it for the pics. I can try to get some better pics. I agreed the pics aren’t the best quality.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Definitely feeling some frustration here. Provide some background.- I had my Wood insert installed in 2013 and have been using it since. After a couple years and doing some checking, I didn’t feel comfortable with the initial install and had a different company come out to redo. About a year after the second install, I decided to check behind the surround and noticed it looked like some residual creosote. I called that company back, and the guy came back out and did, what I felt, was a very quick once over of that area.l and sort of dismissed the whole thing.
At that point, I decided to just live with it and move on. Decided to take a better look with better flashlight that I bought in feel bit concerned with what I’m seeing in the chimney just above the damper area. I can see some old creosote, but the exact amount is a little bit difficult to discern, because it appears that there may have been some parging of that area on chimney was built (1977). I wanted to see what you all thought about what’s in the pictures. Some areas look pretty clean, while others do not. For reference, the pictures go from the left side of the fire box to the right in a circle so I could try to get all visible areas photographed. The steel damper was left in, which is unfortunate and blocks a better view of the entire area.
Although it completely rots, I am prepared to call a good sweep to pull the liner in stove and completely rid the area of any residual buildup, so I can put this issue to bed.

I'm not sure I understand your concern? Are you thinking there is some sort of leak from your insert, causing creosote buildup in the chimney? Or are you seeing something that I don't see? I'm old and I don't see as well as I used to.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Thanks for asking. I’m not worried about leaking from my current set up, which end of itself is fine. I was concerned about any residual creosote from prior to the install that was left in the chimney.
I realized that the pictures are not the best, so I will try to get some better pictures and post them.

 

[Dieselhead]

I can’t see the residual being a concern? Highly unlikely to cause a fire. Other than knowing “it’s there” I wouldn’t sweat it. It’s probably extremely difficult to completely rid such an imperfect flue surface of it.

 

[EbS-P]

Get your nose in there as far as you can. Does it smell ? How bad? Can you notice it burring season or offseason? I don’t see anything concerning. Looks about as clean as mine and I was suited up standing in there for way too long.

 

[Slimdusty]

I can’t see the residual being a concern? Highly unlikely to cause a fire. Other than knowing “it’s there” I wouldn’t sweat it. It’s probably extremely difficult to completely rid such an imperfect flue surface of it.

This….

 

[stoveliker]

I don't think that is enough fuel to create a problem.

 

[brenndatomu]

Yeah I agree, nothing to see here, especially if you have an insulated liner.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Ok thank you all. I’m took some clearer pics.
My liner is insulated, but the insulation starts about 18 inches off the stove. I was thinking of adding the insulation to that bottom part as well as adding a block off plate (I’ve read about adding a 2-piece block off plate in existing install).
For reference, in the second picture down, the white fluffy stuff is some old Roxul insulation that had been in that area.