I don’t know what made me think of chimney crud. Must have been the Lord. So, with His nudge, I researched chimney crud a little. It’s v-e-r-y interesting. Stick with me. You’ll like this.
When crud coats a chimney flue, it becomes a hazard to the household. The crud is actually creosote. Creosote is a black, oily, wood-tar substance formed inside chimney flues from improperly burning wood in a fireplace or woodstove. Creosote is “your chimney’s enemy.”
There are three stages of buildup…
*stage 1: flaky soot, which is easily brushed away
*stage 2: shiny, hard black flakes of hardened tar, not as easily removed
*stage 3: glazed or hard black deposits, extremely difficult to clean and hazardous, resulting in a house fire.
One source says that, as creosote builds up, it narrows the internal dimensions of the flue, reducing draft and slowing the combustion rate of the fire. The fire then becomes less complete and produces creosote at an increasing rate.
“In other words, a dirty chimney with a thick deposit of creosote causes more creosote to be formed and deposited at a still faster rate.”
Tips for the best fire and least accumulation of crud…
*Smoldering embers are not good for the flue. A hot, clean fire keeps deposits from forming.
*The more seasoned the wood, the better and safer the fire. If the wood becomes wet from rain (down the chimney), it will create creosote and produce little flame with lots of smoke.
*Artificial logs are not recommended as they leave a large amount of deposits.
*Must have plenty of air. Therefore, the flue must be clean and unobstructed. Air restriction with closed glass doors causes second-degree creosote.
*If not insulated properly, the flue becomes difficult to warm, which allows buildup.
*Inspections must be made for “signs of damage or stress, such as cracks, missing mortar or bricks, or other damage should be addressed immediately.”
*“Inspections are best performed on still days, with little wind.” Windy conditions cause a downdraft, which sweeps soot, creosote, and dangerous gasses back down into the house.
*A dirty chimney develops more crud at a faster rate. Any debris or obstructions must be removed. A cleaning solution/agent is suggested.
Wow! Did you discover anything spiritual from all that? Here’s what I gleaned…
*As a channel of the Lord’s presence, my “flue” needs to remain clean and open. If I allow the negative things bombarding me daily to clog my channel, they will coat my heart with their filth. My “combustion rate” will then slow down and my fire will be less complete. Crud is my channel’s enemy.
*Crud is a hazard to my heart’s household. The longer left unattended, the more it builds up.
*If I allow the rains of difficulty to “wet” my “wood,” it will hinder my fire for the Lord. I’ll be all smoke and little flame. Smoldering embers don’t result in removing the crud and, if I’m not careful, my fire will go out completely.
*I cannot allow any “artificial wood” to build the fire of the Lord in my heart. It can leave large, unwanted deposits.
*My channel must have plenty of air, as the breath of the Spirit, to keep my fire burning at its optimal level. If I close the doors of my heart, crud will build up.
*I need inspections – often! Inspections for stress, cracks, missing “bricks” of obedience or other damage. The best inspections happen on still days, when I’m still before the Lord and the winds of circumstances won’t cause a backdraft of life’s soot.
*And I need God’s cleansing agent of forgiveness to keep my fire burning properly and unhindered.
Does any enemy-crud build up in your chimney?
May your channel be unclogged and your fire for the Lord burn hot and clean!
Hooking up with…
Soli deo Gloria Sisterhood
Laura Boggess
Purposeful Faith
Words of Life
