Remove Dangerous Creosote & Keep Your Family Safe
Your chimney works hard every time you light a fire but invisible dangers are building up inside. Every cozy evening by the fireplace leaves behind creosote, a highly flammable substance that can ignite without warning and cause devastating chimney fires.
Many homeowners don’t realize that a dirty chimney is a serious fire hazard. Here’s why regular chimney cleaning is essential for your home and family:
Creosote is extremely flammable. When it builds up to just ⅛ of an inch thick, a single spark can ignite it, causing fires that reach over 2,000°F. These fires can spread to your roof and home in minutes.
Every time you burn wood, unburned particles rise up your chimney and stick to the walls as creosote. This tar-like substance accumulates over time, creating a serious fire hazard and restricting airflow.
A clean chimney means better draft, hotter fires, and more efficient heating. You'll notice the difference immediately fires light easier, burn brighter, and your home stays warmer with less wood.
That smoky smell in your living room or strong odors from your fireplace in summer? That's creosote and soot buildup. Cleaning eliminates these unpleasant odors and stops smoke from backing up into your home.
A blocked or restricted chimney can't properly vent deadly carbon monoxide gas outside. This invisible threat can seep into your home, causing illness or even death. Regular cleaning ensures dangerous gases exit safely.
Warning Signs
Don’t wait for an emergency. Watch for these warning signs that your chimney needs immediate attention:
If you can see black, tar-like buildup on your chimney walls (⅛ inch or thicker), it's time for cleaning
Smoke should go up the chimney, not into your living room. This indicates a blockage or heavy buildup
That strong, unpleasant smell (especially noticeable in summer or humid weather) means creosote accumulation
Difficulty getting fires started or fires that won't burn hot indicate restricted airflow from buildup
Excessive soot around your fireplace opening or on glass doors shows incomplete combustion and buildup
If you've had more than 50 fires since your last cleaning, you're overdue
If you can't remember the last time your chimney was cleaned, or if you've never had it done, schedule service immediately
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney cleaning and inspection. Even if you don’t see obvious signs, yearly service prevents problems before they start.
Critical Safety Information
Creosote is a sticky, tar-like substance that forms when wood doesn’t burn completely. The smoke carries unburned particles up your chimney where they cool and condense on the flue walls. Over time, these deposits build up into a thick, highly flammable coating.
Creosote ignites at just 451°F a temperature easily reached during normal fireplace use. Once ignited, it burns explosively at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F.
At these extreme temperatures, chimney fires can:
Certain conditions accelerate creosote buildup:
Regular professional cleaning completely removes creosote buildup, eliminating the fire risk. It’s simple, affordable prevention that protects your home and family.
When you choose Oak Tree Chimney Solutions, you get thorough, professional service from certified experts who care about your safety. Here’s exactly what we do:
We start by protecting your home. Our technicians lay professional-grade drop cloths around your fireplace and throughout the work area. We cover nearby furniture and set up our high-powered HEPA filtration vacuum system to capture dust and debris. Your home stays clean throughout the entire process.
Using professional-grade wire brushes designed specifically for your chimney type, we thoroughly clean from bottom to top. Our certified sweeps scrub the entire flue liner, clean the smoke chamber and smoke shelf (where most chimney fires start), brush and vacuum the damper area, and thoroughly clean your firebox and hearth.
Our industrial HEPA vacuum captures all fallen debris, soot, and ash. We also check for and remove animal nests (birds, squirrels, raccoons), leaves and debris, and any obstructions blocking proper ventilation. Everything is safely contained and properly disposed of.
After cleaning, we conduct a thorough safety inspection: verify complete creosote removal, check for cracks, damage, or deterioration, test damper operation, inspect crown, cap, and flashing, and look for any structural issues. We photograph any problem areas so you can see exactly what we're seeing.
Before we leave, you'll receive a written cleaning report documenting our work, before and after photos, clear explanations of any issues found, honest recommendations for repairs (if needed), and guidance on when to schedule your next cleaning.
When Oak Tree cleans your chimney, we don’t cut corners. Every cleaning includes:
Every bit of dangerous buildup removed from top to bottom
The entire length of your chimney flue scrubbed clean
These hard-to-reach areas (where most fires start) thoroughly cleaned
Your fireplace interior cleaned and ready to use
Damper cleaned and checked for proper operation
All obstructions safely removed from your chimney
Advanced filtration keeps dust and debris contained
Thorough check for damage, deterioration, or hazards
Before/after pictures showing the condition of your chimney
Detailed documentation of our findings and recommendations
The National Fire Protection Association is clear: chimneys should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. This isn't just a suggestion it's the professional standard for fire safety.
Schedule your cleaning in early fall, before you light your first fire of the season. This ensures your chimney is safe and ready for winter. It's also when chimney sweeps are less busy, making scheduling easier.
Regular Use (3+ fires per week): Annual cleaning is essential
Moderate Use (1-2 fires per week): Annual cleaning recommended
Light Use (occasional fires): Annual inspection and cleaning as needed
After 50+ Fires: Time for cleaning, regardless of timeframe
Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America the gold standard in chimney safety. You're getting trained professionals, not unlicensed workers.
We've cleaned thousands of chimneys across Northeast Ohio. We understand how Akron's harsh winters, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy snow affect your chimney system.
We use professional HEPA filtration vacuums that capture 99.97% of dust particles. With protective coverings and careful cleanup, your home stays spotless.
Need service fast? We offer same-day appointments when possible. We understand that chimney problems don't follow a schedule.
We'll never recommend unnecessary services or use scare tactics. If your chimney only needs cleaning, that's what we'll tell you. If repairs are needed, we'll show you exactly why with photos.
We provide before and after photos so you can see the condition of your chimney and the quality of our work. Full transparency, every time.
Oak Tree Chimney Solutions has the expertise and equipment to clean all types of chimney systems:
Traditional brick and stone chimneys in older Akron homes. These require special attention to protect the masonry while thoroughly cleaning the flue liner.
Prefabricated metal chimney systems common in newer homes. We use specialized brushes designed specifically for metal flues.
Wood stoves create heavy creosote buildup. We thoroughly clean the entire stovepipe and chimney system for safe, efficient operation.
Yes, gas fireplaces need cleaning too! While they produce less creosote, carbon deposits and debris still accumulate and need removal.
Homes with multiple fireplaces or a chimney serving several appliances. We clean each flue thoroughly and inspect for proper separation.
✓ Clear the area around your fireplace (remove decorations, photos, valuables)
✓ Avoid using your fireplace for 24-48 hours before service (it needs to be cool)
✓ Provide access to your chimney (we may need roof access)
✓ Make a note of any concerns to discuss with our technician
Our certified technician will arrive on time with all necessary equipment. We’ll:
✓ Introduce ourselves and review what we’ll be doing
✓ Set up protective coverings and HEPA filtration
✓ Conduct the thorough cleaning process
✓ Perform a complete safety inspection
✓ Document everything with photos
✓ Answer all your questions
✓ Your chimney will be clean and safe to use
✓ You’ll have a detailed written report with photos
✓ Any recommended repairs or maintenance will be clearly explained
✓ You’ll know exactly when to schedule your next service
✓ Your home will be spotless our no-mess guarantee
Why Northeast Ohio Makes Chimney Cleaning Even More Critical
Our winters see temperatures drop below 0°F, while your chimney reaches 200°F+ during use. This extreme cycling causes faster deterioration of mortar, bricks, and seals. Regular cleaning helps us spot weather-related damage early.
Akron's extended heating season means more fires, which means faster creosote accumulation. Homes that burn wood regularly through winter can build up dangerous levels of creosote in just one season.
Northeast Ohio's precipitation can cause moisture issues in chimneys, leading to deterioration and blockages. Our cleaning service includes checking for water damage and blockages.
Ohio's wildlife loves chimneys for nesting. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons commonly build nests in spring and fall, creating fire hazards and blockages. We remove these safely during cleaning.
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what homeowners throughout the Akron area have to say about their experience with Oak Tree.
FAQs
Most standard cleanings take 1-2 hours. This includes the cleaning itself, inspection, documentation, and time to discuss our findings with you. More complex situations may take longer.
No! We guarantee it. We use professional HEPA filtration vacuums that capture 99.97% of dust and debris, plus protective drop cloths throughout the work area. Many customers are amazed at how clean everything stays.
Yes! While gas produces less creosote than wood, your chimney still accumulates carbon deposits, debris, and can develop blockages from animal nests. Annual inspection and cleaning as needed ensures safe operation.
We provide before and after photos showing the condition of your chimney. You’ll also notice immediate improvements better draft, easier fire starting, no smoke backing up, and elimination of odors. Plus, our detailed written report documents everything we did.
Absolutely. We safely remove nests, debris, and any animals (we relocate them humanely). We’ll also recommend installing a chimney cap to prevent future intrusions.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many homeowners aren’t aware of the need for regular cleaning. We’ll thoroughly clean your chimney regardless of how long it’s been, and we’ll let you know if any repairs are needed due to the neglect.
Yes, we can clean chimneys year-round. However, it’s best to schedule in fall (before heavy use) rather than waiting until winter. If you need winter cleaning, just make sure you haven’t used the fireplace for 24-48 hours before service.
It’s helpful but not required. If you’re home, we can discuss our findings and answer questions. If you’re not home, we’ll provide a detailed written report and photos, and we’re always available by phone to discuss anything.
Every day you delay chimney cleaning increases your risk of a dangerous chimney fire. Protect your home and family with professional cleaning from Oak Tree Chimney Solutions.
Service Areas
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio, offering fast, friendly, and reliable service. Many homes in this region face common chimney issues caused by Ohio’s humid summers, snowy winters, and shifting soil conditions.
Headquarters & Primary Service Area
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