Tar is viscous and sticky before hardening with a glaze like appearance, Stage 3 Tar is a highly concentrated fuel which can easily catch fire resulting in a potentially devastating chimney fire.

Reasons for Stage 3

• Burning of unseasoned wood.
• Incomplete combustion (slumbering/cutting off air supply).
• Inadequate air supply for the fire.
• Cold or Uninsulated chimney.
• Flue to big for fire.

Stephen's Chimney Sweep use a a treatment called Cre-Away

Cre-Away is a four component powder that safely modifies glazed stage 3 creosote.

When applied Cre-away will react with the tar and chemically modify it changing into a substance that can be more easily removed.

How this works

• A reactive agent neutralizes the acidic creosote making it less flammable in your chimney and less corrosive to metal components.
• A dehydrator adsorbs the moisture and oils contained in the different forms of creosote. A combustion inhibitor helps reduce the chance of chimney fire.
• A magnesium catalyst helps break down stage 3 creosote Tar when the flue is heated.

Stephen's Chimney Sweep will preheat the chimney and apply Cre-Away using a small compressor. The flue will be fully coated and left for 2 to 4 weeks producing a product that can then be removed by sweeping. We will then issue you with a current chimney sweeping certificate for your insurance.