07/28/2026
Creosote buildup is measured in stages, and most homeowners have never heard of Stage 3. That's the one that looks like tar or hardened foam inside the flue, and it's the stage where a standard chimney sweep won't cut it anymore. Here in DFW, we see it a lot in older Lakewood and East Dallas homes where the fireplace gets used hard a few cold weeks a year and then sits untouched until the next season. If it's been a few years since anyone looked inside your flue, a Level 2 chimney inspection will tell you exactly what stage you're dealing with before you light that first fire. Give us a call at (214) 301-0414 and we'll take a look.