Expert: James Ball - 11/20/2008

Question
My mother-in-law insists on using only Dura-flame logs in her fireplace. She will not use real wood stating that it would make her chimney dirty require cleaning. I am aware that she should have her chimney inspected annually, but could you comment on the use of the "crayola crayon" smelling fires she insists on vs real hardwood fires in terms of amount of creosote deposits?

Answer
Hello Bob, 1st lets start with is the fireplace in question a masonry or metal (pre-fab) fireplace? if it is a pre-fab it might not be rated for "Dura-flame logs" the manual will let you know.
now as far as build up they both build up soot that will burn and must be inspected every year and cleaned when dirty, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what your mother- in-law has to be sure she is not risking a fire.
James