Expert: James Ball - 11/11/2009

Question
Hello, we noticed a black gooey substance (creosote?)running down the outside of the pipe from the ceiling to our wood stove. We have cleaned the pipe and can't find anything in the attic or on the roof that seem to be the cause. We purchased the house 3 years ago. We brush clean the pipe 2 times a year and burn the creosote logs half way through the season and then again at the end. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Debbie, it sounds like the pipes are installed in the wrong direction, they should be going into the pipe below (keeping the Creosote running inside the pipe) 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 you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James