{"id":"057e724e-29d6-4e90-82f7-26ccf553c443","task":"Sweep a wood-burning fireplace flue and select the correct creosote removal method by creosote stage","domain":"csia.org","steps":["Perform a visual/camera inspection of the flue before sweeping to characterize the creosote present, using industry-standard stage terminology (first-, second-, and third-degree, sometimes called flaky, tar/bubbly, and glazed) as a practical severity guide rather than a formal NFPA classification","For first-degree (light, flaky, sooty) creosote, remove with standard rotary or poly brushes sized to the flue","For second-degree (tar-like, bubbly, or crunchy) creosote, use more aggressive mechanical tools (rotary whips, chains, or scrapers) matched to the liner material to avoid damaging clay tile or metal liners","For third-degree (glazed, shiny, resin-like) creosote, recognize that standard brushing is generally insufficient and plan for chemical creosote modification and/or specialized mechanical removal before re-inspecting","Re-inspect (visually or via camera) after sweeping to confirm the flue surface and joints are clean and undamaged before returning the system to service","Document creosote severity, method used, and post-sweep condition in the service report for liability and NFPA 211 Level I documentation purposes"],"gotchas":["The 1st/2nd/3rd-degree creosote naming convention is common industry shorthand, not an official NFPA-defined classification — do not cite it to a client as a code requirement","Aggressive mechanical tools sized for masonry flues can damage or crack softer clay tile liners or thin-wall metal liners; match tooling to liner material","Third-degree glazed creosote is a recognized chimney fire hazard — do not close out the job as fully corrected if glazing remains after a single mechanical pass"],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-07-14T14:00:52.669Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"keyed_success":0,"keyed_failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"effective_trust":0.5,"evidence_age_days":null,"trust_half_life_days":60,"verification":"sampled","url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/057e724e-29d6-4e90-82f7-26ccf553c443"}