17
Maintenance And Chimney Cleaning:
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic
vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The
creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a
slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the
flue lining. When ignited, this creosote creates a chimney fire with
extremely high temperatures.
With a new installation, the chimney should be inspected frequently
(every 2 wks) to determine the rate of creosote formation. When
familiar with the appliance and chimney characteristics, the chimney
should be inspected at least once every 2 months during the heating
season to determine if a creosote or soot build-up has occurred.
Check spark arrester screens at least every 2 to 4 weeks. If the spark
arrester becomes clogged with creosote, it should be cleaned or
replaced.
If creosote or soot has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce
the risk of a chimney fire. Depending on the rate of build-up (as little
as 1/16") and as you learn what is going on in the chimney, you can
adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly. Every chimney flue and
flue pipe shall be inspected annually and cleaned as often as may be
necessary to keep the chimney and flue pipe free from dangerous
accumulation of combustible deposits.
Chimney and flue pipe are particulary susceptible to off-season
condensation. The incomplete combustion of wood produces acids
which, when combined with moisture, are corrosive. During the
heating season, corrosion tends not to occur because the heat in the
system evaporates the condensation of any water vapour that may
be formed.
Warm, moist air during the summer months passes slowly through the
heating system. It makes any remaining ash or creosote moist and
soggy. Corrosion of steel occurs where these deposits remain.
Off-season corrosion can be reduced considerably if the system is
Continue adding chimney lengths until the proper height is achieved
(see Figure 1). Install a rain cap (Standard or Deluxe model) and lock
it in place by turning clockwise until tight.
If there is 5 ft. (1600 mm) or more of chimney installed on the adapter
plate, roof guys are required above the roof line (see Roof Guy Kit
section).
If the chimney is being replaced below the soffit, additional lateral
support must be provided by the use of wall bands at 8 ft. intervals
(see Wall Support section in these instructions).
Bend the four edges of the flashing around the masonry chimney so
the flashing fits tight to the masonry. Wrap the Storm Collar around
the chimney above the flashing. Secure the ends together loosely
with the nut and bolt supplied. Slide the collar down the chimney until
it contacts the flashing. Tighten the nut and bolt and seal the Storm
Collar to the chimney with a suitable waterproof non-hardening high
temperature silicone caulking.
The flashing and storm collar can or may be painted to match the
masonry brick. This will extend its life and improve the appearance.
Clean, prime and paint with suitable painting product and follow the
paint manufacturer's instructions.
How you burn wood in your stove, fireplace or any other solid fuel
appliance directly affects the formation of creosote. Good operating
and firing techniques of your wood appliance will have a positive
impact in reducing creosote build-up. Burn hot, bright fires and fire
each load hot. It is important to load your appliance properly and to
avoid smoldering fires. By doing so, it reduces creosote formation
and the risk of chimney fires. Fast, effective start-ups are important,
but also the moisture content of the wood being burned. If your
wood is not thoroughly seasoned, split your wood in smaller pieces
instead of larger ones. Ideally, the moisture content of your firewood
should be between 18 and 22 percent. To assist you in using your
wood burner more effectively is in monitoring your system with a
surface thermometer for single wall stove pipe or a probe thermometer
for double wall stove pipe. Follow the manufacturers instructions
packaged with the thermometer.
Burn only low sulphur content coal (1% or less) such as anthracite.
Ensure that the chimney system is not oversized for the appliance
it serves. Check with the appliance manufacturers for the proper
sizing of the chimney.
To replace part of an existing masonry chimney that may be damaged,
the damaged part must first be removed so that both the clay liner and
the brick exterior are flush with one and other. If the clay liner is
damaged further down than the brick exterior, it is recommended that
you line the clay tile with a chimney liner (Selkirk's Stainless Steel
Liner) that is listed for existing masonry chimneys, or continue
removing the chimney until both the clay tile and exterior are in good
condition.
Once the damaged portion of the chimney has been removed, add a
bead of refractory cement to the clay tile, center the Masonry
Adapter Plate on the existing masonry chimney and attach it to the
masonry by drilling eigth (8) 3/16" x 2" holes and inserting suitable
anchor shields. Bolt in place using the 8 supplied self tapping anchor
screws.
NOTE: Ensure the anchors are placed in the refractory and not in the
mortar by utilizing the extra holes supplied in the plate.
Once complete there should be one anchor in each corner as well as
one anchor midway between each corner.
Install the appropriate chimney section(s) on to the Masonry Adap-
tor Plate and lock the chimney section(s) into place (see Figure 36).
Slide the Masonry Adaptor Flashing down over the installed chimney
until it comes in contact with the Adapter Plate. Notch the 4 corners
of the plate as shown in Figure 37.
“Creosote and Soot - Formation and
Need for Removal”
The need for chimney maintenance depends on the kind of appliance
and how it is operated. Gas and oil-burning appliances need very
little, but wood burning appliances may need a great deal of chimney
maintenance.
thoroughly cleaned after the last fire of the heating season. Where
coal is burned, the system must be throughly cleaned within 48 hours
of shutting down the system for the season and all soot be removed
from the chimney system. This should be the most important cleaning
the system receives all year. Air inlets should be closed and sealed
if necessary to prevent the constant flow of air through the system.
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