9
Caring for your Fire & Maintenance
Door Glass
Ensure logs are not too long for the depth of the firebox. Do not attempt to
close the door if a log is protruding from the front of the firebox opening.
A broken glass is caused by the door being closed onto a full firebox or logs not
correctly placed into the fire.
Wiping your glass regularly with a damp cloth when cold will keep the glass
clean. If a thick build up of creosote builds up, oven cleaner works well to re-
move it.
Door Rope
The door rope will need to be replaced from time to time. When replacing the
rope or if the door rope becomes loose, press the door rope firmly back into the
retainer. Flue cement or maniseal may be needed to help keep it in place.
Cleaning the Outside of the Fire
Woodsman fires are finished in a high temperature paint. Only use a damp cloth
(no chemicals) when cleaning the outside of the fire. If any scratches occur, you
can easily touch up the fire with an aerosol can of matching paint. This is avail-
able from your retailer or Harris Home Fires.
Cleaning the Flue
Keeping your flue clean is important. We recommend that you have your chim-
ney swept at least once a year. A blocked flue not only effects the performance
of the fire, but can also be a hazard as you are susceptible to chimney fires.
Poor quality and wet wood will increase the number of times you will need to
clean the flue. Good quality wood is important.
Cowl Maintenance
Your Columbia Cowl is fitted with a Teflon Sleeve to reduce noise and wear. The
Teflon Sleeve may need to be replaced over the life of the fire and should be
checked during an annual service or when the flue is cleaned. If the shaft is dry
and dirty, it should be cleaned back to a bare metal finish and a thin layer of
graphite or high temperature grease applied before replacing the Teflon Sleeve.
Older versions of the Columbia Cowl do not have a Teflon Sleeve and require re-
greasing one to two times a year
Ash Level
It is important to maintain a 2 - 3cm level of ash in the bottom of the fire for
insulation purposes. But do not let the level get too high as you run the risk of
logs and coals falling out of the fire. You also get less wood in the firebox.
Disposal of Ashes
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed
container of ashes should be placed on a non-combustible floor or on the
ground well away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal once
cooled.
