26
MAINTENANCE
Flue Boot Inspection
Remove the cover plate on the flue boot, located at the
back of the range. Inspect for soot or creosote buildup,
scrape and clean as much as possible, and remove debris
through the clean out door with the ash scraper.
Oven Damper
The oven damper may stick from time to time because
of a buildup of ashes or creosote in the damper track. To
free up the damper, scrape out the buildup or spray with a
creosote remover, let sit for about
1
⁄
2
hour and clean out
debris.
Never use any remover or cleaner on a hot stove.
Chimney Maintenance
Chimney serving woodburning appliances must be checked
regularly for creosote build-up. The rate of build-up de-
pends on cookstove and chimney characteristics, the type
of fuel used, and on how the system is operated.
Until you are familiar with the rate of creosote build-up in
the system, check it often - every couple of weeks. Well-
designed woodburning systems tend to have a slower rate
of build-up in the spring and fall when heat demand, and
therefore firing rate, is lower.
Creosote may be in the form of dry, flaky deposits clinging
to the liner, or a shiny, glazed coating that looks like black
paint.
Glazed creosote is the most dangerous kind and indicates
that one or a combination of conditions exist in the system
that can cause the deposits;
1) A cold liner
2) Smouldering fires
3) Wet wood
Glazed creosote should never be allowed to exceed
1
⁄
8
"(3
mm ) in thickness, Dry, flaky creosote should be removed
when it reaches 6 mm (
1
⁄
4
") in thickness.
!
CAUTION
Chimney Cleaning Equipment
Brushes and rods are the most common chimney cleaning
equipment. Plastic brushes are normally used in metal
chimneys and steel brushes are used for masonry chimney.
The brush should fit snugly in the chimney so that enough
friction is produced to remove deposits. Most chimney
cleaning rods are made from fibreglass with threaded
couplings at each end. Several passes with the brush are
needed for a thorough cleaning.
Many homeowners prefer to contact the services of a chim-
ney sweep rather than climbing on their roofs to clean the
chimney. An experienced chimney sweep can complete the
job quickly and will leave no mess behind. The sweep will
also report on the condition of the chimney. Referrals are
the best way to select a chimney sweep. Check with your
neighbours to see if they are satisfied with the sweeping
services they have received.
Cooking Surface
Stove top and/or keyplate may expand during heating and
use - this is normal and slight gaps may appear around
key plate.
Owners of Blackwood Cookstove: There is an expansion
joint at the rear of the cooking surface on the firebox side.
The purpose of this joint is to allow the top to expand and
contract as required.
NOTE
