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ANNUAL FIREPLACE MAINTENANCE
Your fireplace and chimney require seasonal and
monthly tune-
ups”. Like any piece of well-built equipment, the
Mason-Lite
Fireplace
and
chimney
needs
routine
maintenance.
The manufacturer recommends that inspection of the
fi replace and chimney take place on a monthly basis during the
heating season.
Start at the top, looking for
birds’ nests, leaves or any
other obstructions. Also check the spark arrestor, for creosote
or soot build-up. Twice a year, you will want to clean the firebox
and chimney yourself or hire a professional chimney sweep to
do the job for you. If you elect to do it yourself, use a plastic,
wood or steel brush for the inside of the chimney.
For the spark arrestor, scrub with a wire brush. To
dismantle the chimney cap for cleaning of the flue, unscrew
the four screws that hold it in place. For cleaning access from
below, open the damper in the firebox. It is best to use a flexible
handle chimney cleaning brush made especially for the job.
If your fireplace system has any offset chimney
sections, start cleaning with the flexible brush from the top of
the section downward to the elbow. Then clean from the firebox
up to the offset/return section.
Be sure that you have covered the floor of the fireplace
and out to the hearth with a damp sheet that has been taped
securely in place. When all the soot has settled, remove the
sheet and vacuum up
– don’t sweep the excess soot.
Good old-fashioned
“elbow grease” is enough to
remove the extraneous matter from the inside of the firebox
and chimney. Never use any chemical cleaners as their residue
could introduce a fire hazard after the task is completed.
Outside Inspection
– During your once a month
inspection of the firebox and chimney, make it a point to also
check the outside of the chimney, the metal flashing and weather
seals that surround it. If you find any cracks or openings around
screws or nails, seal them to avoid any roof or chimney chase
leaks.
SURFACE CRACKS
The MASON-LITE FIREPLACES are manufactured
using high quality materials. During the drying process, surface
cracking may occur. These small cracks (under
1/16” will not
effect the fireplace safety or performance). During the assembly
process, fill surface cracks with thin-set mortar and brush when
drying for a smooth surface finish.
Removal of Creosote and Soot Formation
– Creosote
vapors are known to form in the relatively cool chimney flues of
slow burning fires, hence, creosote residue collects on the flue
lining. Because of soot and creosote build-up, it is recommended
that the fireplace and chimney cleaning be done twice a year. In
colder climates, cleaning should be done more often.
Always allow the fireplace to completely cool before
you work on it, which means, of course, shutting off all gas and
electrical connections, also.
Be certain that you use only solid fuel in your fi replace.
You may use a natural or LP gas log lighter as a method to start
your wood fire.
The flue damper must be in the OPEN position
whenever there is heat in the fireplace.
CUSTOMER SERVICE & PARTS REPLACEMENT:
Parts and accessories may be purchased from your
local dealer. Additional information is available from Masonry
Fireplace Industries, LLC.
Accessory orders will be accepted by mail, or you may
call your order in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at: (800)-345-7078.
