OPERATING & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR STRATFORD CF ZERO CLEARANCE WOOD HEATER
25
5.1.7
Cleaning and Painting the Zero clearance wood inbuilt
Do not attempt to clean or paint the zero clearance wood inbuilt when the unit is hot.
Painted surfaces
can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Plated surfaces may be scratched by abrasive cleaners. To maintain
the finish at its original brilliance, use only a damp soft cloth to clean plated surfaces.
If the paint becomes scratched or damaged, you can give your zero clearance wood inbuilt a brand new
look by repainting it with heat-resistant paint. Before painting, roughen the surface with fine sand paper,
wipe it down to remove dust, and apply two thin coats of paint. For best results, use the same paint that
was originally used on the zero clearance wood inbuilt, which is available in spray cans. See your dealer for
details.
5.2
Flue and Flue Liner Maintenance
5.2.1
Why Flue System Cleaning is Necessary
Wood smoke can condense inside the flue and flue system, forming a combustible deposit called creosote.
If creosote is allowed to build up in the flue system it can ignite when a hot fire is burned in the wood
inbuilt and a very hot fire can progress to the top of the flue system. Severe flue system fires can damage
even the best flue systems. Smouldering, smoky fires can quickly cause a thick layer of creosote to form.
When you avoid smouldering so the exhaust from the flue system is mostly clear, creosote builds up more
slowly. Your new wood inbuilt has the right characteristics to help you to burn clean fires with little or no
smoke, resulting in less creosote in the flue system.
5.2.2
How Often Should You Clean the Flue System?
It is not possible to predict how much or how quickly creosote will form in your flue system. It is important,
therefore, to check the build-up in your flue system monthly when getting used to the new wood inbuilt
until you determine the rate of creosote formation. Even if creosote forms slowly in your system, the flue
system should be cleaned and inspected at least once each year.
Contact your local municipal or provincial fire authority for information on how to handle a flue system fire.
Have a clearly understood plan to handle a flue system fire.
