5
FIREPLACE MAINTENANCE
C
REOSOTE
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled
moisture to form a black deposit called 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 makes an extremely hot fire. If the creosote accumulation is large, a creosote fire in
the chimney can damage the chimney and overheat the surrounding wood framing. Creosote formation in a
chimney can be minimized by making small hot fires rather than slow burning, smouldering fires.
C
HIMNEY MAINTENANCE
Regular chimney inspection and maintenance combined with proper operation will help prevent chimney
fires. Keep your chimney clean. Do not allow more than a 1/16" (1.6 mm) build-up of creosote in your
chimney. The amount of creosote will depend on variables such as frequency of use and type of fire. We
recommend that you follow the instructions below:
1. Initially, inspect the chimney system weekly. By doing this, you will learn how often it will be necessary
to clean your chimney.
2. Have your chimney cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep. If you wish to clean it yourself, we
recommend using a stiff plastic or non-metallic brush. If a metal brush is used, its size should be slightly
smaller than the flue to avoid damaging the chimney. Do not use a brush that could scratch the stainless
steel interior of the chimney.
WARNING:
The following steps must be followed to sweep the chimney. Negligence to do so could
cause creosote accumulation on the baffle and in the air circulation area.
Sweeping steps:
1.
Remove fireplace top baffle and obstruct dilution air deflector.
2.
Close chimney damper and doors.
3.
Sweep.
4.
Open damper and then doors.
5.
Clean fireplace from creosote
6.
put fireplace top baffle back in place
3. Do not expect chemical cleaners to keep your chimney clean.
The raincap can be removed for inspection and/or cleaning of the chimney. Unscrew the braces which
attach the raincap to the chimney. Using gloves, firmly grip the lower portion of the rain cap. Turn the cap
1/8 of a turn counterclockwise and lift it off the chimney.
C
HIMNEY FIRES
If you are having a chimney fire, follow these steps:
1. Close the glass doors and the air inlet.
2. Close the chimney outside air register.
3. Alert your family of the possible danger.
4. If you require assistance, alert your fire department.
5. If possible, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher, baking soda or sand to control the fire. Do not use water
as it may cause dangerous steam explosions.
6. Watch for smouldering or fire on combustibles next to the fireplace and chimney. Check outside to
ensure that sparks and hot embers coming out of the chimney are not igniting the roof.
7. Do not use the fireplace again until your chimney and fireplace have been inspected by a qualified
chimney sweep or a fire department inspector.
