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6.0 Cleaning, Inspection and
Maintenance
As is the case with most other equipment, cleanliness
is the best maintenance practice and will contribute too
many hours of warmth and pleasure.
WARNING: DO NOT CLEAN THE FIRE-
PLACE WHEN IT IS HOT.
A. Creosote – Formation and Removal. When wood
is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic
vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to
form 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 ex-
tremely hot fire. The chimney shall be inspected at
least twice a year during the heating season to deter-
mine when a creosote buildup has occurred. If a sig-
nificant layer of creosote has accumulated (3 mm or
more), it should be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire.
B. Disposal of ashes - Ashes should be placed in a
metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and taken out-
side and placed on the ground, well away from all
combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the
ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise
locally dispersed, they should be retained in the
closed container until all cinders have thoroughly
cooled.
C. The grate may be removed from the firebox for
cleaning. However, ensure it is returned prior to lay-
ing the next fire.
D. Keep the fireplace screen clean so air flows
freely through it.
E. Spot check the refractory bricks and mortar for
small cracks. It will expand slightly with the heat,
and then contract as it cools. Replace refractory
bricks when the cracks open more than ¼”; or when
pits become extensive and deeper than 3/16”; or
when any piece of refractory larger than 2 inches in
diameter becomes dislodged.
F. If creosote has accumulated, it should be re-
moved to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Clean
the chimney as outlined below or have the chimney
cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.
WARNING: DO NOT USE CHEMICAL
CHIMNEY CLEANERS THAT
ARE POURED ON A HOT FIRE.
THE CHEMICAL CLEANER CAN
BE DANGEROUS AND
GENERALLY WILL ONLY
WORK ON THE FLUE SECTION
NEAREST THE FIRE, LEAVING
THE REST OF THE FLUE
UNAFFECTED.
G. Inspect the top cap and opening in your chimney
top and remove any debris that could clog it. If pos-
sible, birds will often nest there, and it must be kept
clear of nest material.
H. Check the metal flashing and seals around the
chimney. Seal any cracks or loose nail heads to pre-
vent roof leaks.
I. Cover the firebox opening with a damp sheet and
seal with masking tape to retain soot in the firebox
while cleaning.
J. Inspect the entire flue from the top down for ob-
structions. Use a flexible handled cleaning brush. If
the chimney contains offset/return elbows, clean
from the top down to the offset, then from the fire-
box up to the offset.
K. Check the flue from inside the fireplace with the
damper open for obstructions.
L. After completion of cleaning, use a vacuum
cleaner to remove all soot and residue from the fire-
box.
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