www.Superiorfireplaces.US.com
127003-01A
6
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
CREOSOTE
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar
and other organic vapors which, when
combined with expelled moisture, forms
creosote. Creosote vapors condense in
relatively cool chimney flue of a slow
burning fire.
As a result, creosote residue accumulates
on flue lining. When ignited, this creosote
makes an extremely hot fire. Chimney
should be inspected at least twice a year
during heating season to determine
if creosote build-up has occurred. If
creosote has accumulated, it should be
removed to reduce risk of chimney fire.
It is recommended that you use a profes-
sional chimney sweep.
Removing Creosote
In order to remove creosote from flue,
termination cap must be removed.
1. Close damper before cleaning flue as
fine soot can become airborne in the
home.
2. If termination is round top (3 feet of
exposed pipe with round cap) remove
3 sheet metal screws that secure ter-
mination to last section of pipe and lift
off cap.
3. For square chase termination with
pyramid cap, remove screws that
secure top at four corners.
4. Place termination top aside.
5. After cleaning is completed open
damper and collect debris in trash
container. A professional chimney
sweep has all tools and experience
necessary to complete this job.
6. Be certain to clean all loose debris
from termination before replacing.
7. Before installing a vented or vent-free
gas log set in a solid fuel burning
fireplace, chimney flue and firebox
must be cleaned of soot, creosote,
ashes and loose paint by a qualified
chimney cleaner. Creosote will ignite
if highly heated. Inspect chimney
flue for damage. If damaged, oper-
ate vent-free gas log heater with flue
damper closed.
8. Replace termination cap with screws.
REFRACTORY
The brick refractory on the interior of
your fireplace (sides, back and bottom) is
manufactured with a high quality cement
mixture and reinforced with a wire mesh.
In a new fireplace or one with new refrac-
tory, allow refractory to cure for 24 hours.
When building a fire, build a small one
for the first 3 or 4 fires. The refractory is
subjected to expansion and contraction
from the heating and cooling of firebox
during operation. It is acceptable to oper-
ate the fireplace with cracks of 1/64" wide.
If a crack should develop that is larger
than the hairline crack described, take the
following corrective measures:
1. Patch crack with a refractory patching
cement available at fireplace shops or
hardware stores. The refractory must
still be in one piece to patch.
2. Replace refractory panel (see fire-
place owner’s manual). DO NOT
continue to use your fireplace if your
refractory has a crack that exceeds
1/64".
Refractories are available through your
service dealer.
