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VI. STOVE AND CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE.
Creosote is one of the facts of life for wood burners. When
wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic
vapor which combines with expelled moisture (even “dry”
wood contains approximately 20% moisture) to form
creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively
cool chimney connectors and flue of a slow-burning fire. As
a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.
Large amounts of this tough, gummy, tar-like substance
can pile up quickly and virtually choke a stove pipe. When
ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot and
dangerous fire.
Be sure to examine the chimney connector pipe and the
chimney above it every few weeks so you can determine
the rate of creosote build up.
Any excessive build up of creosote (more than 1/4")
will then be apparent and must be removed for
continued safe operation.
The chimney must be inspected from the top of the
chimney. For a thorough cleaning and inspection, your
SIERRA woodstove should be removed from the hearth.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to
reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Creosote formations can
be chipped away from flue openings with a sturdy metal
blade such as a heavy duty scraper.
CAUTION: The acid content can cause burns to skin
and eyes, so wear protective glasses and gloves.
The chimney itself is normally cleaned from the roof. Most
stove dealers carry stiff metal brushes in sized and shapes
to fit standard flue liners. These are usually attached to
rods which can be extended for the length of the chimney.
It is recommended that you call a professional
chimney cleaner to do the job for you.
Provisions for outside combustion air may be necessary to
ensure that fuel burning appliances do no discharge
products of combustion into the house. Guidelines to
determine the need for additional combustion air may not
be adequate for every situation. If in doubt, it is advisable
to provide additional air.
a. Outside combustion air may be required if:
1. The solid fuel fired appliance does not draw steadily,
smoke rollout occurs, fuel burns poorly, or back-
drafts occur whether or not there is combustion
present.
2. Existing fuel fired equipment in the house, such as
fireplaces or other heating appliances smell, do no
operate properly, suffer smoke roll-out when
opened, or back-draft whether or not there is
combustion present.
3. Opening a window slightly on a calm (windless) day
alleviates any of the above symptoms.
4. The house is equipped with a well sealed vapor
barrier and tight fitting windows and/or has any
powered devices that exhaust house air.
5. There is excessive condensation on windows in
winter.
6. A ventilation system is installed in the house.
b. If these or other indications suggest that infiltration air is
inadequate, additional combustion air should be
provided from the outdoors. Outside combustion air can
be provided to the appliance by the following means.
1. Direct connection: appliances can only use direct
connection of outside combustion air if they are
certified for the type of installation. Installations shall
comply with the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Indirect method: for an appliance not certified for
direct connection of outside combustion air, the
outside air is ducted to a point no closer than (12 in)
300 mm from the appliance, to avoid affecting the
performance of the appliance.
3. A mechanical ventilation system: if the house has a
ventilation system (air change or heat recovery):
a. The ventilation system may be able to provide
sufficient combustion make-up air for the solid
fuel fired appliance. b.
The householder should be informed that the
ventilation system might need to be re-balanced
by a ventilation technician after installation of the
appliance.
Minimizing Creosote
1. Proper sizing of the stove to the house will help reduce
creosote problems - too large a stove will force the
owner to burn a slow fire resulting in rapid creosote
build-up. It is recommended that you do not burn slow
fires for an extended period of time.
2. Avoid slow smoldering fires. A better way to reduce heat
output is to have a small but hot fire by adding small
amounts of wood at more frequent intervals.
3. Regularly, when loading the stove, encourage a hot, brisk
fire for 10-15 minutes. This will tend to “burn-off” any
small accumulations of creosote since the last hot fire.
4. If you do have a chimney fire, call the fire department
immediately. Only then attempt to control the fire. Throw
soda on the logs, close the draft regulators completely to
shut off air to the fire. Wet down your roof and adjacent
areas to keep the fire from spreading.
5. If you must use green wood (and we urge you to avoid
doing so), be sure to mix with dry logs.
Care and cleaning of woodstove Glass - The window glass
on your Sierra woodstove is designed for high temperature