Fireplace Chimney Maintenance
Daniel Roshard
Having a fireplace at home means that in most cases you will
need to have a chimney as well, if you already have a chimney
all you need to worry about is its regular safety inspections
and daily cleaning and usual maintenance, if you need to
install a new chimney than you probably have a lot of work
ahead.
For woodstoves, you must construct either a stainless steel
class "A" insulated chimney approved by UL or a masonry
chimney. The basic principle here is to direct combustion gases
upward and away from the interior of the home. The chimney
should extend at least 3 feet above any construction in the
building and 2 feet higher than any surface of the roof. Of
course, higher chimney is always better.
When constructing a woodstove chimney, it is important to
create the best outward draft possible. Meaning, use very
minimal bent.
Maintenance tips:
Stove installation should be checked at least once a year to
ensure that the clearances from combustible surfaces are
maintained to prevent any hazard. Stove pipes are subject to
high temperature so it should be checked periodically for
corrosion. Replace it if corrosion level exceeds the safe zone.
If there is a need to clean your chimney, take a professional
chimney sweep to do the job. Keep the damper closed when the
fireplace is not used to prevent the heat or air conditioning
from escaping. Always keep the damper open when building a
fire. Installing a chimney cap of high quality can extend the
life of your chimney. It also prevents birds, insects, and
animals to nest in your chimney. A waterproofed chimney will
prevent masonry damage and corrosion.
Materials being burned contribute to how much your cleaning
frequency would be. Wet and unseasoned wood, incomplete
combustion, and cool wall linings can contribute to creosote
build up. Creosote deposits on the interior walls of the
chimney can reduce the efficiency of the fireplace. Creosote
deposits can also ignite under certain circumstances. Make sure
that the linings are clean and the build up is controlled. Ash
and charcoal deposits on the stove area can smolder if not
remove immediately. Clean the stove carefully and dispose the
waste properly.
Direct vent fireplaces, inserts, and stoves do not require a
chimney. Usually, these types of fireplaces are easy to install
and cheaper compared to woodstoves that requires a chimney.
Direct vent fireplaces, inserts, and stoves can be very ideal
to places with limited space - a small house that cannot
accommodate big chimney with a greater need for a heating
source.
About The Author: A Fire Place is just what you need to add
character and warmth to your home. Learn about planning, buying
and placing your Fire Place in your home by following Daniel
Roshard’s Fireplace Chimney articles and Fireplace related
articles and tips at
http://fireplace.advice-tips.com/
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