Fireplaces

Building codes and uniform equipment specifications formulated by Underwriters Laboratories and the Canadian Gas Association ensure that today's fireplaces and wood stoves will perform safely. Neglecting routine maintenance, however, could invite disaster.

1.

Fire Safety Tips

2.

Chimney Cleaning

3.

Firebox Repairs

1. Fire Safety Tips

• Do not burn trash, cardboard, paper or wrappings, or charcoal in a wood-burning unit. These cause extremely hot fires, along with sparks that could set the roof on fire.

• Do not burn pressure-treated wood; the fumes produced are dangerous.

• Use only crumpled newspaper and kindling, or approved fire starters to start a fire. Liquid charcoal starters and other solvents can ignite with explosive force.

• Burning pine, green (unseasoned), or soft wood promotes rapid buildup of creosote in the flue. If you do use such wood, check the flue regularly and clean it immediately when necessary.

• Never overload a fireplace or wood stove. That can reduce air flow and combustion. If any part of a stove or pipe glows, close the damper immediately.

• Never modify a fireplace or stove without expert assistance. Doing so could void the warranty and possibly your insurance coverage.  Consult the appropriate authority in your area.  A WETT (Wood Energy Technology Training) technician should always be used when servicing, repairing or altering a solid fuel burning appliance or fireplace.

• Do not activate an unused fireplace without consulting a chimney service. Many old fireplaces were designed to burn coal, not wood. Old flues should be lined with metal or tile before they are put into service.  They may have an obstruction in the chimney or may have been decommissioned.

• Always have a fire extinguisher at hand.     (top)

2. Cleaning a Chimney

As wood burns, rising hot gases condense on the inside of the flue to create a crust of creosote. Accumulated creosote can become hot enough to crack masonry, loosen stovepipe sections, and cause chimney fires. 

Sweep chimneys every year depending on usage; clean out stovepipes more often if necessary. Hire a professional chimney service for these dirty jobs.

Most fireplace chimneys should be cleaned every year or two, at the start of the heating season, but check for creosote monthly by opening the damper and using a flashlight to inspect the flue and smoke chamber.

With high-efficiency fireplaces and wood stoves, chimneys and stovepipes may need to be cleaned more than once a season. Test a stovepipe by rapping it with your knuckles. A clean pipe will ring; a creosote-coated one will not.

You can dismantle a stovepipe and clean it yourself, but cleaning a chimney is a messy job best left to professionals, who have the equipment to make a clean sweep. They will also inspect the flue for cracks and other potential fire hazards.     (top)

3. Firebox Repairs

Periodically inspect the lining in your fireplace. Any cracks wider than 1/64 inch pose a fire hazard. Repoint failing masonry joints and replace broken bricks with refractory bricks and firebox mortar instead of ordinary mortar.

Repair firebox lining with refractory mortar. Fill the joints and smooth the mortar flush with the bricks or tiles.     (top)