Maintaining your Woodfire Flue
Chimneys are an essential part of any fireplace or wood stove. However, they can also be a source of troubles if not properly maintained. Here are some common chimney problems and how to address them:
Blockages: Creosote build-up, nests from birds or animals, and debris from the roof can all block the chimney and cause problems with the air flow. Blockages will cause smoke to blow back into the room, rather than escaping out the chimney, making it difficult to start the fire. Annual chimney cleaning can help prevent blockages and improve the overall performance of your fire / stove.
Cracks: Chimneys are exposed to the elements and can suffer from wear and tear over time. Cracks in the chimney can lead to leaks or draft problems. If you suspect your chimney has cracks, it is best to seek the help of a professional to get the flue or chimney flashing replaced.
Water damage: Moisture can cause damage such as rust or corrosion to the chimney metal components, or water damage to ceiling. Regular chimney inspections can help prevent water damage and address any issues before they become serious.
Chimney collapse: Chimney collapse is a rare issue that can occur when the chimney is not properly supported or maintained properly. The top and bottom spacer brackets must be supported correctly so the flue is secure. Regular inspections and proper maintenance is recommended to help prevent chimney collapse and keep your family safe.
In conclusion, proper chimney maintenance is crucial for the safety and performance of your chimney. If you are having trouble with your chimney, it is best to seek the help of a professional NZ Home Heating Association qualified person who can assist with diagnosing the problem and recommending a solution.
Maintaining your Woodfire Door
Maintaining a woodfire is crucial to ensuring its longevity and ensuring it's in good working order. One aspect of this is the fire door, which is an important component in controlling the heat of the fire and ensuring it stays contained. When the fire door is not sealing correctly or has a crack in the glass, it can reduce the efficiency of the fire and even pose a safety risk.
So, what do you do when your fire door is not working properly? The most common issue with fire doors is that the seals need to be replaced. An easy way to tell if your fire door seals are due for replacement is by locking the door and seeing if it can still move or rattle a little. If it can, it means that extra air is getting into the fire and reducing your control over it which in turn burns your wood faster than desired.
The fire door has a seal around the glass, which is held in place by a metal glass retainer and a door rope that fits around the perimeter of the door. In most cases, the door rope is the first to need replacement, but sometimes the retainer and glass tape also require replacement.
But what about when the glass on the fire door is smashed? Don't worry, it's not a difficult fix. All you need is replacement fireproof glass and new glass tape. Depending on the age and condition of your fire door, you may also need to replace the retainer and door rope.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to repair your woodfire door:
Step 1: Remove the door from the fire. Open the door and there should be hinges on one side. Ease the door up and it should come off the hinges.
Step 2: Remove the glass from the fire safely, either into a bucket or box. If the steel retainer around the edge of the glass has burnt or rusted out, you'll need a replacement. If not, move on to step 5.
Step 3: The retainer you need will depend on the size of the glass and model of fire. Each retainer varies, but most have screws at one end and tabs at the other.
Step 4: With the replacement glass, centre the ladder tape (glass tape) on the edge of the glass and fold the edges down each side of the glass.
Step 5: Sit the glass snug into the retainer. Turn the retainer and glass over and fit the retainer onto the door frame. The glass will sit between the door frame, without the need for any glue. Fit the retainer tabs onto the door frame and screw the retainer in. The glass will now be sitting snug between the door frame and the retainer.
Step 6: Fit the fiberglass door rope around the edges of the retainer.
By following these simple steps, you can repair your woodfire door and ensure it is functioning correctly. Remember to replace the seals, retainer, and door rope as needed to maintain the efficiency and safety of your fire.
