Now that Summer is here it’s easy to forget all about your stove.
How is this damage occurring?
In the summer the outside temperature can rise suddenly and become warmer than the temperature within the house. This causes the air within the flue to reverse its normal flow pattern and air travels down the flue. The most obvious outcome of this will initially be a smell from the flue and whilst this is not harmful it may be unpleasant. This air will contain moisture and it is this moisture dropping into the stove which is the main cause of the damage. Metal within the stove will cool this water vapour and it will condense on the exposed surface. In most cases cast iron or steel are the main component of a stove and rust may form. The porous firebricks will absorb moisture and can become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae which can enjoy living in the bricks and they, in turn, produce their own waste which can damage the bricks. A little care and maintenance will increase the longevity of the stove and save you money.
Prevention is better than cure
Here are some simple things you as the owner can do to prevent damage occurring to the stove when not in use for a long period of time.
• Remove all ash from within the stove. An ash vac is the perfect tool for this job. Empty the ash pan and for the time you are working on the stove do not put it back in.
• Arrange for the chimney to be swept by a qualified chimney sweep. It is easy to forget to do this and trying to get a chimney sweep in the autumn will not be as easy as in the early summer when there is less demand on their time. It also means your stove and flue are all ready for the next heating season. A good sweep will remove the baffles, fire bricks and vacuum out all of the accumulated ash.
• Remove the baffle or baffles from within the stove as fly ash and fallen soot can build up behind these. Mix these with water and they can form a corrosive mixture that can in time set like concrete making it impossible to remove the baffles for future maintenance. It can also eat away the metal of the baffle. Remove all the fire bricks or cast iron protection plates from within the stove, the grate and the grate frame, if this is possible. Spray the inside of the stove and moving parts such as door latches and handle shafts and any metal parts removed with a water repelling spray e.g. WD40. Check the condition of the door rope seals and glass seals and replace if damaged or they have become hard. It is vital for the efficient operation of the stove that a good airtight seal is maintained.
• If you have a stove with a painted finish, not enamelled, and this has become marked then now is the time to respray the body using paint supplied by the stove manufacturer which is in stock in our Banbury and Kidlington showrooms. Your stove will look as good as new ready for the next heating season.
• Remember when you first light the stove in the autumn to test the flue has not become blocked by nesting birds by lighting some newspaper and ensuring that all the smoke is drawn up the chimney.
