MAINTAINING YOUR INGLENOOK FIREPLACE
CREOSOTE
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled moisture to form a black deposit called creosote. Creosote will accumulate on the flue lining and if left to build up, can create a potential fire hazard within the chimney system. When ignited, creosote makes an extremely hot fire. If the creosote deposit within a chimney system were large then a resultant chimney fire would burn extremely hot. A creosote chimney fire can damage the chimney and potentially overheat a surrounding wood frame within the house. Creosote formation can be kept to a minimum by routinely building small hot fires rather than slow burning, smoldering fires and by proper refueling the fire. In addition, each year the homeowner should have the Inglenook Fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned as necessary to assist in preventing chimney fires.
CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
Regular chimney inspection and maintenance combined with proper operation will help prevent chimney fires. The golden rule of operating a fireplace is to KEEP THE CHIMNEY CLEAN. Do not allow more than one sixteenth of an inch of creosote buildup in the Inglenook Fireplace chimney. The amount of creosote created by operating the Inglenook Fireplace will depend on variables such as the frequency of use and the type of fire that is routinely burnt. Country Flame recommends:
1.Inspect the chimney system weekly or before each use. From this the operator will gain knowledge of how often it will be necessary to clean or have the chimney cleaned.
2.Hire a qualified chimney sweep to clean the Inglenook Fireplace and chimney system at least once a year. If the owner wants to perform
3.Do not expect chemical cleaners to keep your chimney clean. If necessary, the rain cap at the top of the chimney system can be removed to inspect or clean the chimney system. There are a number of different methods used to attach a rain cap to a chimney therefore it is recommended to consult the manufacture of such systems on how to remove the rain cap. Once the rain cap is removed increased access allows for better inspection or cleaning of the chimney system.
CHIMNEY FIRES
Regular Inglenook chimney maintenance and inspection will minimize the potential of a chimney fire. If the Inglenook Fireplace owner ever encounters a chimney fire, follow these steps:
1.Fully close the fireplace doors and fully close the combustion air damper.
2.Alert any occupants in the house of the fire danger and ensure everyone exits the building in a quick and orderly fashion.
3.Call the local fire department. It is better to have the fire department arrive before they are needed then after the house is already in blazes.
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