Care and Maintenance of The Wood Stove Glass

It is important to look after your wood stove glass so that it functions at its best. Not only will this make it more efficient but it will also mean that it is easier to use. You can employ a professional installer to carry out regular maintenance checks on your stove. However, if you prefer to maintain it yourself, the following wood stove glass repair tips should give you an idea of what to look out for.

Chimneys
Firstly, the chimney should be swept at least once a year, preferably twice, to prevent the build-up of tar deposits, which is often a fire hazard. Secondly, the chimney itself needs to be fit for use. Right now there could be gaps in the mortar of stone chimneys, and if it leaks smoke or gas through the cracks, it is unsuitable. You can check for leaks by using smoke pellets.
The fireplace also needs to be adequately layered. If there isn't a flue then you should have a liner installed, which is made from either corrugated stainless steel or pumice. To enhance the performance of the chimney the distance between the chimney and the flue should be insulated using materials such as leca. An adequately insulated chimney will help the escaping gases to stay hot until they are discharged from the chimney, therefore stopping tar from forming.
When inspecting your chimney you need to look out for tar debris. They are flammable and must therefore be removed to prevent chimney fires. To avoid a build up of tar in the future you should use only woods which may have recently been seasoned (dried out) for at least 12 months. Also, avoid allowing the fireplace to smoulder.
Lastly, you require to check to make certain that the rain cowl or rainwater cap is not busted as this protects the chimney from rain, particles and birds.

Flues
The flue also needs to be checked for tar deposits and checked to make certain that there are no gaps between the various pieces of flue pipe. This includes the joint from the stove outlet water pipe to the only skin flue and the joint from the single skin flue to the double pores and skin flue. N. B. The single skin flue is generally the part of the flue pipe that is indoors whereas the double skin flue extends through the walls or ceiling and up the chimney.

Doors
The door to a wood burning stove should be airtight for optimum performance. If the door is leaking smoke cigarettes or seems loose then it is possible to replace the door seals or gaskets. Gaskets vary in thickness with regards to the model of wood burning stove so it is best to check with a stove supplier or the stove manufacturer to discover what size can be used for your particular model. The new seal will need to be cemented in place using cement well suited for wood burners. There will be a groove around the door into which the gasket will sit.
The glass in the door can be substituted if it becomes ruined. As wood stove glass is specially made to suit wood burning stoves it shouldn't get damaged through fire as it will be capable to withstand heat, but it may get damaged in some other way. Specialist stove suppliers sometimes have the glass in stock, but if not, it can be cut and shaped to match the door of the stove. It must be sealed in to ensure that it is airtight, usually by using a gasket.