Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolAug 14, 201911:48 pm

Ensure that your wood-burning/multifuel stove is legal

There is a general misconception that wood-burning/multifuel stoves are a new phenomenon. In reality they have been used for hundreds of years and been popular in homes across the UK for a number of decades now. True, the design and the look of the modern day stove has been developed as have the regulations which company the installation and use of a wood-burning/multifuel stove. It is therefore very important that you stay on the right side of the law when installing and using your stove.

Building regulations, document J

Whether you install a stove yourself (not advised) or have it installed by a qualified installer (HETAS engineer) the installation will need to comply with document J of the building regulations. These are regulations which are managed by the local authorities although your stove can be signed-off by a HETAS engineer. If the installation was not carried out by a qualified engineer then it must be signed off by a member of the building department of your local authority.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 18, 201911:29 am

Is the stove industry doing enough to combat climate change?

Why might your wood-burning grate warp or break?

It is fair to say that wood-burning and multifuel stoves are built to last, built to withstand significant heat and generally have a relatively long lifespan. However, from time to time you will come across issues where parts break or warp and sometimes you might wonder why. In this article we will look at why wood-burning grates warp or break and what you can do to stop this.

What might cause wood-burning grates to warp or break?

There are four main reasons why your grate may need replaced and while you can address the majority of these reasons, good old-fashioned wear and tear issues are part and parcel of life with a wood-burning stove.

Wear and tear

The position of the grate and the fact it has burning fuel sitting on top can over time lead to general wear and tear. This does not necessarily mean there was a fault with the part, it is just the intense heat will have an impact on the metal in the long run. The wear and tear could take literally years to become visible but you will likely see an ever reducing decline in efficiency. The good news, you can buy grates online with delivery direct to your doorstep. They are also one of the simplest spare parts to replace!

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 11, 201910:45 am

What could cause your baffle plate to warp and bend?

It is safe to say that a baffle plate is situated in the most challenging and the hottest area of your stove. This piece of metal has a very tough job, deflecting and reflecting heat back into the firebox to build up the temperature. The key to a successful wood-burning/multifuel stove is the ability to maintain control of the heat and ensure that it is circulated in a controlled manner. So, what might cause your baffle plate to warp and bend?

How to spot a warped baffle plate

In some cases the bend/warp of a baffle plate might be relatively small and not always visible to the naked eye. However, once you take your baffle plate out to clean and then replace it, you might spot some tell-tale signs. These might include:-

•   A hole on the baffle plate itself
•   Difficulty refitting the baffle plate
•   An unevenness when moving the baffle plate

It is neither difficult nor expensive to replace a baffle plate but obviously you want to ensure that your spending on spares is minimal and you get the best value for money. So, what might cause a baffle plate to warp and bend?

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 4, 201910:06 am

Differences between a wood-burning and multifuel stove

Those with an interest in wood-burning and multifuel stoves obviously know there is a difference but what are the specific differences. This is probably one of those stove related questions you would like to ask but it may be sound so simple that you don’t want to.

Basic difference between multifuel and wood-burning stoves

The most obvious difference is in the name, multifuel indicates you can use more than one type of fuel while a wood-burning stove denotes you can only burn wood. There are subtle differences in the make-up of the different types of stove and it is also worth noting that the multifuel stove can burn wood. So, in theory, a multifuel stove offers the best of both worlds?

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 3, 20197:00 pm

Process of replacing broken stove door glass

While the body of each individual stove can be very different, in recent times we have seen spare parts applicable for many different stoves under the same brand. In order to maximise customer experience the process of fixing issues such as broken stove door glass is very simple. Even though many people will still utilise the skills of a qualified installer, a little bit of confidence and you can do this yourself.

Removing excess ash and dirt from the door

Before you even begin the process of removing the broken glass it is advisable to clean the inside and outside of your stove door (obviously waiting until the stove is cold). You will notice that the inside of the stove will have accumulated a fair amount of ash and potentially tar. In order to maximise efficiency going forward it is vital that these substances are removed. The best way to do this is by using a simple brush. There is no need to be overly vigourous during this process.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 3, 20196:14 pm

Narrowboats and solid fuel stoves

At first glance the idea of installing a wood-burning/multifuel stove on a canal boat/narrowboat may seem bizarre. Where is the space? Is it safe? Well, this type of location has been extremely popular amongst stove enthusiasts for many years. We will now take a look at some of the main matters to consider when looking at a wood-burning/multifuel stove for your narrowboat.

British standards for narrowboat stove installations

It will be no surprise to learn that historically, prior to the introduction of specific regulations for narrowboats, there were a number of fatalities amongst those using wood-burning/multifuel stoves on canal boats. There are obviously many issues to consider such as air circulation, carbon monoxide poisoning and the array of dangers associated with fire. Thankfully these standards are now appreciated by the vast majority of canal boat owners and those who install stoves in these unique locations.

Promotions by CarolJun 20, 201911:46 pm

Book your stove installations in June/July for a September 2019 fitting

Book your stove installation in June/July for a September 2019 fitting

As we approach the end of June, and hopefully some sunny weather, those looking at a stove installation in 2019 tend to put this on the back burner (excuse our joke!). The fact is that when the main selling season starts in September you will be very fortunate to find an installer with any free time before the end of the year – bookings will be flowing thick and fast. As a consequence, we have put together some very attractive packages for those looking at a stove installation later this year.

First package: £1300 (including stove and fitted)

Book your stove installation during June/July for September 2019 fitting for a very special price of just £1300.00. This includes:-

•   Firefox 5.1 Cleanburn Stove
•   10 metres flue liner, MA adaptor, Register Plate, Cowl, Flue Pipe
•   CO Alarm and fitting
•   Hetas certificate on completion

The above price is based on an existing fireplace where no additional building work is required. If any additional building work is required this can be done at the same time at an agreed rate.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJun 6, 201910:29 am

What to do when stove paint starts coming off your wood-burner

We are asked many questions about wood-burning stoves (and multifuel stoves) but one of the most common is about stove paint and why it can start flaking off at a relatively early stage. Many people are obviously concerned about the flaking paint but it is often part of the curing process and extremely easy to rectify.

What causes paint to flak off a wood burner?

When you buy a brand-new wood-burning stove it is obviously the finished article but there is still one last thing, a curing process for the paint. This is specialist paint which is resistant to extremely high temperatures but with a new stove there will still be liquid in the paint. You will notice that over the first three or four days of using your new wood-burning stove there will be a chemical reaction within the paint. This is known as “curing” and is quite simply the process by which remaining liquids within the paint evaporate due to the extreme heat created by your stove.

Stove News by CarolMay 30, 201911:56 am

Bowland Stoves celebrating nine years

Back on 1 June 2010 the Bowland Stoves website whirled into action as a fledging venture yet nine years later we are still expanding and growing strongly. It is safe to say that over the last nine years we have seen some significant changes in the stove industry. We have seen some well-known names changing hands, some unfortunately going out of business but demand for wood-burning and multifuel stoves is still as strong today as ever. So, what have been the specific changes since 1 June 2010?

Watch out for our promotions

Firstly, during the month of June we will be announcing a number of promotions, via the website, email and social media, as we celebrate our ninth year in business. Even though we are entering the summer period, when hopefully the warm weather will appear, many clients find this the perfect time to carry out maintenance and repair, ready for winter. So, we will be able to offer you some significant discounts and special offers – keep your eyes peeled.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolMay 16, 201910:18 pm

Maintaining and repairing your Franco Belge stove

As the UK currently enjoys the first taste of summer perhaps the last thing on the mind of a wood-burning stove/multifuel stove owner is their machine. However, now is the best time to look at maintaining and repairing your Franco Belge stove so that it is ready when the nights eventually draw in and autumn then winter descend upon us. It may seem a long way off, but it will soon catch up with us!

Maintaining your Franco Belge stove

Even though Franco Belge stoves have been around for some time now, they are still extremely popular. They are long-lasting, well manufactured and as any Franco Belge stove owner will tell you, they need very little in the way of maintenance and repair. However, spotting the early signs of wear and tear, perhaps a part needs replaced may not only save you money further down the line but will immediately improve the efficiency.

Repairing your Franco Belge stove

Thankfully, the vast majority of Franco Belge stove parts are very easy to remove and replace. The stove booklet should be able to assist with replacing the easier items and if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We strongly advise replacing that cracked glass, worn fire brick and damaged baffle plate as soon as possible. That way, when autumn and winter finally descend upon us your stove will be ready for action!