Even though stove fire rope is just a simple piece of rope which seals doors, glass and sometimes other parts of the stove, it is very important. As soon as the fire rope begins to crack and break it is compromised and needs to be replaced. The fact it is also relatively cheap means there is no excuse for delaying this repair.
Testing to see if your stove rope needs replaced
In the vast majority of cases you should be able to see visible decay in various areas of the stove rope indicating it needs replaced. However, there is a very simple test that you can do which will tell you instantly if it needs replaced.
Take an A4 sheet of paper and place this against the area which the stove rope will lay once the stove door is closed. If you are able to pull the paper away from the stove while the door is shut then the seal has deteriorated. It sounds simple – but give it a try next time you are using your stove!
What does fire rope do?
As we touched on above, stove fire rope is used to seal various areas of the stove body. The most common use is to create a seal around the door, and sometimes the door glass, to make the stove body airtight. This has two major benefits which are:
• Avoiding additional airflow into the stove
• Retaining as much heat as possible within the stove body
Airflow
Wood-burning and multifuel stoves will differ from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer. However, once you have optimised the amount of airflow required to start your stove burning and to maintain heat output it is quite simple to operate. The problem is when stove fire rope begins to crack and break. No matter where the rope is positioned, it will ultimately allow additional airflow into your stove. You would be surprised at the amount of airflow which can penetrate the body of your stove from cracked fire rope.
There are two main issues here; the additional airflow will make your stove burn stronger and quicker. This may create temperatures which are incompatible with flue pipes and can actually begin to erode various elements of your stove. Secondly, it goes without saying that the quicker your fuel burns in the stove the more expensive your fuel bill in the future. So, by buying a relatively cheap stove fire rope kit you can save yourself significant money from day one.
Heat retention
The whole concept behind a wood-burning/multifuel stove is the ability to create significant levels of heat and retain these within the body of your stove. The heat is then circulated in a controlled manner and eventually released into your room. It is this constant flow of hot air circulating your room which creates that deep seated warmth associated with a wood-burning stove. If heat is escaping through gaps in your stove rope, often before it is at optimal temperatures, this will also add to your future fuel bill.
Replacing broken stove rope
It will depend upon where the stove rope is positioned as to how it would be replaced. However, the idea behind any replacement is very straightforward.
Some models will have a channel/groove in which the stove rope sits, often around a door or glass frame, to create an impenetrable seal. There are others which simply mean you have to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and diagrams where there is not a channel. Whatever the case, the area where the replacement stove rope will be positioned must be clean from tar, grease and other similar substances. Indeed, some people prefer to run over the area with an abrasive material such as sandpaper to give the glue additional “stick”.
Many people also place glue on the stove itself as well as the replacement stove rope which also ensures an extremely tight seal. The rope should be held in position until the glue has dried and then it is simply a case of business as usual.
Conclusion
While a relatively simple looking and cheap part of the modern day wood-burning/multifuel stove, stove rope is essential in retaining an airtight body and controlling the escape of heat from within your stove. As soon as you see them rope has been compromised in any way it should be replaced. The appropriate size of stove fire rope will be detailed in your manufacturer’s guidelines. It is possible to order the rope kit online and have it delivered to you within just a couple of days.