Simple safety checks for your wood-burning stove

Wood burning stove

While the UK weather is difficult to predict (to say the least!) there are a number of simple safety checks you can carry out on your wood-burning stove. These will ensure that you squeeze maximum efficiency from your stove which can cumulatively have a significant impact on your fuel bills.

Sweep your chimney

The general consensus seems to be that you should have your chimney swept at least once a year, if not twice a year, to ensure everything is okay. If issues are found at a relatively early stage they can be rectified while those left can eventually cause serious damage. Any blockages can also lead to potentially fatal gas escaping into your room although thankfully carbon monoxide metres are now commonplace.

Gaps in cast iron body

There are different materials and different ways in which wood-burning stoves can be manufactured. Historically, cast-iron has been a very useful and very popular material. There is only one downside, a cast-iron stove is made of various panels which are joined together and sealed. Over time you may start to see gaps emerge between these panels which will leak heat, reduce output and increase your fuel bills. Any gaps need to be sealed with fire cement although you can give us a call if you have any questions.

Cracked glass

Even though the vast majority of wood-burning stoves today operate a system which keeps the glass clean, you may still see instances of cracks emerging. This is not only dangerous but it will also reduce the efficiency of your stove and ultimately increase your fuel bill. As soon as a crack is visible on the stove glass, it has been compromised and should be replaced as soon as possible. While you can buy branded replacement stove glass, we can also offer generic glass which is cut to order and has passed all of the relevant safety checks. This is available at just a fraction of the cost of branded replacement stove glass.

Compromised fire rope

The fire rope around the glass and door of your stove plays a very important role, creating a barrier between your room and the combustion chamber. As soon as the fire rope begins to deteriorate the chances are heat will be leaking into your room in an uncontrolled manner. Over time the deterioration will worsen so it is advisable to act sooner rather than later. Fire rope and glue are extremely cheap but play a very important role.

Yeoman CL5 Highline stove

Tackling rust

While many people assume that once rust has begun to take hold that is the end, this is not really the case. As soon as you see rust appearing on your stove it is advisable to remove this with wire wool or some other similar material. Once the rust has been removed it is simply a case of repainting the area with the appropriate stove paint which offers protection. As with all instances of rust, if left untreated it will simply spread and can cause significant damage.

Spot check your ashpan

There are many elements of a modern day wood-burning stove which are placed under significant stress and strains, one of which is the ashpan. When removing hot ash from your stove you need to ensure that the ashpan has no holes or evidence of rust. It goes without saying, when removing hot ash from your wood-burning stove the last thing you want is to drop this material on the floor or carpet. The ashes are still very hot and could very quickly cause a fire.