One of the major benefits of using a wood-burning or multifuel stove is to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers. This is an experience that you will not forget, the deep seated heat from your stove, the relaxed ambience which encourages you to drift off to sleep and forget your woes. However, from time to time you might experience difficulty seeing through your stove door glass which can sometimes turn black.
So, what might you be doing wrong? What can you do to ensure clear glass?
Some soot or dark patches on your glass are normal
When you bear in mind the atmosphere in which the glass operates, excessive heat for a prolonged period of time, you may well see periods of dark patches on your viewing area glass. In the majority of cases you can simply use a traditional stove glass cleaning fluid (when the stove is cold) and hey presto, the area is clear again. However, there are some common mistakes made by stove users which can lead to long-term visual impairment.
Burning the wrong wood
There is a general consensus that you should only burn wood which has a moisture level of no more than 20%. In fact, many experts believe that 20% is the optimum moisture level as wood which is too dry will burn too quickly and wet wood can cause a whole host of problems. One of these issues may well create the black soot that can lead to dark patches around the glass area.
Airwash vent
The majority of stoves are very simple to use, you adjust the vents accordingly, set fire to the fuel, wait for the flames to grab hold and then readjust the vents. If you are experiencing prolonged periods of soot and dark material around your glass it may be that you are closing the airwash vent. A closed vent will reduce the amount of air flowing over the glass which is used to burn off any materials that could impact visibility. Check your manufacturer’s guide for more information.
Too much fuel
There will be occasions where your firebox is full to the brim with fuel which is literally touching the glass on your stove door. In this scenario, it is very common for the glass to be stained with black material and because the fuel is literally laying against the glass this will not be cleaned by the airwash system. Be careful when filling your firebox with fuel because too much fuel can also lead to excessive heat that can damage not only the stove but also the flue pipe.
Burning coal
While there is the option to burn coal with a multifuel stove it is not advisable to use traditional coal and instead use one of the many smokeless varieties available today. This will ensure minimum smoke within the stove body which will reduce the chances of your glass and visibility being impacted.
Firing at optimum temperatures
While there may be an issue with piling too much fuel into the firebox, you could also experience issues when there is not enough fuel. Too little fuel often means that the stove will not be able to reach optimum temperatures and the airwash system may not be able to operate efficiently. As a consequence, if the airwash system is not working then there is every chance that the glass will attract soot and other material.
Insufficient draw
Many people fail to recognise the importance of airflow within and around your wood-burning or multifuel stove. Where you are still experiencing soot and black marks around the glass area it may well be down to poor draw. This can often lead to smoke being retained within the stove body and not being drawn out through the flue system. In this situation you may require a chimney cowl which will reduce the downdraught or it may simply be a case of improving the airflow within your home.
Conclusion
There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing black marks on your stove door glass. As the vast majority of stoves have extended viewing areas this is obviously a major benefit in having a stove. There can be a number of reasons why you are experiencing this type of problem and thankfully it is often relatively easy to fix. However, it is also worth noting that you should carry out regular maintenance of your stove to identify possible issues, general wear and tear and parts which may need replaced.