87D0058
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SB50HB Series Woodburning Fireplace
MaINTeNaNCe and SaFeTy
FueL STOrage
Wood can be dried sufficiently for burning within a few
weeks if protected form rain in a low humidity area. It is
far better to cut wood and allow it to dry for a year. In all
cases, the wood should be stacked so that both ends of
the sticks are exposed to the air and protected from rain.
The drier the wood, the more usable heat produced by the
fire and less likely rapid accumulation of soot and creosote
within the chimney is to occur. See the section of this
manual concerning chimney maintenance for information
concerning the hazards of soot a creosote accumulation.
Small quantities of wood required for fire tending must be
kept at least 30 inches from the fireplace.
dISpOSaL OF aSHeS
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight
fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed
on a noncombustible floor or on the ground well away
from all combustible materials pending final disposal. If the
ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally
dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container
until all cinder has thoroughly cooled. Ashes should never
be placed in a container with combustible materials.
CHIMNey MaINTeNaNCe
Creosote, Formation and Need for Removal: When wood
is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors,
which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The
creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney
flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue
accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote
makes an extremely hot fire.
The chimney should be inspected at least twice a year
during the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup
has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated it should be removed to reduce
the risk of a chimney fire.
The chimney cap can be removed for inspection,
maintenance and cleaning by removing three screws from
the support legs and lifting upward.
When the fireplace is first in use, inspect the chimney
frequently and clean the chimney any time an accumulation
is observed on the flue walls. The frequency of these
inspections can be increased or reduced appropriately after
a pattern of accumulation has been established. Please
note, however, that changes in the outside environmental
conditions such as temperature and humidity or changes
in the operation of the fireplace can lead to rapid buildup
of soot and/or creosote.
To clean the chimney, obtain the services of a qualified and
reputable chimney sweep, or remove the accumulation with
brushes on wooden or fiberglass poles. Do not use metal
pipes, chains, wires, etc., to clean the chimney because
such items can scratch the surface of the stainless steel
flue which can shorten the life of the flue and provide a
rough surface for soot particles to attach to.
Be sure to cover nearby furnishing and arrange some
method of catching soot and creosote particles that may
fall during the chimney cleaning process. If glass doors
are installed on the fireplace, they should be closed. Extra
caution must be used to avoid damage to the flue damper
during the cleaning process.
In addition to checking and cleaning the chimney on a
regular basis, be sure to inspect the chimney before starting
a fire at the beginning of each heating season. Make
sure the chimney is clear from any accumulation of soot,
creosote or any other debris, and that all joints are intact.
Vermont Castings Group does not recommend chemical
cleaners because some may contain elements that corrode
the metal parts of the chimney or fireplace.
