Installation Instructions

14
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 creates a chimney fire with extremely high
temperatures.
With a new installation, the chimney should be inspected frequently
(every 2 wks) to determine the rate of creosote formation. When
familiar with the appliance and chimney characteristics, the chimney
should be inspected at least once every 2 months during the heating
season to determine if a creosote or soot build-up has occurred.
Check spark arrestor screens at least every 2 to 4 weeks. If the spark
arrestor becomes clogged with creosote, it must be cleaned or replaced.
If creosote or soot has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the
risk of a chimney fire. Depending on the rate of build-up (as little as
1/16") and as you learn what is going on in the chimney, you can adjust
your cleaning schedule accordingly. Every chimney flue and flue pipe
shall be inspected annually and cleaned as often as may be necessary
to keep the chimney and flue pipe free from dangerous accumulation of
combustible deposits.
WARNING:
DO NOT USE FUEL MATERIALS CORROSIVE
TO THE CHIMNEY LINER SUCH AS DRIFTWOOD,
PLASTICS, CHEMICALLY TREATED WOOD, ETC.
1. Immediately close all dampers and/or air entrance openings to your
appliance. This includes doors on Franklin type stoves. Block off
fireplace openings.
2. Alert your family to the possible danger.
3. Inspect your appliance and chimney surroundings for possible fire.
If in doubt, alert your Fire Department.
4. Do not continue to use your appliance until it and your chimney have
been thoroughly inspected. Overheating can cause metal parts to
expand, buckle and crack. If you are not certain, have a certified wood
technician or certified chimney sweep disassemble all parts so they can
be inspected and replaced.
5. Do not use salt or water on the fire in your appliance. Salt is corrosive
and water will cause a dangerous steam explosion. You might be able
to control the fire by using ashes, sand or baking soda. Baking soda is
an ingredient used for dry chemical fire extinguishers.
6. After a chimney fire, when it is safe to do so, check internal
locations such as the attic and under the roof and keep watching for two
or three hours. There may be delayed smoldering and subsequent
ignition, even if the fire inside the chimney has been controlled.
.
Chimney and flue pipe are particularly susceptible to off-season
condensation. The incomplete combustion of wood produces acids
which, when combined with moisture, are corrosive. During the heating
season, corrosion tends not to occur because the heat in the system
evaporates the condensation of any water vapour that may be formed.
Warm, moist air during the summer months passes slowly through the
heating system. It makes any remaining ash or creosote moist and
soggy. Corrosion of steel occurs where these deposits remain. Off-
season corrosion can be reduced considerably if the system is thoroughly
cleaned after the last fire of the heating season. Where coal is burned,
the system must be thoroughly cleaned within 48 hours of shutting
down the system for the season and all soot and ashes be removed from
the chimney system. This should be the most careful cleaning the
system receives all year. Air inlets should be closed and sealed if
necessary to prevent the constant flow of air through the system.
If chemical cleaner is used to assist in the cleaning of your SuperVent/
SuperPro chimney, make sure it is a product which is non corrosive. It
does not replace the need for a mechanical cleaning. The optimal method
for cleaning a chimney is by a mechanical brushing of the chimney in
conjunction with a complete evaluation of the system by a certified
chimney sweep.
CHIMNEY FIRES AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Your SuperVent/SuperPro is not intended or designed for use as a
combustion or fire chamber. It is very easy to overfire your woodburning
appliance with kindling, scrap lumber, brush or any fast burning fuel.
This can produce flames and high temperatures all the way up the
chimney, and may cause chimney damage.
The following materials should not be burned in your woodburning
appliance: pressure treated lumber, rail road ties, salt water driftwood or
plastic. Burning such materials may lead to severe corrosion of the
appliance and the chimney system.
If you see your appliance or the stove pipe glowing red, you are risking
chimney damage, or a fire. The creosote may be burning inside the
chimney. If you see flames coming out the top, you are either overfiring
or there is a chimney fire. If the fire in your appliance has gotten out of
control, or if you suspect a chimney fire for any reason, follow these
steps:
Care should be taken not to disengage any lower chimney sections. This
will permit the insertion of a flashlight for inspection and a properly sized
plastic chimney cleaning brush. A metal brush may scratch the liner and
lead to premature corrosion. The Tee Plug (if so equipped) can be
removed by turning counter clockwise to clean from the bottom. Be sure
to replace the Tee Plug and Rain Cap when you are finished inspecting
and cleaning of the chimney.
“Creosote and Soot - Formation and Need for
Removal”
The need for chimney maintenance depends on the kind of appliance
and how it is operated. Gas and oil-burning appliances need very little,
but wood-burning appliances may need a great deal of chimney
maintenance.
How you burn wood in your stove or fireplace directly affects the
formation of creosote. Use more dry kindling and paper first to warm up
the chimney system to a temperature between 350 to 500 degrees F.
Burn hot, bright fires and fire each load hot. It is important to load
yourappliance properly and to avoid smoldering fires. Fast, effective
start-ups are important, as is the moisture content of the wood being
burned. If your wood is not completely seasoned, split your wood in
smaller pieces instead of larger ones. Ideally, the moisture content of
your firewood should be between 18 to 22%. A good investment in
assisting you in monitoring your system is a surface thermometer for
single wall stove pipe or a probe thermometer for double wall stove pipe.
Ensure that only low sulphur content coal (1% or less) such as anthracite
is burned.
Contact a professional certified chimney sweep for chimney cleaning
services and advice if you have any doubts about your ability to clean
your chimney system or if the task is too large. To visually inspect the
chimney, remove the Rain Cap by simply using the twist-lock feature.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF
CHIMNEY: