Wood Burning

Presently, one-third of the world's population uses wood as a major fuel source. While wood was widely used for fuel in the last century, its popularity has grown dramatically in recent years due to the fossil fuel shortage and expense. Wood is being burned in fireplaces, stoves and insert stoves. Whichever way it is used, there are several safety suggestions that should be heeded. Always respect fire and its potential. Never leave anything to chance-the old adage of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is quite appropriate. The following specific recommendations refer to the device that has been the greatest source of fire in residences - wood burning stoves.

Woodburning Stoves

Wood has been used as a fuel for cooking and heating for thousands of years. While gas and oil have generally replaced wood (and other solid fuels) for home heating, and gas has become the fuel of choice for many modern fireplace units, there are those homeowners who still prefer the ambiance of woodburning or opt to continue to use wood due to the design of their fireplace, stove or insert.

Wood stoves and fireplace inserts have ranked high on the list of causes of fires in residences for many years. The dangers of wood-burning must always be considered. Never leave anything to chance – the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is quite appropriate when working with wood fires.

A standard home inspection does not include evaluation of wood or other solid fuel-burning stoves or inserts for compliance with manufacturers' installation instructions, local codes, or functional operation. It is recommended that these type units be inspected by a qualified professional prior to closing and on a regular basis.

In addition to a professional inspection, homeowners should:

• Check with local building/fire authorities to verify the stove or insert was installed according to any local requirements.
• Check the manufacturer's installation instructions to be certain the specified procedures have been followed. If you can't locate instructions, contact the manufacturer.
• If your stove is a factory-built model, be certain it has a label from a recognized testing laboratory.
• Provide adequate clearance between the stove and combustible materials (see illustration for general minimums). Also consider clearances from what appears to be non-combustible surfaces as well. A masonry wall can conceal wood framing that could ignite with regular exposure to high heat conditions.
• Ensure that there is an adequate hearth extension and non-combustible floor covering or base for the unit. Stoves should never be set directly on wood floors or carpeting.

A critical part of any solid fuel-burning stove installation is the flue or stovepipe and chimney system. The stovepipe should:

• Be made only of corrosion-resistant material as listed by the manufacturer.
• Not pass through a wall or ceiling without the proper type insulating box or fitting.
• Not have an excessively long horizontal section.
• Be the same diameter as the flue collar on the stove.
• Be as short and straight as possible.
• Have a working damper to help control the burn rate.
• Be connected to a masonry or an approved metal chimney to properly vent smoke and other combustion by-products.

Ideally, the chimney should:

• Rise 3 feet or more above any roof or portion of the house or roof within 10 feet of it, measured horizontally.
• Have a clay or metal liner to ensure flue integrity.

Creosote is an oily substance that results from incomplete combustion and condensation of the by-products of combustion. Creosote residue tends to accumulate on relatively cool chimney linings and, if ignited, can cause an extremely dangerous fire.

To help reduce the chance of a creosote fire:

• Maintain a moderate fire – hot enough to keep the chimney warm along its length, but not so hot to ignite creosote already present.
• Never burn trash or other highly flammable material that will produce a sudden hot fire. Burn only seasoned, dry-wood.
• Avoid stovepipe accessories such as heat reclaimers or extractors. They reduce pipe temperatures, adding to creosote build-up.

Homeowners should also pay heed to the stove maintenance and operation tips:

• Keep children away from the stove even when not in use.
• Store ashes in a metal container with a tight lid outside the house.
• Maintain adequate air supply when using a solid fuel-burning stove or insert. The combustion of solid fuels consumes valuable oxygen; if needed open a window or door to ensure adequate combustion air.
• Never start a fire with any flammable liquid or use an artificial log in a stove (unless specified by the manufacturer).
• Keep a fully charged class “ABC Chemical” fire extinguisher readily accessible.
• Use caution when adding wood or removing ashes. Stand to the side and use insulated gloves.

Important Note: Stoves and chimneys should be checked and cleaned annually, more often with heavy use. Only employ professionals to clean your chimney. Generally the tradesman most qualified to inspect and clean chimneys and solid-fuel burning stoves and inserts is a certified chimney sweep or fireplace inspector.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright DBR 2009. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

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