DuraVent Ventinox Rigid Factory-Built Lining System - Manual (Page 4)

GENERAL INFORMATION
CREOSOTE
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours, which combine with expelled moisture to form
creosote. The creosote vapours 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.
Creosote formation in a chimney cannot be eliminated, but it can be minimized by :
1. Keeping the temperature of the gases in the chimney above 300ºF.
2. Making small hot fires rather than slow burning, smoldering fires.
The chimney liner should be inspected periodically during the heating season to determine if a creosote build-up has occur.
If a significant layer of creosote has accumulated ((1/8" (3 mm) or more)) it should be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire.
CHIMNEY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Keep your chimney and liner clean.
Do not allow more than 1/8" build-up of creosote in your liner. Wood stoves can quickly create large deposits of creosote in
the liner. Some wood stoves can create enough creosote in two weeks to cause a chimney fire.
When using a wood stove, we recommend that you :
1. Initially inspect the liner system weekly. From this you will learn how often it will be necessary to clean your
liner.
2. The liner should be inspected at least once every 2 months during the heating season to determine if a
creosote or soot build-up has occur. If creosote or soot has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the
risk of a chimney fire.
3. Have your liner cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep. If you want to clean your liner yourself, then use plastic, wood
or stainless steel brushes. Do not use a brush that will scratch the stainless steel interior of the liner.
4. Do not expect chemical chimney cleaners to keep your liner clean. Their use does not negate the necessity of
periodically inspecting and cleaning your liner.
COAL
Some coals contain large quantities of sulphur (up to 7%). When coal is burned, sulphur and coal ashes are deposited in
the liner. This deposit combines with moisture to form a highly corrosive acid (Sulphuric Acid). In order to protect your liner,
we recommend that you burn only low sulphur coals (less than 1% sulphur). Have your liner cleaned within 48 hours of
shutting down your stove at the end of the heating season. Be certain that all the soot is removed. Wipe the liner flue using
a strong solution of baking soda and water. This can be done by wrapping a rag around a chimney cleaning brush, dipping
it in the baking soda-water solution, then passing it through the liner three or four times.
CHIMNEY FIRES
If you are having a chimney fire, follow these steps:
1. Close all heater doors and combustion air controls. For fireplaces, block the fireplace opening with a non-
combustible material (such as an asbestos or steel sheet).
2. Alert your family to the possible danger.
3. If you require assistance, alert your fire department.
4. If possible, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher, baking soda or sand to control the fire. Do not use water, as it may
cause a dangerous steam explosion.
5. Watch for smouldering or fire on combustibles next to the stove, stove pipe and chimney. Check outside to ensure
that sparks and hot embers coming out of the chimney are not igniting the roof.
6. Do not use the stove again until your chimney and stove pipe have been inspected by a qualified chimney sweep
or Fire Department inspector. The TUBINOX lining system has been designed to withstand the intense heat of a
chimney fire. Nevertheless, chimney fires are dangerous and should be avoided.
VENTINOX LINING SYSTEM - 4