Hearth and Home Technologies Montana-36 - Manual (Page 25)

01/04 4039-150 Rev B 25
MONTANA INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
H. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
A chimney fire can permanently damage your chimney
system. This damage can only be repaired by replacing
the damaged component parts. Chimney fires are not cov-
ered by the Limited Warranty and Buyer Protection Plan.
Figure 25
Chimney & Termination Cap Cleaning
2. Creosote and Soot
Inspect the chimney internally for obstructions and
construction damage. Flue pipe joints and seams must be
continuous and mechanical tight. In a used chimney,
additional inspection is needed for creosote buildup, which is
the formation of a flammable sediment.
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 creosote buildup has
occurred.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce
the risk of a chimney fire.
3. Chimney Cleaning
If you do detect a buildup of creosote, contact a qualified
chimney sweep or clean it yourself. To do this, perform the
following steps:
a. Open the damper.
b. Hang a damp sheet across the fireplace opening to stop
dirt and soot from entering the room.
c. Remove the termination cap or housing top. See
Figure 25.
d. Clean with a stiff nylon brush attached to a pole OR tie a
small burlap bag filled with straw and several small stones
or sand. Work up and down the flue until the flue is clean.
e. Replace the termination cap or housing top.
4. Clear Space Near the Fireplace
Combustible materials must not be stored on the hearth
extension. Room furnishings such as drapes, curtains, chairs,
or other combustibles must be at least four feet from the open
front of the fireplace.
1. 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 embers
have thoroughly cooled.