Over a period of use, the parts of appliances get worn. This is quite normal as they are operating continuously over long periods of time. Fear not, most working parts can be replaced. Providing they are available and even if they are discontinued, the replacement of certain parts can be obtained or made to fit your appliance. For example, fire bricks, door glass and thermal rope that seals around the door are available in many different shapes, sizes and thickness and quite often can be made to fit many different stoves.
It is advised however, that where possible, parts are ordered from the manufacturer. Some can be fitted quite easily by the owner, or if is more comprehensive we can fit them on your annual chimney sweep.
Cracks in fire bricks
Cracks in fire bricks can often occur within the first year of operation. Again, this is nothing to be alarmed about. Firebricks expand and contract due to the temperature of the appliance fluctuating continually and once they expand so much, they split. Once this split has occurred, they will quite often expand and contract for many years to come. Some manufacturers make the fire bricks in two sections which allows the expansion to happen without the bricks splitting.
Initial cracks will mostly be found in the rear fire brick as this is one of the hottest parts of the stove once the stove is up to temperature.
There is a benchmark width of a crack for the safe operation of a stove which is approximately 5mm. Once the crack is wider than 5mm then the firebrick should really be replaced.
Vermiculite firebricks can sometimes be stuck together temporarily with special fireproof adhesive which may last a while, but generally once a fire brick is so far worn it will need replacing.
Resealing a stovepipe
Resealing a stovepipe within the collar on the top of the stove.
A high temperature fire cement should be used to do this. Depending upon the installation of the stove, the fire cement can deteriorate through usage.
Two pieces of masking tape can be used to make a nice edge around the stove pipe and the top of the collar. Once all the old cement has been removed, new fire cement can be pushed into the gap between the stove pipe and collar. This can then be smoothed off and the masking tape removed leaving a nice, finished seal.
WARNING. Avoid getting fire cement on anything other than where it should be. It cannot be removed from any surface once its dry.
Cleaning of Glass
There are many forms of potions and sprays available on the open market to clean stove glass. However, some of the cleanest windows are done using the ash from the fire.
- Get a piece of kitchen towel and dampen with water
- Dip in the ash and wipe the window
- Wipe over with a clean piece of kitchen towel or cloth to remove muck
- Job done!