Q: How did my stove get warped?
A: Continued over heating of
the stove causes warping. A proper fire temperature for a wood burning
stove is between 350 - 400 deg F. Using a magnetic flue/stove
thermometer is recommended.
Q: How should I waterproof my
chimney?
A: First all structural damage
should be repaired and the exterior of the chimney cleaned and allowed
to dry. Use a waterproofing agent that is specifically designed for
masonry as these materials are vapor permeable which means they allow
the chimney to breath out, but not in. This allows the water that has
penetrated the chimney to escape and prevents new water from entering.
Do not use paint for waterproofing because it will trap moisture inside
the chimney.
Q: Why do we worry more today
about Carbon Monoxide build up than we did just a few years ago?
A: Today’s homes are built more
air tight and owners have taken steps to update older drafty homes to
help control heating costs. So there is less fresh air coming into the
home and not as many pathways for stale or polluted air to leave it.
Q: What are symptoms of
low-level carbon monoxide poisoning?
A: Symptoms
mimic common winter ailments and include: headaches, nausea,
dizziness, fatigue, and even seasonal depression. Often cases are
not detected until permanent damage to organs and tissues has occurred.
Q: Do I need to worry about
carbon monoxide poisoning if I’m using an oil or gas fueled
appliance?
A: Yes, Oil produces soot which builds us within the
flue which causes flue deterioration as well as air flow restriction
directing toxic fumes back into the house.
Natural gas fuel is cooler
and clean burning but contains high levels of water vapor. Combined
with chlorides picked up from house supplied combustion air are
corrosive to the system. Today’s Direct Vent appliances use air drawn
from outside the structure to provide combustion but still require
annual inspection to ensure all mechanical and venting parts remains in
proper working order.
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