Imperial Black Matt Stove Pipe Round End Tee Cap

Creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.

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INSTALL STOVES PIPES, ELBOWS, AND OTHER FITTINGS WITH THE CRIMPED END TOWARD THE APPLIANCE

Always insert the stove pipes to the stove collar with the crimped end or male end pointing down. It is necessary to have the stove components male end point toward the stove to ensure condensation and creosote travel down only within the pipe to prevent creosote leakage. Connecting pipes this way will result in adequate condensation. It will allow the creosote to flow within the pipe and return to the firebox to be burnt and fully dissipate. See picture.

Exposed creosote is not only unappealing; it is also a fire hazard and a health risk. Avoid creosote leakage by properly installing a stove pipe.

What are creosotes?

Creosote is a byproduct of burning plant-derived materials or fuels. When combustion happens in woodstoves, the rise of high-temperature smoke from the flames mixes with cold air and moisture from the top of the chimney. The condensation forms traces of coal tar in the pipes that solidify and get thicker over time.

The buildup of creosote is a fire hazard and health risk. Annually inspecting woodstove pipes is recommended to prevent chimney fires and downdrafts, avoiding toxic substances from entering your home.

Once inspected, what do I do next?

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Treating creosote buildups depends on its severity. There are three (3) stages of creosote problems. Determine the extent of your creosote problem first to know how to treat it efficiently.

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First Stage

At this stage, the creosote looks dusty, flaky and can be removed by a chimney brush. Catching the combustion particles at this stage and treating it is the best time before it gets worse.

Choose among Imperial Chimney and Pellet Stove Brushes to clean out the creosote from in flue pipes.

Toss in a stick or sprinkle some creosote conditioner ideally, once per week, on a low burning fire or bed of coal to prevent buildup and turn flaky creosote to brushable ash consistency.

Second Stage

You will notice minor or formation creosote buildup. The creosote is thicker, starting to form layers, and it looks more like tar than soot. Sometimes, it may look flaky to an untrained eye, but the creosote has firmly adhered to the pipe lining. A more industrial and rigid approach to cleaning is needed. Rotary loops and drills are required to remove the creosote at this stage. Often, chemical solvents help loosen the buildup for easier removal.

Sprinkle some creosote treatment powder onto a low fire or bed of coal twice-weekly for four (4) weeks to break apart the creosote buildup. Then use a chimney brush or rotary loop and drill to clean out the loosened creosote.

Third Stage

There is a large amount of coal tar encrusted on the pipe lining. The rotary loop cannot penetrate or spin thru the gunk, and treatments are deemed ineffective. At this stage, the buildup is dangerously flammable. The creosote is so thick that it acts like fuel, catching fire quickly.

The creosote can still be removed at this stage, but more often than not, the replacement of flue pipes is more cost-effective.

TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN INSTALLING WOOD STOVES

Stove Pipe Components

• 18-in minimum clearance from combustible materials is required
• 24-gauge, cold-rolled steel construction for durability and lasting performance
• Black matte paint coating that resists heat, surface scratching, and chipping
• Paint coating that tolerates maximum continuous operating temperatures of 700 F, with short exposures up to 800 F
• Crimped male ends on most stove pipe components for snug pipe connections
• Install crimped end down toward the stove to prevent condensation or creosote leakage
• Secure stove pipe connections with at least three (3) self-drilling stove pipe screws

Heat Shield and Stove Boards

• Heat Shields can reduce the clearance between stove pipe and combustible materials by 67%
• Stove Boards or thermal hearth pads (Type 1 or 2) insulate and shields floors, walls, and ceiling from heat, hot coals, ashes, and soot
• Stove Boards (Type 2), when used as a wall protector, require 1-inch clearance from walls; use wall spacers
• Combination of stove boards, stove pipe, or elbow heat shields in any wood stove installation is a standard practice

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Types of Installation

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