Solid Fuel Appliances in Thatched Properties – Preparation and Operation

Reason for an Article on Solid Fuel Appliances

Thatch Advice Centre solid fuel appliances - cozy woodburnerPrepare for and operate your solid fuel appliance appropriately so you can enjoy it

We get a lot of enquiries regarding solid fuel burning, mostly with regard to solid fuel appliances in thatched properties e.g woodburners.

Thatch fire safety information has improved a lot over the last few years, based on actual evidence and professional research.  Fire safety advice, has now similarly improved.  The importance of properly using and maintaining solid fuel appliances in thatched properties has therefore logically become a higher priority.

We realized an article on the subject of “Solid Fuel Appliances in Thatched Properties” would be beneficial.   The main aim will be to help educate and inform so that homeowners can reduce:-

  • Potential risks to yourselves and your property
  • Potential ongoing maintenance costs of appliances and flue systems.

This is the first of two articles, Preparation and Operation.  The second article will be published here in a few weeks and will be on Maintenance.

With thanks to our Associates “Quantum Chimney Services Ltd” for their expertise and input on this important topic.  Here’s what they said.

Solid Fuel Appliances - Fire

“Preparation

Fuel Storage

All too often we visit properties where a homeowner has purchased good quality fuels but are incorrectly storing these fuels, effectively nullifying the quality. Before purchasing any fuel, you should consider where and how it will be stored.  All fuel should be stored in a dry and ventilated location, out of rain and prevailing weather.

Why spend hundreds on kiln dry wood, just to leave it exposed to the elements unprotected against the side of a shed or fence?  Poor fuel storage equals poor quality fuel which in turn is likely to:

  • Cause reduced heat output from your appliance (as the fire wastes valuable energy burning off excess moisture)
  • Increase the risk of bituminous deposits forming in a flue system, (as the flue gas velocity and flue gas temperatures are reduced, leading to an increased fire risk).

Solid Fuel Appliances - fuel sotrage is important

Fuel choice

The importance of using the correct fuels and good quality fuels cannot be underestimated. If using an enclosed solid fuel appliance, such as a wood burning stove, or multi-fuel appliance, it is essential you read the user manual. Here it will be clearly defined what specific fuels may be used with the particular appliance. It is vital, for the safe and correct working of the appliance and to reduce invalidating any warranties to use these specified fuels.

Once you know what fuels may or may not be used, it is then important to only use good quality. Good quality fuel doesn’t mean the most expensive.  For instance, if using a wood burning appliance, you could choose to purchase kiln dried wood with a guaranteed moisture content below 20%.  Equally, if you have the correct storage facilities in place and plan for the future, you could purchase unseasoned or part seasoned hardwoods and season this for several years yourself, to give a good quality end fuel.

The risks involved of using poor or incorrect fuel are:

  • Reduced heat output
  • Risk of invalidating product guarantees
  • Production of excessive volumes of products of combustion
  • Risk of damage to appliance or flue system
  • Increased fire risk to property through build-up of ignitable by-products in the chimney or flue.

Operation of solid fuel appliances (eg woodburners)

When we visit homeowners having issues with an appliance or chimney and flue, the root cause is often operator error. We have been to homes where good fuel storage is in place and good quality fuel is being used, but the manner in which an appliance is being operated has caused damage to an appliance and / or the flue system.

Over-firing can cause heat damage to occur to the appliance.  This can warp or damage connecting flue pipes and definitely poses a fire risk. If you feel you are burning through endless volumes of fuel, or your stove is glowing red, you have a problem!

Slow- burning or slumbering of an appliance is equally, if not more so, damaging.  Slumbering will lead to incomplete combustion of the fuel, which in turn causes the build-up of bituminous materials, soot and other ignitable debris forming within a flue shaft or chimney. This can lead to costly lining system replacements or, worse, chimney fires occurring.

All of the above points are vital to have put in place, or ascertained, before you consider lighting your fire, (whether an open fire or a stove).  You wouldn’t (we hope) drive your car without ensuring it had the correct oil, water or correct fuel in place as well as knowing where the relevant controls are and how to operate them.  A solid fuel appliance is no different and can be equally as dangerous.”

Conclusion

Thatch Advice Centre - Solid Fuel Appliances - Preparation and Operation information - chimneys

Understanding and preparing sensibly for using your solid fuel appliance with fuel choice and storage, as well as correct operating procedures, is so important.

Help from our Associates, Quantum Chimney Services Ltd (members of NACE) with valuable advice on the importance of preparation and operation of solid fuel appliances in thatched properties is so appreciated.

Looking forward to Quantums help with the next article on “Maintenance of Solid Fuel Appliances and Flue Systems”

We would like to add that when burning solid fuel, it is also important to have a working Smoke and CO alarm.  Don’t forget to join us on social media “Test it Tuesdays” – or send us a picture we can use of you testing yours (you will be credited)

Our friends at the Federation of British Chimney Sweeps also promote excellent advice and this article fits in well with their Burnright Campaign.  It also helps with the government’s  Clean Air Strategy too.  By all working together we can improve the efficiency and safety of solid fuel burning.

The Thatch Advice Centre are pleased to have Specialist Associates who assist with their knowledge and experience, adding to the information on our website which benefits our visitors.  Thank you.

Working Smoke / CO Alarms are important

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