Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, and the Danger of Pyrolysis
Fire safety is highly important when it comes to the upkeep of your stove or fireplace. Without proper inspections, cleanings, and maintenance you’re at risk of serious damage that could lead to dangerous fires including pyrolysis. Let’s talk about what pyrolysis is, what causes it, and what you can do to prevent it from starting a fire in your space.
What Is Pyrolysis?
In simple terms, pyrolysis is the process of organic materials decomposing under high temperatures. If flammable organic materials, like wood, affected by pyrolysis are within a certain proximity to a heat source like your stove or fireplace it can lead to a fire igniting. Once materials are affected by pyrolysis, they can eventually ignite at temperatures as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This is one of the reasons that it is so critical to always keep combustible materials a safe distance from your burning fireplace or stove.
How Fireplaces and Stoves Cause Pyrolysis
There are several reasons pyrolysis may take place. Improper installation, damaged components such as the flue or firebox, and unreliable materials can all lead to the process of pyrolysis igniting a devastating fire in your home.
Improper Installation
It is important to choose a certified and experienced company when it comes to the installation and servicing of your heating appliances. If your fireplace or stove have not been properly installed or installed in close proximity to combustible materials it can easily lead to pyrolysis of the materials and eventually a high risk of fire in your home. Always ensure your technicians are knowledgeable and adhere to code compliant installation practices when installing a heating appliance in your home.
Damaged Components
Annual inspections are recommended to ensure a safer fireplace or stove experience. If you neglect your routine maintenance, it can lead to unnoticed damages that leave your appliance vulnerable to dangerous malfunctions. Specifically, your chimney flue liner and firebox should be in good shape in order to ensure a safer experience. When the flue or firebox are compromised, it can lead to fires and serious damage to other components of the chimney or appliance.
Unreliable Materials
High quality materials are crucial to a safer chimney. When low quality materials are used, they will begin to degrade sooner leaving you with constant repairs and potential risks in your fireplace or stove.
Taking Preventative Measures
The best ways to protect yourself from fires caused by pyrolysis is through proper maintenance, annual inspections, and a trusted team of fireplace professionals. From installation to years of use, ensuring that your fireplace or stove is functioning properly will help keep you and your home safer from devastating fires caused by pyrolysis.
Call the Pros at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio
Dubuque Fireplace & Patio has a trained and experienced team of fireplace and stove professionals ready to help you keep your chimney in check! Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your service. We’ve got your back for quality installations, repairs, inspections, cleanings, and so much more!
