Solid fuel burner – stove leaks smoke around door

Solid fuel burner/wood burner (closed firebox) – stove leaks smoke around the door

Causes

Door does not seal effectively 

Flue needs cleaning

Cause

Door does not seal effectively 

Repair

  • it is not uncommon for doors and seals to eventually be compressed or stiffen and allow air leaks, at which stage the door seals will need to be replaced. Kits are available including rope seal (typically woven fibreglass) and specialist adhesive/cement

  • to reduce the chance of future smoke problems, only burn wood that has been well dried under shelter. Burning green wood can create creosote and soot

  • most woodburners are designed to run with a hot, efficient fire – a fire set so low that it just smoulders is more likely to lead to an accumulation of combustion byproducts in the flue and produce smoke

  • if a smoke problem continues, engage an experienced installer to check that the flue is the appropriate size and length for the woodburner. Flues that are the wrong size or are too short can reduce the effective flow of air and contribute to smoke problems

Cause

Flue needs cleaning

Repair

  • have the woodburner inspected and the flue swept at least once a year. Many manufacturers list this as a maintenance requirement, as do some house insurance policies

  • depending on the model, cleaning may be possible from inside the house, but in some cases the cleaner will need to go onto the roof

  • to keep the woodburner and flue in a good clean condition, only burn wood that has been well dried under shelter. Burning green wood can create creosote and soot and contribute to smoke problems

  • most woodburners are designed to run with a hot, efficient fire – a fire set so low that it just smoulders is more likely to block the flue and produce smoke

  • if a smoke problem continues, ask an experienced installer to check that the flue is the appropriate size and length for the woodburner. Flues that are the wrong size or are too short can reduce the effective flow of air and contribute to smoke problems