Hearth & Home Technologies Montana-36 User Manual

01/04

4039-150 Rev B

MONTANA INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

H. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING!

A chimney fire can permanently damage your chimney

system. This damage can only be repaired by replacing

the damaged component parts. Chimney fires are not cov-

ered by the Limited Warranty and Buyer Protection Plan.

Figure 25

Chimney & Termination Cap Cleaning

2. Creosote and Soot

Inspect the chimney internally for obstructions and

construction damage. Flue pipe joints and seams must be

continuous and mechanical tight. In a used chimney,

additional inspection is needed for creosote buildup, which is

the formation of a flammable sediment.

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic

vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form

creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool

chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote

residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this

creosote makes an extremely hot fire.

The chimney should be inspected at least twice a year during

the heating season to determine if creosote buildup has

occurred.

If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce

the risk of a chimney fire.

3. Chimney Cleaning

If you do detect a buildup of creosote, contact a qualified

chimney sweep or clean it yourself. To do this, perform the

following steps:
a. Open the damper.
b. Hang a damp sheet across the fireplace opening to stop

dirt and soot from entering the room.

c. Remove the termination cap or housing top. See

Figure 25.

d. Clean with a stiff nylon brush attached to a pole OR tie a

small burlap bag filled with straw and several small stones

or sand. Work up and down the flue until the flue is clean.

e. Replace the termination cap or housing top.

4. Clear Space Near the Fireplace

Combustible materials must not be stored on the hearth

extension. Room furnishings such as drapes, curtains, chairs,

or other combustibles must be at least four feet from the open

front of the fireplace.

1. Disposal of Ashes

Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting

lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a

noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all

combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the ashes

are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed,

they should be retained in the closed container until all embers

have thoroughly cooled.