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Wood Stoves, Fireplaces and the Danger of Pyrolysis
Having a wood stove or fireplace at home can be a cozy and welcomed addition, especially during the colder months. But, with many great things come potential safety considerations. Some risks you may not even be familiar with. Homeowners can be potentially threatened by a process called pyrolysis and they may not even know it. Let’s take a look at what pyrolysis is and how it can potentially put your home at risk.
What is Pyrolysis?
Wood and other organic materials are all subject to experiencing pyrolysis which is a thermochemical decomposition that occurs at a certain temperature. As these materials break down, just heat and oxygen can cause combustion. The temperature required can be as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The concerning part about this whole process is that there are virtually no warning signs that pyrolysis has occurred. This process can take several years, but you won’t know when it has occurred. Because of this ability to chameleon itself, it can be a leading cause of unexpected house fires and lead to considerably sized fires.
The Threat of Pyrolysis
Because of the potential danger that pyrolysis provides to your home or any homeowner with a fireplace, it’s important to keep up with required maintenance. Continuous annual inspections and cleanings can mitigate the risk of overlooked damage that can lead to pyrolysis occurring. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) advise that annual inspections and sweeps are critical.
For example, a damaged flue or firebox can contribute to this issue. These components are designed to withstand extreme heat. But, if it’s cracked or otherwise damaged, the protection of nearby wood is no longer there. This means that the wood is potentially undergoing pyrolysis and can ignite with no source of flame.
Alternatively, you may be experiencing pyrolysis due to improper installation. There are certain considerations that are important to think about when you are installing a new heating appliance. For example, even installing a heating unit too close to wood framing could cause pyrolysis to occur. Something like wood flooring must also be considered as well as especially heat-shielding pieces must be used to accommodate this.
If you are concerned about pyrolysis occurring at your house around your wood stove or fireplace, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact professionals to fix any potential cause.
Concerned About Pyrolysis?
If you’re in the Minneapolis area, Twin City Fireplace, Masonry, and Chimney are the end-to-end experts to call. We have locations in Edina and Woodbury, MN with highly trained and experienced staff to help with anything to do with chimneys or fireplaces. If you’re in need of repairs related to pyrolysis or not, our team can also help with that.
Twin City specializes in the installation and repair of gas and wood-burning fireplaces for both indoor and outdoor spaces. We’re also licensed general contractors, gas fitters, and skilled masons to give you a seamless experience from the first call to the finished installation. Contact us today!