Black flakes outside

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Foggy Mtn

Member
Jan 8, 2022
27
Tennessee
Had some of these black flakes outside after a hot fire last night. It’s been mild off and on so far this winter. We’ve tried to keep hot fires. Flue was swept before fall. Any ideas ?

[Hearth.com] Black flakes outside [Hearth.com] Black flakes outside
 
I burn conifers, what I have found is thought the process it coats the chimney pipe with a fine ash. When I first started burning I also found these flakes outside on the snow. I did try to ignite one of the delicate flakes, it would not ignite it would only smolder only with no flame. I have assumed they are harmless.You can see a small flake on the temp probe, and flaking off further up the stove pipe. I think it is part of normal operation.

[Hearth.com] Black flakes outside
 
Cold flue contracts, when heated it expands. This action loosens any residue on your flue wall and is carried up and out of the flue with the draft.
 
I see these at times on my roof. I sweep the liner myself and always know that I burn pretty clean and that the build up is not too much. For me, it’s been part of normal burning.
 
Last February I had some small black soot particles in the snow on my deck stairs and patio bricks. Not a lot. Chimney guy said it happens dislodges with hot fire and wind.
 
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