discolored chimney cap

[deedub]

hey all,
so when i was outside today i noticed that of my two chimneys ( both with new stainless steel caps ) , the one that is used with my jotul f400 is showing some discoloration, looks sorta rust colored and hazy, while the other looks brand new.
i don't have a solid block off plate, just kaowool at the old damper above the stove, but i wonder if this is a clear sign that a LOT of heat is going straight up my chimney and heating up the SS chimney cap ?
anyone else notice any discoloration if they have a SS chimney cap ?

thanks

dave

 

[fossil]

I imagine what you're looking at is the light beginnings of some creosote buildup. It's pretty inconceivable that you could get temps at the chimney cap up to what it would take to actually begin to discolor stainless steel from that. Rick

 

[crazy_dan]

I noticed lots of discoloration when i was burning the old Earth Stove....It was Black as the ace of spades can you say creosote. It starts out kinda hazy and only gets worse from there.
can you post a picture?

 

[BrotherBart]

Yeah it is just some discoloration from the smoke. Happens to all of'em. I really discolored one a couple of years ago but that fire burned the paint off of the thermometer on the top of the stove too.

 

[deedub]

thanks guys. i'll post a pic for those who want a look.