Hearthstone Mansfield - Smoke and Fire Smell, Smoke Rolls Out with Door Open

[Shawnc]

Hi all! We are new to this house and stove. First few fires were good and no problems. Now, however, we are getting considerable fire/smoke smell in the house and is pretty much unbearable.

One fire we observed some smoke escaping in the area of the roof penetration. Since then we have cleaned the chimney and flue. Still same smell, but no visible smoke. Also, when there is a good fire going and need to add wood or move things around, smoke rolls out door when opened. This is a 2 story house with a straight chimney through the roof, about 28' up and about 5' above roof and about 2' above highest point of roof. Burning primarily doug fir, aspen and some balsam fir.

Looking for suggestions, advice or help We live above 9k in Colorado and need this source of heat! Thank you for any help.

 

[begreen]

What model Mansfield is this or how old is it? Does it have a catalytic convertor? Regarding the chimney, Is the cap screened? If yes, was this also cleaned?

One fire we observed some smoke escaping in the area of the roof penetration.

That should not happen. Was there a chimney fire? Has this flue system been inspected by a certified chimney sweep with a camera for defects since then?

A long flue system may cool down the flue gases considerably. If they are below 250º in the top sections, creosote will accumulate. Partially seasoned wood will exacerbate this condition. How well-seasoned is the firewood?

 

[Shawnc]

This is a Mansfield from 2003. So about 20 years old. The chimney sweep is professional but did not use a camera. We cannot get to the cap due to snow and extreme pitch. The brush was run up to the cap, just don't know if it got it clean.

The wood is seasoned well I believe, just from feel, weight. Not sure how long. though.

We will probably not be able to get the roof and exterior until spring.

 

[Shawnc]

What model Mansfield is this or how old is it? Does it have a catalytic convertor? Regarding the chimney, Is the cap screened? If yes, was this also cleaned?


That should not happen. Was there a chimney fire? Has this flue system been inspected by a certified chimney sweep with a camera for defects since then?

A long flue system may cool down the flue gases considerably. If they are below 250º in the top sections, creosote will accumulate. Partially seasoned wood will exacerbate this condition. How well-seasoned is the firewood?

No chimney fire to my knowledge, no evidence of that.

 

[begreen]

If you have some good binoculars or a spotting scope, see if there is a cap screen and if so, see if it's very black. If so, it's likely plugged. Bottom-up cleaning doesn't always address this.

 

[Shawnc]

If you have some good binoculars or a spotting scope, see if there is a cap screen and if so, see if it's very black. If so, it's likely plugged. Bottom-up cleaning doesn't always address this.

It appears quite black but i cannot see obstructions. Is the screen typically horizontal at the base of the cap or is it vertical around the slots?

 

[begreen]

It appears quite black but i cannot see obstructions. Is the screen typically horizontal at the base of the cap or is it vertical around the slots?

It depends on the cap. Most are a screen cylinder that fits inside to complete screen the openings. Finer screens are often spark arrestors. Coarse screens are mainly to keep the birds out.

 

[Shawnc]

I think the issue might have been resolved, upon advice from a neighbor, I shot the cap several times with a bb gun and dislodged a considerable amount of crusty debris (creosote) and powder. The smell in the house began to improve almost immediately.

Thanks for the help from this group!

 

[rudysmallfry]

I think the issue might have been resolved, upon advice from a neighbor, I shot the cap several times with a bb gun and dislodged a considerable amount of crusty debris (creosote) and powder. The smell in the house began to improve almost immediately.

Thanks for the help from this group!

Very creative solution. Love it!