Gas logs and residue
#1
02-16-03, 12:19 PM
Gas logs and residue
We have installed vented gas logs in our fireplace.
We did have a chimney sweep come out and we also had them installed professional.
The gas fireplace works great, but...
We are getting fairly heavy black residue on the outside of the fireplace, on the ceiling, and some of the other walls throughout the house.
We put a hood on thinking that would help, but we are still getting the same problem.
The only thing I can think of is that perhaps it has something to do with the black paint interior of the fireplace. When we moved in we did paint the interior -- however, it was with heat resistant paint.
So two questions -- any ideas on what could be causing the problem?
If it could be the paint on the bricks -- any way to seal or otherwise fix?
Thanks!
We did have a chimney sweep come out and we also had them installed professional.
The gas fireplace works great, but...
We are getting fairly heavy black residue on the outside of the fireplace, on the ceiling, and some of the other walls throughout the house.
We put a hood on thinking that would help, but we are still getting the same problem.
The only thing I can think of is that perhaps it has something to do with the black paint interior of the fireplace. When we moved in we did paint the interior -- however, it was with heat resistant paint.
So two questions -- any ideas on what could be causing the problem?
If it could be the paint on the bricks -- any way to seal or otherwise fix?
Thanks!
#2
02-16-03, 01:28 PM
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kahayden,
I'm not sure about the paint and this should be asked in the Decorate forum under painting. It is unusual to paint the inside of the firebox and as such I cannot on "heat resistant" paint.
It might be possible that negative pressure is causing your house to suck a certain amount of air from the fireplace..along with some soot.
But you should also look at other issues:
1. Soot on the gas logs (on vented sets) is normal..even heavy soot. Take them outside and brush or host them off (assuming they are the heavy cement logs).
2. The logs MUST be used with the damper and fireplace doors full open. Any other use is asking for trouble.
It is doubtful that a chimney cleaning would help this situation. More likely, crack a window a small amount and keep the doors and damper full open. If the problem persists, make the fireplace opening a few inches lower by fixing a small sheet metal hood or deflector to the top.
If none of the above works, call an HVAC expert to combat the negative pressure problem in your home. He'll install a heat recovery ventilator or other system to fix the situation.
http://www.magic-sweep.com/book/book108.htm
Hope this helps!
I'm not sure about the paint and this should be asked in the Decorate forum under painting. It is unusual to paint the inside of the firebox and as such I cannot on "heat resistant" paint.
It might be possible that negative pressure is causing your house to suck a certain amount of air from the fireplace..along with some soot.
But you should also look at other issues:
1. Soot on the gas logs (on vented sets) is normal..even heavy soot. Take them outside and brush or host them off (assuming they are the heavy cement logs).
2. The logs MUST be used with the damper and fireplace doors full open. Any other use is asking for trouble.
It is doubtful that a chimney cleaning would help this situation. More likely, crack a window a small amount and keep the doors and damper full open. If the problem persists, make the fireplace opening a few inches lower by fixing a small sheet metal hood or deflector to the top.
If none of the above works, call an HVAC expert to combat the negative pressure problem in your home. He'll install a heat recovery ventilator or other system to fix the situation.
http://www.magic-sweep.com/book/book108.htm
Hope this helps!
