As the sun starts to shine and the logs are packed away for the season, it’s easy to forget about your wood-burning stove. But summer is actually the perfect time to give your stove a little TLC. Proper off-season maintenance not only extends the life of your stove but also ensures it’s ready to fire up when the temperature drops again. Here’s our quick guide to keeping your stove in top condition during the warmer months.
1. Book Your Chimney Sweep Early
Summer is the ideal time to get your chimney professionally swept. After a long winter of burning, soot, creosote and other deposits build up in your flue. Left untreated, these can pose a fire risk and reduce efficiency.
Why now?
Booking a sweep in summer means you beat the autumn rush — when everyone else is scrambling to get their stove ready. It also gives you time to deal with any unexpected issues. Give us a call today to beat the rush on 01629 583550.
2. Leave Vents and Doors Slightly Open
Once you’ve cleaned out the ash and had your chimney swept, it’s important not to shut your stove up completely.
Here’s why:
Leaving the air vents or stove door slightly open allows air to circulate, helping to prevent condensation and rust. A closed-up stove in a humid British summer can quickly become a breeding ground for corrosion and damp smells.
3. Check and Replace Rope Seals
The rope seals around your stove door are essential for controlling airflow and maintaining an efficient burn. Over time, they can wear down or stop sealing properly.
Summer tip:
Now is the perfect time to check for gaps or fraying. Fold an A4 sheet of paper in half and half again. Place it between the body of the stove and the door and close the door fully – If you can pull the paper out it’s time to replace your rope — an easy fix that makes a big difference come winter.
4. Inspect Fire Bricks and Baffles
Your stove’s internal components take a beating throughout the heating season. Cracked or crumbling fire bricks and warped or damaged baffles can reduce performance and even cause long-term damage to your stove.
What to do:
Open your stove and give everything a good inspection. Small cracks in bricks are ok but if you can slot a £1 coin in the crack its time to replace it. Check your baffle for signs of warping. If any parts look worse for wear, get them replaced over the summer — so you’re not caught out in the cold.
5. Give It a Thorough Clean
Don’t just stop at the chimney! Empty out ash completely, clean the glass (inside and out), and give the body of your stove a wipe-down to remove any dust or residue.
Bonus tip:
Use a stove paint to touch up any scratched or faded areas — it’ll keep your stove looking as good as it performs. Make sure you pick the correct paint type for your stove – we can help if your unsure what to buy.
Ready for Autumn, All Summer Long
A little maintenance now means a lot less hassle when the nights start drawing in again. At Blood Brothers Stoves, we’re here to help with everything from chimney sweeps to spare parts and professional servicing. Get in touch with us over the summer and we’ll make sure your stove is clean, safe, and roaring into action when the time comes.
Need help or advice?
Give us a call, or pop by our showroom — and let’s get your stove summer-ready!
