Expert: James Ball - 1/16/2010

Question
In our previous home, we had a cast iron wood stove which operated nearly 8 years with no chimney fires. Two years ago we moved into a new home with a soapstone wood stove. The first winter we had one stove pipe/chimney fire and this year we've already had two. The wood isn't even close to green but what is a general recommendation for time stacked before burning? We've been told everything from 6 months to 3 years. Also can you help with ideas as to why we've already experienced 3 fires in only two winter's use of the soapstone stove? It is our primary source of heat. We do shut the damper overnight for a slower burn. Is this a potential problem? Should we have the stove pipe checked now and if so, by what professional - a chimney sweep? Stove installer? Thank you!

Answer
Hello Vicki, each home and stove have there own burn characteristics, and "we shut the damper overnight for a slower burn" build creosote even faster, so how often should this chimney be cleaned? I would have it cleaned and then checked after 1/2-1 cord of wood burned and every 1/2 cord after that until you find your cleaning schedule.
also after 2 chimney fires the chimney MUST have a level 2 inspection (video scan to be sure the flue is intact and verify correct installation.
I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James