Remember that article we published in August about creosote buildup in your chimney? Well, there’s another hidden danger that could potentially be lurking in your fireplace that’s just as important to understand: pyrolysis. While creosote forms inside your chimney from smoke, pyrolysis happens when the intense heat from your fireplace actually changes the chemical makeup of the wood in your walls and surrounding structures. Keep reading to learn how to identify the signs of pyrolysis and protect your home from this often-overlooked fire hazard.
What is Pyrolysis?
Pyrolysis (pie-roll-uh-sis) is a process that occurs when the wood surrounding your fireplace is exposed to heat and slowly “baked”. If fireplaces are run too hot or installed too close to the wall, they will bake the surrounding wood to the point that it turns black like charcoal and becomes just as flammable!
How to Identify Pyrolysis?
A great place to check for pyrolysis is on mantels and trim around or above fireplaces, which are often overlooked when it comes to safety. Many times, a DIY homeowner or a handyman may want to “spruce up” the look of their fireplace without knowing the correct distance that wood needs to be from the fireplace. Antique mantels are a common culprit in these scenarios.
One telltale sign of an issue is discolored or burnt wood, which indicates that the wood is too close to the heat source. This is a visual warning of the chemical decomposition of the wood through exposure to high temperatures (pyrolysis). As the wood is repeatedly heated above its decomposition point, it begins to slowly turn into charcoal. Each time this occurs, the ignition point of the wood is lowered, making it more susceptible to catching fire.
How to Prevent Pyrolysis?
To prevent pyrolysis, it’s essential to ensure your fireplace is correctly installed, not overheated, and regularly inspected for any cracks that could allow heat to escape. These simple steps can help maintain safety and prevent potential hazards.
Addressing these potential hazards promptly is not only about adhering to current safety standards, but also about protecting your home and loved ones.
What If I already have Pyrolysis?
This is where we come in! At Edwards Hearth & Home we are happy to discuss specific concerns and provide tailored recommendations to ensure your fireplace setup is both safe and enjoyable.
It’s important to understand that all modern UL-tested stoves and equipment have specific clearance requirements to combustibles listed in their manuals or on their data plates. We strictly adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your product is installed correctly and safely.
The gradual degradation of Pyrolysis is why most incorrectly built or installed products don’t show immediate signs of danger. Over time, however, the risk increases, potentially leading to a major issue that could have been avoided with proper installation and adherence to safety guidelines.
Recent replacement of a fireplace with Pyrolysis
This existing fireplace was installed by a custom home builder who did not follow the required trim clearance guidelines above the fireplace opening. We replaced it with one that did follow safety guidelines.
Conclusion
To ensure the safety of your home, always consult with a professional and follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidelines for your fireplace and its surrounding materials. This precaution can prevent dangerous situations and keep your home and family safe. If you own a home in Virginia, contact us!
At Edwards Hearth & Home, we are experts at helping homeowners ensure their heating appliances are installed and operated within safe guidelines. We also offer expert maintenance and support throughout the life of the product you purchase from us. Your peace of mind is our priority. Call us at (540) 249-4241 or use our contact page for more information on how we can help you create a warm and safe haven in your home.
