Wood Stoves, Fireplaces and the Danger of Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis. It’s a big word but a simple concept. As organic materials age and are repeatedly exposed to high temperatures, they are chemically transformed. So, with that in mind, here is a quick overview of wood stoves, fireplaces, and the danger of pyrolysis. 

What is Pyrolysis?

Pyrolysis is a process that takes place over time when organic materials, like wood or coal, decompose due to heat exposure—in other words, regularly heating an organic object to a high temperature. When that happens, the thermochemical process takes place, which is, yes, pyrolysis. In the process, the ignition point of organic material drops to as low as 200F. There are no visible warning signs for pyrolysis, and it can take years before it occurs, so you can be lulled into a false sense of security before a fire occurs. 

What Causes Pyrolysis?

There are several ways that pyrolysis can occur:

Your Fireplace’s Flue is Damaged

Your chimney has a liner inside to prevent heat and gasses from escaping. The chimney liners are made to withstand excessively high temperatures, and if they are damaged, the heat that escapes can cause pyrolysis in things like timbers in your attic or any other organic material near the flue. Eventually, if the chimney liner is not repaired, a fire will occur because of pyrolysis.

Your Fireplace’s Fire Box is Damaged

Your firebox is designed to do much the same thing as your chimney liner: to contain heat and protect your house from high temperatures. Wood flooring and other materials placed around the hearth could ignite from pyrolysis if repeated exposure to heat occurs. 

Your Flue Was Not Installed Correctly

There are minimum safe distances for organic materials, and if the flue installation is not to code, then heat can escape and cause a fire due to pyrolysis. If the technician who installed your fireplace or stove’s flue was rushed or didn’t care, your flue could be in danger of causing a fire. Inspecting your chimney regularly will catch an improperly installed flue and allow the problem to be corrected.

There is a Crack in Your Stove

If there is a crack somewhere in your wood-burning stove, then there is a danger of pyrolysis. In January 2015, former Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera’s wood stove had a crack in it, causing a fire that did $500,000 worth of damage. 

How to Stave Off Pyrolysis

Inspecting your fireplace, chimney, or wood-burning stove is the only way to stop a fire from pyrolysis. Why? Because there are no outward signs of pyrolysis, the only way to stop it is to catch the problem before it starts. It is also wise to have annual inspections to see other issues before they become expensive problems.

Mercer County Chimney Can Prevent Pyrolysis in Your Home

Have you ever had your chimney or wood-burning stove inspected? If not, contact us, and we can see if there are any potential causes for pyrolysis in your home. If you live in the wider Mercer County, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Chesterfield, or Allentown areas, get in touch with us. We will send one of our chimney and stove experts to your home to inspect it. Don’t wait until a fire occurs; contact us today.