Description

Flue Free is a specially formulated granular deposit conditioner which breaks down creosote and tar deposits that coat combustion areas and chimney interiors – a problem experienced with most solid fuel stoves and fires. Flue Free helps to maintain clean chimneys for maximum efficiency, lower fuel consumption and reduces the risk of chimney fires. Suitable for use with stainless steel flues. How does it work? Flue Free contains very specific grades of montmorillinite and alkaline phosphates. Incorrect grades of material can actually build up deposits. Flue Free is carried up the chimney by the flue gases. The phosphates react with the acids in the creosote/tar and ”fluidise” it. The montmorillinite soaks up these fluids producing a shriveling or drying action, which weakens the bonding to the chimney surface. In many cases this causes lumps of creosote to fall off. The phosphates also find their way onto the chimney surfaces and have the ability to afford some protection against corrosion. It is advisable to arrange for the chimney to be swept prior to commencing Flue Free treatment. How long does it take to work? A difficult question to answer because of the variations in individual circumstances. Certainly results are quicker in insulated or small diameter flues. Under these circumstances, positive results can often be noticed after 2 weeks. In big old chimneys simply blanked off above the stove, the results can be much slower particularly where the chimney is on the outside wall. Effectiveness also varies according to the degree of established deposits within the chimney. Regular daily dosing of Flue Free at normal dosage rates is much more effective than single shock doses. Single shock doses are only recommended in cases where normal dosage rates have proved insufficient. Is the need for sweeping eliminated? Emphatically not, but regular use of Flue Free will ensure that sweeping is likely to be much more effective because of the weakened bonding between creosote/tar and the chimney wall. The combination of Flue Free and reduced brushing frequency represents a good compromise in situations where very frequent wire brushing might reduce chimney life. In many circumstances the frequency of sweeping can be reduced but the need for sweeping is NOT eliminated. It is important to distinguish between deposit conditions (like Flue Free) and combustion aids, whose main principal action is to cause creosote/tar to catch fire and burn off. Very often the materials are corrosive and some are toxic. The high temperature which can be generated by burning creosote/tar can also cause chimney damage.