Wood Burning Inserts
Wood burning inserts vary from maker to maker and model to model so it’s hard to generalize about service and maintenance of different wood burning inserts, but here are a few suggestions for keeping inserts working the way they are meant to. Obviously you will want to consult the insert owner’s manual if possible.
Test the seal on the insert’s door with a piece of paper by opening the door (when the insert is cold, of course) place the paper across the gasketed area and close door on the paper. When you try to remove the paper it should not pull out easily. If there is an area where the paper comes out easily the door seal needs attention.
Some wood burning inserts allow you to simply adjust the door latch. If the door can’t be adjusted, or if adjusting it doesn’t help, you will probably have to replace the door gasket(s).
If you are in doubt about the size and density of gasket to use, remove the door and take it to a store that carries parts for inserts to test a variety of wood burning insert gaskets. The gasket can be cut to length from a reel or packaged by the manufacturer in a kit for most inserts. The cement to hold the gasket in place is often included in kits. If it is not included, you can by a small container of it or use silicone sealant that comes in a caulking tube.
To install the gasket in wood burning inserts, remove the door and place it on something to prevent scratching the finish. Pull out the old gasket; on some inserts you’ll have to take apart the door to get the gasket out. Clean the gasket groove with a screwdriver to remove old cement. Then clean the groove more thoroughly with course steel wool to get a good clean surface for the cement to stick to.
Apply a narrow bead of cement or silicone (usually 1/4″ to 1/2″ wide, depending on gasket size) along the entire groove. Lay the gasket in the groove and avoid stretching or bunching it, starting on a long straight part of the groove. Cut the gasket slightly long so that the ends can be tucked into each other forming a good seal and press the gasket into the cement.
Mount the door and test the seal. When lightly slamming the door of the wood burning insert you should hear the muffled sound of the gasket, rather than metal, hitting the stove body. Then test the seal again with the paper.
