Damaged or cracked stove problems
Cracks in your stove are usually caused by 'overfiring' or 'overburning' and the only fix is to buy a new wood burning stove.
Overfiring is when a stove burns hotter than it was designed to handle.
This usually happens because of too much airflow, too much fuel, incorrect fuel, or faulty equipment.
Cracks cannot be fixed.
Overfiring may also cause:
Warped or damaged baffles - replaceable if they are not too warped to be removed
Cracked or weakened flue liners - replaceable but expensive
Cracked firebricks - replaceable - very common problem
Warped stove metal and reduced stove lifespan
Common causes
Too much oxygen → excessive airflow makes the fire burn uncontrollably
Too much fuel → overloading the stove increases temperatures
Incorrect fuel → wet or unsuitable fuel can cause unsafe burning
Faulty equipment → damaged seals or controls can increase airflow
Solution
Maintain proper airflow to control the burn
Use dry, correct fuel - use a moisture meter and mix kiln dried with seasoned logs
Service the stove and chimney regularly - book a regular chimney sweep
Monitor stove temperature with a thermometer and burn within the 'optimal' zone
If the fire gets too hot
Stop adding wood and close vents to reduce airflow
This will lower the stove temperature safely.
When you reach the lower end of the optimal zone add small logs one at a time, you will find that they now burn efficiently and you will not need to add as much wood.
