How to change stove door rope seal

The ceramic rope smoke seal around a stove door seals the door to the stove so that the only air getting into the stove comes throughthe air inlets, and not through the join between the door and the body of the stove. This makes the stove much more controllable, and ceratinly in the case of cleanburning stoves, more efficient as well. The rope is made of a woven fibreglass material and is soft easily handled. You should replace any rope seals that are frayed, split, or coming off the door.

Take the door off the hinges and lay it face down on a soft material so you do not scratch the door (or the surface you have put it on). Make sure that there is nothing pushing against the glass as this may break it.

The ceramic rope smoke seal is usually fitted into a groove in the door of the stove. You will need new ceramic fire rope and glue. Make sure that the replacement rope is of the same diameter as the old rope.

Remove the old rope from the groove and get rid of any bits that are left behind - a screwdriver can be useful to clean out the groove. A solvent (such as petrol, white spirit, DW40, or thinners) can help remove any stubborn bits as well as any tar or other deposits that may also be in or near the groove.

When the groove is nice and clean cut the new rope to length. Run a continuous bead of rope glue in the groove and then press the rope into the groove. Starting at one end of the rope and moving round is often the best method.

The new fire rope should now be stuck to the groove and ready to use. Put the door back on the stove. Gently try to close the door and make sure that it closes without excess pressure. Do not try to force the door shut if it resists as that means there is something up - have a look and see what could be stoppingthe door from shutting. When the door shuts you should hear and feel that it is the rope seal that is making contact with the body of the stove and not the metal of the door.

When you fire the stove the rope glue cures and the rope is now stuck in place.