Apex 42…… same issues

[besjoux]

What is causing this? Is it having an exterior chase? We have a stainless steel cap that they said is rusting. Our wood is 10% or less moisture content and well seasoned for over two years after splitting. I noticed this on our siding and even on the ground. We just had a significant cold spell last week and I’m wondering if it’s because of the exterior chase? I burned it as hot as I absolutely could last week and it got up to about 600. I’m totally at a loss and ready to quit burning entirely. I’ve had multiple companies come out and they have no idea how to resolve this issue.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

When it gets cold you can get little icicles or "Cresicles" as we call them. They are pretty dirty and can make a mess when they melt. I have a steel roof and get a little bit of what you have, albeit not as much. How's the buildup inside the chimney? Is the whole chimney double wall? 10% in two years in Michigan might be doable, but don't be surprised if people question how you measure your moisture content.

 

[besjoux]

The wood is from capped trees that were cut 10 years ago. It’s definitely dry! They did replace the chimney to code. And we don’t get any icicles around it.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

The wood is from capped trees that were cut 10 years ago. It’s definitely dry! They did replace the chimney to code. And we don’t get any icicles around it.

Sounds like pretty dry wood then. My guess is its still some sort of steam/condensation issue that runs down. Likely going to be worse during cold spells. Sounds like you are burning plenty hot.

 

[mpraete]

When it gets cold you can get little icicles or "Cresicles" as we call them. They are pretty dirty and can make a mess when they melt. I have a steel roof and get a little bit of what you have, albeit not as much. How's the buildup inside the chimney? Is the whole chimney double wall? 10% in two years in Michigan might be doable, but don't be surprised if people question how you measure your moisture content.

I agree it might just be the icicles. I have them happen at my place also. I occasionally find a brownish chunk of ice in the snow in the yard at the base of my chimney. They must form on the chimney cover in bad cold weather and then melt or just drop off. So, with any luck that is your issue, Unless someone was actually up there to accurately and not assuming due to color, tell you it was rust.

 

[mpaul]

Could it be your chase cover that’s rusting?

 

[Sealcove]

Perfect wood is still not going to burn 100% clean. There will be some residue from combustion and wind and water move it around. Maybe there are ways to improve it, but with a white surface below your chimney cap, I would be surprised if you did not see stuff like this at least occasionally.

 

[besjoux]

Could it be your chase cover that’s rusting?

It’s stainless steel and less than 10 years old! It better not be rusting! It was t cheap

 

[stoveliker]

If it's raining or snowing while I'm burning, stuff will drip off the top of the cap, and if wind is present, can actually land on the "donut shelf" below where the exhaust comes out. That'll be dirty for sure, and it'll create dirty water coming down.
I think that's what's going on. Depending on your roof and its visibility, you could create an edge on the chase so that the water only runs off on your roof (rather than on the white siding), and then to your gutters.
The color of your roof will determine the visibility of that run-off though.