Staining on ground below cap

[NoGoodAtScreenNames]

I have a cap that covers the flue for the woodstove and oil burner. I’ve notice some brown staining below where the cap drips from the overhang. I assume some smoke is condensing on the top of the cap and dripping. Never noticed this before and am wondering if the cold might have something to do with it.

I’ve burned about a cord since the last cleaning (by a CSIA sweep). Mostly 3 year oak mixed with some occasional pine (all measure <20% on the meter).

Any ideas or cause for concern?

 

[NoGoodAtScreenNames]

Another close up pick.

 

[firefighterjake]

No worries . . . it's pretty much what you guessed . . . condensation in the smoke in this extreme cold reaching the cold and freezing. I saw a chunk of ice similar to this on the ground this morning. In the past some folks have even had dirty brown icicles hanging off their chimney.

 

[NoGoodAtScreenNames]

No worries . . . it's pretty much what you guessed . . . condensation in the smoke in this extreme cold reaching the cold and freezing. I saw a chunk of ice similar to this on the ground this morning. In the past some folks have even had dirty brown icicles hanging off their chimney.

Thanks. Good to know this is normal.

 

[firefighterjake]

I think someone even coined a word for it . . . "creosicles."