Should I seal wood flue pipe inspection panel?

[Fred2001]

Hi,

I have a wood burner with flue pipe coming out then back then a 90 degree bend before it goes up unlined chimney. At bottom of 90 degree bend isa metal plate held on by 2 screws which I take off periodically to remove any debris. This panel although quite tight is not actually sealed and there is a gap. Should I seal it and if so what with? The reason I want to seal it is that I am paranoid about smoke escaping through it but not sure if it does. Also when open door to load wood burner sometimes smoke blows into the room so wondered if sealing this would help. I thought I could do it with fire cement but was not sure how easy it would be to remove when I need to clean out.

I am arranging for a hetas installer to check it out but just wanted to do something beforehand as they are busy so will not be out soon.

Any advise would be appreciated

Cheers,

Fred

 

[ladylola]

I would always be against sealing something like this with a cement. In fact a wouldn't think it actually is a problem, I've had the same sort of arangement on a wood burner and didn't seal it. There are probably more fumes escaping when the doors are open.
However, having said that if you are worried I would suggest sealing it with the same sort of material that forms the seals around the doors, it's a sort of white fireproof rope which can be picked up at a fire suppliers.
As to the smoke coming into the room I also had this very occasionaly and found it only occured with the wind coming from a particular direction so it's possible that the fire suppliers could recommend or supply a different cowl or chimney pot.