Fixing your log burner: what parts need replacing and when? 

Telltale signs your log burner needs new parts 

Some parts of your stove may degrade sooner than expected – especially if you are not burning responsibly. Keeping an eye on certain parts of your stove when adding your logs and watching for any changes in the way your stove performs can alert you to potential issues before they become costly problems. 

Cracked or warped parts mean your firebricks, baffle, or even the body of the stove itself are no longer doing their job as effectively. 

Difficulty controlling your burn can mean a few different things and is usually due to problems with the amount of air getting into your wood burner. 

Smoke escaping from your stove should be investigated immediately – the smoke from your stove is dangerous and should be kept inside so it burns away. 

Reduced heat even when you are burning the same as usual points to some damage or wear to your stove. 

Rattling noises when your fire is heating up or cooling down usually happen when internal parts that should be firmly in place have worn down and are beginning to become loose. 

Excessive amounts of ash is often a sign of incomplete combustion – if you are burning high-quality fuel, then some internal parts of your stove may need replacing to keep your fire burning hot. 

Doors that don’t close properly or feel loose are dangerous and a clear sign that the seal between your fire and your room is not secure. 

Glass that stays sooty even when you are burning Ready to Burn certified wood could be due to restricted airflow, stopping your stove’s airwash from cleaning the internal glass. 

Common parts that need replacing – and when to replace them 

Regularly replacing your stove’s consumables will keep your log burner running safely and efficiently for years to come – making sure you avoid any costly repairs. 

Fire bricks

• Lifespan: 2-5 years with regular use 

• When to replace: immediately when cracked, crumbling, or the surface is flaking off. 

• Why: fire bricks protect the body of your stove from heat damage and keep your fire at high temperatures for efficient burning. Damaged fire bricks will lead to warped stove bodies and inefficient burning. 

• Cost: £30-80 for a full repair, depending on your stove model. 

• DIY level: moderate – no tools required, you just need to make sure your new bricks fit snug once you have removed damaged ones. 

Stove glass

• Lifespan: 5-10 years 

• When to replace: immediately if cracks or signs of stress are present.  

• Why: cracked glass can shatter unexpectedly, leaving your room exposed to smoke, embers, and fire. 

• Cost: £50-175, depending on your stove model. 

• DIY level: moderate-high – requires careful removal and if damaged can unexpectedly shatter. 

Rope seal

• Lifespan: 1 year with regular use 

• When to replace: when your rope shows signs of fraying or no longer fills the groove in the stove door, or when the door no longer shuts firmly. 

• Why: the stove rope seals off your fire, preventing any unwanted air causing your fire to get out of control. 

• Cost: £25-50 for rope plus additional equipment. 

• DIY level: moderate – needs some precision and the appropriate equipment, but can be done with some patience. 

Baffle plate

• Lifespan: 5-10 years, depending on usage 

• When to replace: if it is no longer flush or is showing signs of damage, such as warping or cracking. 

• Why: your baffle keeps heat in your stove for longer, giving you a cleaner burn. A damaged baffle can lead to incomplete combustion. 

• Cost: £30-200, depending on your stove model.

• DIY level: difficult – you’ll need to follow manufacturer-specific instructions for internal components of your stove. 

Grate (for multifuel stoves)

• Lifespan: 10+ years, depending on usage 

• When to replace: if the grate becomes difficult to use, or if visible signs of warping or cracking are present. 

• Why: the more damage to your grate, the harder it’ll become to clean ash out your stove. A functional grate helps airflow, making sure your fire is burning properly. 

• Cost: £30-150, depending on design. 

• DIY level: moderate-difficult – some grates are straightforward to replace, but others may need to be disconnected, making things much more difficult. 

Air controls

• Lifespan: 10+ years 

• When to replace: if they begin regularly jamming, start to stiffen, or move too loosely. 

• Why: your air controls let you precisely control how you fire burns – if they are faulty it will be much more difficult to control your burn, risking your safety. 

• Cost: £25-100, depending on specific parts – though professional installation highly advised. 

• DIY level: professional only. Precise alignment is needed to ensure these operate correctly and poorly fitted air controls can create a hazardous log burner. 

Only perform maintenance on a fully cooled stove. Do not inspect your stove whilst refueling or while your fire is burning – let it cool before grabbing a torch and looking over your firebricks, baffle, and stove rope.