Woodfire has been a reliable source of heat since the days of the caveman. While gas and electricity are the predominant sources of heat in the 21st century, there is nothing more homely than the warmth and smell of a wood fire.
For this reason, functioning chimneys are still popular amenities in homes, new and old. Now, having a wood fire heating a home creates ignited embers that can, unfortunately, lead to catastrophic fires.
For this reason, safety measures, such as woven wire spark arrestors, must be put in place to keep your chimneys functioning safely. But how exactly do woven wire spark arrestors benefit chimney operations?
W.S. Tyler is a woven wire mesh manufacturer with over 150 years of industry experience. Over the years, we have proudly worked with customers to fabricate hand-crafted mesh solutions that alleviate any hesitations that may exist in regard to wire mesh.
To provide some insight into how woven wire mesh can be used to keep chimneys safe, the following article will cover:
- The definition of a spark arrestor
- The definition of woven wire mesh
- The beneficial functions of a woven wire mesh chimney spark arrestor
- What Alloy You Should Use To Fabricate a wire mesh chimney spark arrestor
What Is a Chimney Spark Arrestor?
A woven wire mesh spark arrestor is a metallic screen put in place to block ignited particles, such as sparks and embers, preventing them from creating fires. Initially designed to reduce the number of spark-related fires created by trains, spark arrestor mesh is used for several applications, from motorcycle exhaust systems to chimney stacks.
Regardless of the application, the core function remains the same: keeping hazardous sparks/embers at bay while allowing air to flow.
What Is Woven Wire Mesh?
Woven wire mesh is a screen media comprised of a pre-determined amount of metallic wires that are interwoven. A heavily monitored weaving proces is used to turn these wires into a metal cloth that features pore openings that are precise and rigid.
As woven wire mesh is fully customizable, parameters such as wire diameter, weave patterns, mesh count, and opening size can be hand-crafted by you. You can further enhance the performance of your mesh by customizing the value-added services applied after the weaving process.
This includes ultrasonic cleanings, calendaring, deep drawing, stretching, welding, and more.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Woven Wire Mesh To Create a Chimney Spark Arrestor?
When a wood fire is used to create a heat source, whether it be in a home or another structure, embers travel upwards through the chimney and out the top. When these sparks leave the chimney, they can land on the roof of the structure or flammable materials, potentially causing dangerous fires.
This is particularly concerning in heavily wooded areas.
As stated above, spark arrestors work to contain these embers. As woven wire mesh is considered an open product, it accurately keeps ignited particles at bay while allowing the various gases and smoke to pass.
In addition to preventing embers from escaping the chimney stack, woven wire mesh provides the durability needed to keep things from entering the chimney stack as well. Specifically, woven wire mesh keeps birds, bats, squirrels, and other animals from entering the structure through the chimney.
What Wire Mesh Alloy Works Best When Fabricating a Chimney Spark Arrestor?
Woven wire mesh, in most cases, is fabricated from stainless steel. This is generally either a 304- or 316-grade stainless steel.
Stainless steel is widely used primarily for its versatility. Compared to other materials, the balance of corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and durability, with its cost-effectiveness, makes stainless steel an ideal alloy in most cases.
But maybe you've already identified stainless steel as not having the suitable characteristics to perform.
If this sounds similar to the situation you are in, manufacturers should note that other alloys can be used to weave woven wire mesh. It is recommended that you are aware of the carbon contents of the alloy, as it will determine how wire mesh performs when exposed to hotter temperatures.
Heat Treat Your Mesh for Peak Performance
A chimney spark arrestor is a screening component designed to prevent ignited embers from escaping a chimney stack while keeping things such as wildlife out. Woven wire mesh is often used to fabricate chimney spark arrestors as it isis durable, resistant to heat and corrosion, open, and cost-effective.
Now, it was early stated that woven wire mesh is highly customizable. For example, you can heat treat your mesh to increase its internal strength or ensure it holds its shape after forming.
W.S. Tyler has helped customers furnish their options with woven wire mesh customized to their needs for over 150 years. We are here to remove the roadblocks that prevent you from feeling confident in your products.
To learn more about the heat treatment process you can apply to your chimney spark arrestor mesh, read the following article: