Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - woodstove chimney cap screen clog problem

I have been using wood burning stoves as my primary heat for a decade now. Last year I moved into a new a-frame with a woodburning stove. THe chimney was cleaned when I moved in . Twice now in one year I have had the chimney clog to the point that the smoke seeps out of the joints in the stove pipe running through the house.

Both times when the cleaners came the chimney itself didn't need cleaning but the screen cap was totally clogged. Why would this be happening?

I burn good wood, soft pinion pine to start fires and oak and walnut to keep it rolling. I don't use a lot of paper to start my fires.

Is this something I can easily clean myself, how?

The cap can be removed and cleaned if you are up to getting to the top of the chimney. You could probably clean it in place by rapping it and scrubbing it with a wire brush. You can also buy a brush [sized to your flue] and extension pole and clean the chimney yourself. A pro can better inspect it though!

Slow fires tend to produce more suet than a hot roaring fire. I like to open the bottom door of my stove and let it rattle the pipe for a minute, twice a day - don't know if that would help that far up or not.

btw - welcome to the forums

There is whats call Chimney Sweep If you can find it. put some in the fire now and then .It helps clean out the soot