Wood-burning stoves require a tight seal around their door for optimal efficiency. Replacing a worn-out fiberglass gasket is an important part of stove maintenance.

Step 1: Measure the width and length of the existing gasket. Purchase a new gasket similar in size, but slightly longer, along with some stove gasket cement.

Step 2: With the fire out and the stove cool to the touch, remove the stove door and lay it on a protected flat surface.

Step 3: Pull away all remnants of the old gasket. Use a screwdriver and hammer to chisel away dried gasket cement. Use a wire brush and steel wool to thoroughly clean the gasket groove.

Step 4: Cut one end of the gasket material at an angle and lay the new gasket into the groove. Start in the middle of the door perimeter. Keep the material loose. Do not stretch or clump it.

Step 5: Overlap the two ends of the gasket and cut the gasket 1 inch longer than needed. Cut the second end at an angle opposite the first to allow the ends to fit snuggly together within the groove.

Step 6: Remove the gasket material and coat the inside of the groove with a bead of gasket cement. Smooth the glue along the channel and up the sides of the groove.

Step 7: Gently place the gasket material into the groove, starting in the middle of one side of the door. Press gently to ensure the material is adhered properly.

Step 8: Once the gasket fully encompasses the door, cut away excess material, press the end into place and coat the joint with some additional gasket cement to keep the ends from fraying.

Step 9: Allow the cement to set for a few minutes and remount the stove door.

Step 10: Tape a piece of paper over the glued gasket joint to keep it from sticking to the stove. Shut the door and lock it into place.

Step 11: Open the door and test the seal by placing a piece of paper between the door and the stove. Shut the door. If the paper pulls out easily the seal will need to be built up by gluing additional gasket material beneath the new gasket.

Step 12: Properly sealed, the door should shut easily and a piece of paper should be difficult to pull out along the perimeter.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.