Are you tired of constantly feeling cold air coming from your fireplace? A drafty fireplace makes your home less comfortable and can also increase your heating bill.
A fireplace can be a cozy centerpiece in any home, but it should not come at the cost of comfort due to unwanted drafts. A drafty fireplace can lead to increased energy bills, chilly indoor temperatures, and overall inefficiency in maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to combat and eliminate fireplace drafts. This guide will provide you with practical and straightforward solutions on how to stop fireplace draft.
By addressing common issues such as improper sealing, chimney damper problems, and other potential draft sources, you can enjoy the full benefits of your fireplace without the accompanying inconveniences.
What Will You Need?
Before starting, you will need to gather a few tools and materials to effectively address the draft in your fireplace. These may include:
- Fireplace sealant or caulk
- Chimney cap or damper
- Insulation material (fiberglass, foam, etc.)
- Draft stoppers or blockers (such as inflatable chimney balloons)
- Essential household tools (screwdriver, ladder, etc.)
It is also essential to ensure proper safety gear and precautions before attempting any repairs on your fireplace. This includes wearing gloves and eye protection as well as making sure the fireplace has been properly cooled down before working on it.
10 Easy Steps on How to Stop Fireplace Draft
Step 1: Inspect the Chimney and Damper
Begin by thoroughly inspecting your chimney and damper for any visible signs of damage or malfunction. Check that the damper opens and closes properly, forming a tight seal when closed. This can prevent outside air from entering your home. Consider repairing or replacing the damper if you find any gaps or issues. Ensure the chimney is free from obstructions interfering with the damper operation or allowing drafts to pass through more easily.
Step 2: Seal Any Gaps or Cracks
Once you’ve inspected the chimney and damper for functionality, the next step is to thoroughly examine and seal any gaps or cracks around the fireplace. Use a high-quality fireplace sealant or caulk to close up any small openings allowing cold air to seep in. Focus on areas where the fireplace meets the wall or mantle, as these are familiar places for drafts to originate. Ensure that the sealant is suited for high-temperature applications to withstand the heat from the fireplace.
By closing these gaps, you help create a more efficient barrier against incoming drafts, enhancing your home’s warmth and comfort.
Step 3: Install a Chimney Cap
Installing a chimney cap effectively prevents external elements like rain, snow, and debris from entering your chimney, which can contribute to drafts. A chimney cap also helps deter animals from nesting in your chimney, which could cause blockages. Choose an appropriately sized chimney cap for your chimney made from durable materials to withstand weather conditions. Installation typically involves securing the cap over the chimney opening using screws or a similar securing mechanism.
This simple addition reduces drafts and safeguards your chimney from environmental damage.
Step 4: Use a Chimney Balloon
A chimney balloon, also known as a draft stopper, helps block cold air from entering your home when the fireplace is not in use. First, measure your chimney flue to ensure you purchase the correct size to install a chimney balloon. Then, partially inflate the balloon and push it up into the chimney flue, ensuring it creates a snug seal. Fully inflate the balloon once it’s in place to block drafts completely.
Remove the chimney balloon before using your fireplace, as leaving it in could be a hazard. Using a chimney balloon is a simple yet effective method to improve your home’s warmth and energy efficiency.
Step 5: Add Insulation to the Chimney Liner
Adding insulation to the chimney liner can significantly reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Insulation helps maintain the temperature in the chimney and decreases the amount of cold air entering the home. First, select an insulation material suitable for high temperatures, such as fiberglass or foam, to insulate your chimney liner. Depending on your chimney’s design, wrap the insulation around the liner or insert it between the liner and chimney walls.
Ensure the insulation is evenly distributed and securely in place to maximize its effectiveness. Insulating the chimney liner creates an additional barrier against drafts, helping maintain a cozier indoor environment.
Step 6: Install Glass Fireplace Doors
Glass fireplace doors are an excellent addition to help prevent drafts while adding a touch of elegance to your fireplace. They act as a physical barrier against cold air entering the room when the fireplace is not in use. First, measure your fireplace opening to ensure a proper fit for installing glass fireplace doors. Choose doors made from high-quality, heat-resistant glass to withstand the fireplace’s heat.
Installation typically involves attaching brackets to the interior of the fireplace frame and securing the doors in place. Once installed, glass fireplace doors can reduce drafts dramatically and improve the energy efficiency of your heating system, allowing you to enjoy your fireplace’s ambiance without discomfort.
Step 7: Close the Fireplace Damper When Not in Use
Always ensure that the fireplace damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use. This step is crucial for preventing cold air from entering the chimney and your home. While it might seem simple, keeping the damper closed effectively creates a protective barrier against drafts. Make sure to check that the damper is tightly sealed whenever you close it. Remember to open the damper before lighting a fire to allow smoke and gases to escape safely, and then close it once the fire has completely burnt out to maximize your home’s warmth and energy conservation.
Step 8: Use Weatherstripping on the Fireplace
Weatherstripping is a simple and affordable solution to prevent drafts from entering your home through the fireplace. To apply weatherstripping, first clean the area around the fireplace opening to ensure good adhesion. Choose a weatherstripping material suitable for high temperatures and fitting the gaps between the fireplace and its surrounding frame. Cut the weatherstripping to the required length and press it firmly into place around the edges of the fireplace opening.
This will create a tight seal that helps to keep warm air inside and cold air out, improving the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Step 9: Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspection are essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of your fireplace and chimney system. Schedule annual inspections by a certified chimney professional to ensure everything is in good working order and to address any potential problems early. Have the chimney swept during maintenance to remove soot and creosote buildup, which can reduce draft prevention efficiency and pose fire hazards?
Additionally, check all components, such as the damper, chimney cap, and glass doors, for any damage or wear and tear. By maintaining your fireplace system correctly, you can ensure it operates optimally, keeps your home warm, and minimizes drafts throughout the colder months.
Step 10: Seal Cracks Around the Chimney
Cracks around the chimney can be a significant source of drafts, so sealing them is essential to prevent cold air from entering your home. Inspect the area around the chimney both inside and outside your home to identify any gaps or cracks. Use a high-temperature sealant or caulk designed for masonry to fill these spaces. Apply the sealant generously to ensure all cracks are entirely covered and smooth out the surface for a neat finish.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, allow the sealant to dry fully to create a solid barrier against drafts. Sealing cracks around the chimney enhances your home’s insulation, helping preserve warmth and reducing energy costs.
By following these steps, you can effectively reduce drafts from your fireplace and improve the energy efficiency of your home.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Ignoring Chimney Maintenance: Regular chimney inspections and cleanings are essential. Neglecting this can lead to blockages or damage that worsen drafts and pose safety risks.
2. Blocking the Flue: While it might seem like an easy fix, completely blocking the flue to stop drafts is not recommended. This can cause harmful gases and smoke to accumulate in your home.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Firewood: Wet or unseasoned firewood can create excess smoke, leading to draft issues. Always use dry, well-seasoned wood for a more efficient and cleaner burn.
4. Leaving Windows or Doors Open: It may seem obvious, but leaving windows or doors open near the fireplace can allow cold air to enter and create a draft. Make sure all openings are closed properly before starting a fire.
5. Not Considering Airflow: Fireplaces need proper airflow to function efficiently and avoid drafts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping a fireplace draft requires regular maintenance and mindful usage of the fireplace.
Ensuring that the chimney is clean and in good condition, avoiding the blockage of the flue, and using seasoned firewood are crucial steps to enhance the performance and safety of your fireplace. Additionally, managing the airflow by keeping all windows and doors closed during use will prevent unwelcome drafts.
Hopefully, the article on how to stop fireplace draft has provided you with valuable tips to keep your fireplace working effectively and comfortably. Always consult a professional for guidance on maintaining your fireplace when in doubt. Happy heating!
