how to make a fireplace draft cover

Chimney balloons can be purchased from online retailers. My friend also suggested not to use a cone-shaped chimney cap as it caused a downward draft, and using a rotating one made a mess on your roof, so I installed a regular square one, which has helped keep the air flowing correctly. Finally, you want a cover that you can easily uninstall whenever you want to use the fireplace again. I opted to have my chimney swept, replace my chimney cap, and use a fireplace draft stopper when I am not using my fireplace. Don't miss out! How to Cover a Fireplace Hole [Temporary + DIY Covers], How to Turn on Gas Fireplace with Wall Switch, How to Turn on Gas Fireplace With Wall Key 5 Easy Steps, Gas Fireplace Wall Switch Not Working Fixes + Troubleshooting, Effective Strategies for Keeping Cats off Outdoor Furniture. Once air is accumulated inside the fireplace, air pressure will build-up and exits out through those gaps. Stick it on the side of your refrigerator to keep the magnet smooth. If you lit the fire and forgot to open the damper, use pliers or an oven mitt to pull the lever so you dont burn yourself. All covers are made to your measurements. Attach a shelf bracket to the bottom of each 2x4 "leg" to add additional support to the fireplace cover, so it doesn't tip over once it's upright inside your fireplace. This fireplace cover is very simple to make yet very effective to stop losing energy and stop draft coming in, which in turn saves a lot of money in our pockets! Once the fireplace is cool again, place the guard over the hole. I used the kit with 8 oz. So, there's lots of different types of dampers. When all the pieces are cut, set them in the frame. Mila is passionate about living sustainability and encouraging others to do the same. Fireplace plugs (a.k.a. Using an electric drill and a 5/16-inch drill bit, drill two-inch deep holes in the spots that youd marked out during the previous step. These include opening up windows or air vents, sweeping the chimney, using a fireplace grate, pushing combustion further back, as well as leaving glass doors open before every fire. Fireplace Cover to Keep Cold Air Out - Fireplace Draft Stopper Draft Decor's vent cover can be easily removed when you use your fireplace. When you have a chance, please have your fireplace cover on, and then, cover the entire fireplace opening again with a 2mil plastic sheet. Use insulating flameproof foam board by cutting out the correct shape, then pressing it in place under the damper. Decide the Size of Your Fireplace Hearth Cover. Fireplace doors come in a variety of designs, and can either be temporary or permanent. Be sure that the air pressure is turned down so the nails dont pierce through the back of the insulation. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Why? How To Make A Fireplace Draft Cover - fireplacenow.co I cant wait to use the Modern Masters Rust kit on some other items that I have in mind, I am OBSESSED! What Can You Use To Insulate A Fireplace? Firmly secure the bumper to the sides of the frame with a staple gun. Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours, then apply a second coat of latex-infused thinset. I hope some of the suggestions work as well for you as they did for me, and they keep you warmer this winter, as. You can cover the foam with a cozy blanket or fun fabric to match your decor. How do you think of these things?!?! This fire-resistant hearth blanket from Fireplace Blocker effectively prevents drafty airflow via the fireplace opening. Heath inserts are combustion systems that improve the energy efficiency of fireplaces. Its one of the last options you should consider, but I need to mention it; sometimes, if all else has failed, the problem might be solved by investing a little money to build a new chimney. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I promise you cant even tell this fireplace cover is made from new materials! Reinflate the chimney balloon once the chimney is cold. I decided to use a fireplace draft stopper or flueblocker when my chimney is not in use, but there are other ways to insulate a fireplace that also work. It sends chills up my spine each time. DIY Draft Stopper for Your Fireplace - Genius! - Bob Vila Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. Flehomo Magnetic Fireplace Draft Stopper - Fireplace Cover to Block That was kinda my goal without having to find, cut and pay for old tiles! If you find less of a draft, you know you need to allow better airflow in your home. From here, he puzzle-pieced and glued the wood rounds onto a painted-black plywood sheet cut to the exact dimensions of his fireplace opening. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. If you have an odd shape or curved fireplace like I do you will need to create a pattern to use while cutting your wood base board. Paint the front of the plywood with a matte black paint and let dry. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. You just have to really think it through to make sure you cut the angles in the right direction and use the short side of the trim as your measurement for length. A chimney balloon is simply a form of balloon that you can blow up within your chimney to provide a tight seal. Drafts guard cover: keep drafts away from an unused fireplace with this draft guard covers that are placed to close the fireplace opening; Black powder finish: made of steel with black powder coated finish; Magnets included: magnets are included for affixing to the hearth face; Dimensions: measures 40 in. Yes, the wood insert needs to be built custom to the size of your fireplace opening. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Please note, if you are adding wood beads to an edge, make sure you cut this side down extra to allow for the bead thickness or your fireplace cover might not fit in the opening if you cut your cover with a tight fit. I put magnets on mine to hold it in place. This fireplace cover is very simple to make yet very effective to stop losing energy and stop draft coming in, which in turn saves a lot of money in our pocket How a fireplace insert. I found that one of the reasons I might have a draft coming from my fireplace was if the flue was blocked. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Flue sealers are usually installed underneath the damper to keep out cold drafts and keep in hot air. It was surprising to find how much heat loss a drafty chimney can account for. Standard chimney caps are cheaper and only seal the flue opening. Dry fit each piece and continue until youve filled the frame. Modern Masters has multiple metal effect kits that allow you to turn a surface or item into a beautiful treasure with rust patina, blue patina or a green patina finish. *** Lay the pegboard onto the reclaimed lumber and press firmly in place. You may need to sand it down in a few places if it's too snug to slide in and out of the opening. Want to build your own fireplace insert draft stopper? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Watch this video for a simple and inexpensive solution. I also used velcro strips to hold it in place. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Thereis no additional cost to you. Yayyyy thanks Vicki I will be rusting some other things soon because I am completely enamored with this process so stay tuned! The look is unbelievable, its like a rusty piece of tin that was made to be in my living room fireplace. My only regret is not making it sooner. No one likes a drafty fireplace; for me, it was a real issue until I researched the causes and discovered a few quick and easy solutions. This can make a big impact on our own comfort and home's energy bill as well. Be careful operating any metal cords or levers after a fire is lit. Inspect the fireplace for any gaps or cracks around the fireplace. Meanwhile, the bifold doors allow for easy closure to prevent air leaks when the hearth is not in use. Some of the best options besides buying a fireplace plug include: However you decide to insulate your fireplace you should make sure that the material is flame retardant or flameproof. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. With your protective gloves on, unroll the fiberglass insulation and stuff it into all three channels of the door to insulate it. Just follow these easy steps and you'll have one too. CLICK HERE http://tinyurl.com/kyevc62/ To see all of our Fireplace and Hearth Items.Video Highlights 0:14 What is a Draft Guard?0:25 What size fireplaces wil. Available in dimensions of up to 43-inches wide and 32.5-inches high, this fireplace glass door is large enough to cover all standard-sized fireplaces. I was lucky, I found solutions that worked for me, but if your chimney is barely working, skewed, and parts are falling off, getting a new one is best. Press the insert into your fireplace and stop the drafts forever! The lack of need for a warm fire leaves me with the burning questionwhat to do with my fireplace the other 10 months of the year? Made of inflatable urethane or cut-to-size foam, they fit snugly up against your damper to lessen the chilling effect of a cold-air draft inside your home. Looking at your snug-fit test, I see the rubber fits very nicely on all corners but what prevents the air from seeping through the brick layers 1/8 inch gaps see the left and right side of the fireplace. 9 / 9 BWFolsom/Getty Images DIY Removable Cover How To Clean Reusable Straws The Easy Way, Most Energy Efficient Dishwasher Buyers Guide 2023. Keep the guard over your fireplace whenever you arent using it. CADARA Fireplace Blocker Blanket Stops Overnight Heat Loss, Fireplace Draft Stopper Save Energy, Fireplace Cover Black (Small 39" W x 32" H) Magnetic Vent Cover for Fireplace, Draft Stoppers, Black Magnet Sheets for Fireplace Vents - Black 2 PCs Each 4.75" x 37" Thickness: 30 mils - Insulation and Draft Protection Keep Cold Air Out A chimney can act as a wind tunnel even when the damper is closed, sucking cold air down into your home through the fireplace opening. But, there was one draft that Ive been meaning to serve an eviction notice to since the first winter we lived in our house. The anchors should be level with the brick surface. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Feel free to add a handle or decorative pull to the front of your insert. Here are 21 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter. I seriously love a nice cozy fire, but down here in Texas its a small window of opportunity on the wood burning situation. Use construction adhesive or wood glue to attach the trim to the base piece. Carefully punch it in. Buy a guard in a color that accents the inside of your house. To maximize the wood collected from the yard,he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. How to Cover a Fireplace Hole [Temporary + DIY Covers] Fireplace blankets are made of thick insulating fire-resistant material. Why Open Fireplaces Can Be Drafty (And How To Fix) - Fireplace Universe Minor modifications done at no extra charge. Custom Made Fireplace Cover stop draft | Fireplace Fashion Allow to dry 5 minutes or so and then lightly spray again. Fireplace Draft Stopper - Cheap DIY - YouTube well as help cut the energy bills for heating your home. Although different, each serves the same purpose. Either the thinner business end or the thicker handle end can be useful depending on the gap size.#fireplace #energysavings #heating #insulation #energy #heat #winter #heatingbill #draft #drafty #warmthSupport us if you found this video helpful: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBgtpu1QDRAAA8QvsL68E1A?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://aytwit.com/subscribe Buy Cool Stuff: https://aytwit.com/shop Give us a Tip: https://aytwit.com/donateAytwit on the Webs: Visit the Website: https://aytwit.com Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/aytwit_engineer Like on Facebook: https://facebook.com/aytwit.engineering Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/aytwit_engineering Once you have the right product you can make all new things look vintage and yummy! Thank you Karolyn I am really proud of how it turned out, it truly looks stunning in person and would fool anyone that it isnt an old piece of metal! Drafty Fireplace? 5 Easy Steps To Stop Chimney Drafts If the liner is not lined up properly or in the right size, it will cause a cold air draft from the fireplace. H This worked perfect, I feel no air. Flehomo Fireplace Cover to Block Draft from Fireplace Vent . But asInstructables maker mikeasaurus demonstrates, there is a third option: shutting out the cold with a few fallen branches and some simplescrap wood. Country Lore: A Handy Fireplace Draft Stopper - Mother Earth News Measure the base plywood piece to fit the fireplace opening and then use the wrapping paper stencil as a guide to draw any curved or odd shaped portions. You can also have your pegboard cut at Lowes if you know your measurements upfront. The US Department of Energy notes that the typical American homeowner incurs as much as $275 in annual energy expenses due to air leaks through unsealed masonry fireplaces. Similarly, attach the second 2x4 2 inches in from the other side. However, since old-school dampers tend to allow cold drafts to leak into the house, flue pipes typically need to be sealed, especially if the fireplace is not in use. Be sure to check and see if your base piece fits into your fireplace opening at this point and alter if necessary. Follow the wallpaper instructions for application. Fireplace Draft Cover - How To Stop A Fireplace Draft We may earn a commission from your purchases. Using a Kreg Rip Cutwill help keep the saw [], [] Finally, if you want an attractive reclaimed wood fireplace draft stopper, you can build your own following my tutorial here. They attach over the front of a fireplace usually with magnets. Custom perfection. Excess build-up can cause a chimney fire. Place the balloon back into the chimney so it fits firmly. (Pssst. Also have them cut two pieces from a 2x4 to the same height as your fireplace opening. Whether you use a chimney balloon, a fabric draft blocker, glass doors or even create your own decorative cover, a fireplace draft stopper will keep your home warm while lowering energy costs. Again, thanks for sharing your project it inspired me to move my lazy buns and do something useful : ). A top damper sits on top of the chimney and has a cord that runs down the length of the chimney. DIY FIREPLACE COVER - Free DIY Tutorials - YouTube Genius! Vertically position one of the 2x4s just inside the 2-inch mark and attach it to the plywood using a power drill and screws. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. Enjoy! Learn how your comment data is processed. FREE delivery Mon, Mar 6 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Besides guarding against rainwater and pesky wildlife entering your home through the chimney opening, adding a spring-loaded or lock-top chimney cap eliminates blustering downdrafts. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Use a tape measure so you can determine what size draft guard you need. Most types of chimney balloon will allow a small amount of air to vent around them to keep a small amount of airflow. I had put a lot of time and money into ensuring most of the house was as airtight as possible, not knowing it would adversely affect my fireplace. If you need to make the balloon fit better, push the corners of the balloon up into the chimney with your fingers. Thats why it makes financial sense to block your fireplace opening if you dont intend to use the hearth for the foreseeable future. Look through the trim selections and pick a style that goes with your decor. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install. Not only does the glass stop cold air from entering the room, but it also provides a safety barrier for children and pets. It measures 32-inches high and 42-inches wide, thus will effectively cover the opening of a standard-sized firebox. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. Free delivery for many products. You can then tighten the thumbscrew using a pair of pliers. Stand back and marvel at how realistic the stack of "logs" look, and how much style it instantly adds to your fireplace vignette! It works to prevent drafty airflow when the chimney isnt in use. For the curved area I used wood beads attached with a heavy row of construction adhesive. Lightly spray the entire surface with Metal Effect Rust Activator. If you have a brick, wood-burning fireplace in your home, consider investing in a fireplace blanket. We recommend our users to update the browser. Cut insulation to size. Regular chimney sweeps will help to eliminate this issue. By being included in our newsletter delivery, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotional emails related to the Salvaged Living family. Measure the height and width of your fireplace opening and ask your hardware store to cut a sheet of plywood to the exact dimensions. My damper was not working correctly, so I had to replace mine. Heat loss up a chimney can be as much as 73%. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Make Me Sustainable is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. This particular solution is perfect for those who have an open hearth fireplace. Over time Ive addressed most of the pesky cracks and crevices that invite cold air into our home. How To Increase Chimney Draft. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Gently slide the fireplace cover into the opening in your fireplace. This year I decided to tackle the problem by investigating how to stop the cold air draft with a fireplace draft cover. Some people find that they work great at stopping a cold air draft, while others find that they do not work at all. You must remove the covers when you have a fire to get warm air circulating. Gas Fireplace Draft Cover - Wayfair Canada Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. I could barely feel any draft coming through now so Im satisfied with the project and would say about 95-98% air is contained in the fireplace. []. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Time to assemble the sandwich. Bravo!! Learn how your comment data is processed. I purchased pre-cut wood slices from the craft store for this project, but you'll definitely save some money if you have a circular saw and cut your own slices from branches and logs found outside. A house must have enough airflow if you dont want your fireplace to have a draft. Instructables maker mikeasaurus demonstrates. But, just to keep my mind at peace, I bought a 1/4 backing rod, cut pieces to about an inch, and pushed it through those gaps, almost invisible from a distance, and it worked perfectly. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And the insert is easily removed to enjoy a warm fire. Fireplace Draft Cover CUSTOM MADE (your fireplace dimensions) with inserted Magnets or Adhesive Fasteners; Felt cover insulation MYtrappings (692) $49.00 Bestseller More like this More colors CHILL OUT, Fireplace Draft Eliminator KadiBoutique (1,239) $63.00 Bestseller More like this More colors Then lay the rigid foam on top of the pegboard. Watch the video till the end to see how I customize the look of my fireplace cover!R-Tech Rigid insulation 1x4x8 from Home DepotFoil Tape https://amzn.to/3GcMwu2Vinyl Tape https://amzn.to/3maME5eSelf Sticking Wallpaper (the one I used) https://amzn.to/3CeVDIfSelf Sticking Wallpaper (my favorite) https://amzn.to/2Zm60vdMy Electric Fireplace Stove https://amzn.to/3Ef6in2 00:00 DIY Fireplace Cover01:05 What can be done to stop losing heat thru chimney01:30 Making the Fireplace Cover02:20 My Electric Fireplace03:48 Making the handles for the Fireplace Cover04:34 Customizing the look of the Fireplace CoverThank you for visiting my channel and I hope you found the content useful! Do you know of another material I could use on the back of the pegboard to get the same result? Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney. Chimney balloons can be reused as long as it holds air. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Learn how I painted my fireplace back to brick without sand-blasting!). Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Salvaged Living with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Another option would be to buy foam insulation and wrap it with fabric and batting and simply fit it in the fireplace opening. I especially love the beads on it! Fill in the wood bead holes and mitered corner edges with wood filler. It just adds that little something. Lay something (scrap plywood, pegboard or foam insulation) on top of the reclaimed lumber design and flip it over so the backside is facing up. Fireplace Draft Cover Amazon - fireplacenow.co The 2x4s will act as "legs" to keep the plywood upright. I just built mine and am having the same problem Pam, did you find a solution yet? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Seal out the cool air and critters with a chic fireplace cover that looks as if you have a perfectly stacked set of logs. Flip the frame over and double secure the frame to the pegboard with finish nails. You canreadmore about affiliate links here.). We can make any size to fit your needs. Winter is coming, help a friend stop drafts too by pinning this image! Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. Once your fireplace cover is dry you will want to rust it for a gorgeous patina that ages your new piece and pulls it together. Use the included stir stick to mix the primer well. Even with the damper closed, there is a draft that escapes into the room. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Block-Draft-from-a-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Draft-from-a-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Block-Draft-from-a-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg\/aid9985095-v4-728px-Block-Draft-from-a-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"