It does not store any personal data. Best Temporary Fireplace Covers Fireplace Blocker firebox blanket To properly install a fireplace door, follow the general procedure detailed below: Before starting out on this project, make sure all the equipment and supplies you need for the project are close by. It wipes clean with a damp cloth and will last for years. I probably would select a wider trim if I made this again because I think it would be more substantial and attractive. A fabric draft stopper is a rectangular tube that features pliable construction and is designed to close off gaps at the base of fireplace doors and screens. It will also act as a safety barrier for children and pets. No. Firmly secure the bumper to the sides of the frame with a staple gun. As the hot air generated by a fire rises up the chimney it pulls more air behind it. Chimney balloons can be purchased from online retailers. The AT-1002 Ascot Fireplace Glass Door by Pleasant Hearth offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. To maximize the wood collected from the yard, he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. Learn more Everyone likes to cozy up in front of a fireplace during the cold months. Although this is a older post I had a few ideas about the insert. Fireplace draft guard cover. This fire-resistant hearth blanket from Fireplace Blocker effectively prevents drafty airflow via the fireplace opening. If you have screen doors or an insert built into your fireplace, the vents along the top and/or bottom of the frame are known to leak up a storm. How to Make A Burlap Carrot Door Hanger. Yes, the wood insert needs to be built custom to the size of your fireplace opening. Keep a reminder card or tie something to the handle of the balloon so you dont forget its there. However, they can also let in a cold draft and unwelcome pests from the outdoors. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement of log slices, glue each one into place with wood glue. Mila is passionate about living sustainability and encouraging others to do the same. (Caution: Don't use hot glue -- it won't hold.) Fireplace magnetic draft cover. To maximize the wood collected from the yard,he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. 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. Mikes lookalike log insert eliminates costly drafts year-round while serving as a sneaky cover-up for a fixture thats hard to keep soot-free and spotless. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. You may need to wiggle and nudge it a bit to get it in there snugly. We can make any size to fit your needs. Using the same dimensions as the pegboard, cut your frame pieces (miter cut the corners for a clean look). Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. But asInstructables maker mikeasaurus demonstrates, there is a third option: shutting out the cold with a few fallen branches and some simplescrap wood. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This is the beginning of the coldest season of the year and chimney draftiness is more likely to occur. Stand back and marvel at how realistic the stack of "logs" look, and how much style it instantly adds to your fireplace vignette! I hope some of the suggestions work as well for you as they did for me, and they keep you warmer this winter, as. But, there was one draft that Ive been meaning to serve an eviction notice to since the first winter we lived in our house. This particular solution is perfect for those who have an open hearth 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. Any suggestions? Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. Learn how your comment data is processed. Want to build your own fireplace insert draft stopper? We recommend our users to update the browser. A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install. Cut insulation to size. My fireplace is not set in that deep. 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. 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. Looks like an attractive solution, but I before I build it I am wondering what keeps it from falling forward or backward? Electric and gas inserts are also incredibly easy to operate. 5.9K views 5 years ago If you are looking to cover-up your fireplace area, then this is the video for you! Make sure to vacuum again.- Shove the diaper-wrapped insulation board into the hole. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. See Disclaimer for details. Reinflate the chimney balloon once the chimney is cold. 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. Thats why it makes financial sense to block your fireplace opening if you dont intend to use the hearth for the foreseeable future. indoor propane fireplace Area a: L x W x D 27 = Cubic Yards Area b: L x W x D 27 = Cubic Yards Now to get the total volume of the area in cubic yards you would add a & b Area a + Area b = Total volume in cubic yards If you are wanting to calculate in cubic feet instead of cubic yards for the same area, you would do the following math . Blocking a fireplace opening can either be a DIY job, or you can call in the professionals. Modern Masters Metal Effect Rust Kit You can get this kit in the following places (click to purchase online! What could I use besides rigid insulation? If you dont have a miter saw (one that cuts angles) you can make more of a box frame, but I think mitered corners look a tad more professional. Improve your fireboxs energy efficiency with the Tiffany fireplace screen from ARTZONE. An air-tight, adjustable cover helps improve fireplace efficiency while saving you money that would otherwise go up in smoke! This base coat needs to dry completely - approximately 12 hours. If you need to make the balloon fit better, push the corners of the balloon up into the chimney with your fingers. Save on your electric bill plus keep bugs out. Larger sizes slightly more. We lose a lot of heated air thru our fireplaces! Lay the rubber edge bumper onto the side of the frame/pegboard sandwich and measure the area for the rigid foam insulation. I love this! I also used velcro strips to hold it in place. FREE delivery Mon, Mar 6 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. They also keep out smoke. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. Other types of fireplace draft stoppers or plugs come in the form of inflatable chimney balloon devices made from balloon urethane, they fit snuggly up the chimney to stop any cold drafts from coming through. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. References. Therefore, blocking the opening with bricks is not an option. :)***Welcome to my channel. A good quality fireplace blanket will effectively keep hot air in while simultaneously stopping downward cold drafts. To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. By being included in our newsletter delivery, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotional emails related to the Salvaged Living family. Do you know of another material I could use on the back of the pegboard to get the same result? Cut the foam bumper for the first side and press it onto the double-stick tape. And the insert is easily removed to enjoy a warm fire. Gently slide the fireplace cover into the opening in your fireplace. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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? Use a circular saw to trim the door. This is meant as a permanent solution, rather than something I might want to remove and put back occasionally. A damper should be your go-to draft stopper if your fireplace has one. 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! Using your ideas, Ill just keep it simple for now , Another option would be to buy foam insulation and wrap it with fabric and batting and simply fit it in the fireplace opening.. The truth is you can turn just about anything to rust, so dont limit the rust part to just this project. Thank you to Modern Masters for sponsoring this DIY project. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. Decide the Size of Your Fireplace Hearth Cover. Clamp the corners (use a square to maintain true 90 degree angles) and drive the pocket screws into place. Inspect the fireplace for any gaps or cracks around the fireplace. 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. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. 1 x 4 cedar boards worked well for the frame. Choose your size, shop your fabric and get to creating!Follow Us!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanvasEtcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canvas.etc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/4FabricPrintingShop: Canvasetc.comEmail: CS@CanvasETC.comCall: (404) 514 -7166SHOP THE MATERIAL USED:Fabric: https://www.canvasetc.com/product-category/denier-fabric-synthetic/600d-polyester/Webbing: https://www.canvasetc.com/product-category/industrial-sewing-threads-and-accessories/polypro-webbing/ 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. If you have a brick, wood-burning fireplace in your home, consider investing in a fireplace blanket. 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. Next, install the lead anchors for the screws into the holes using a hammer. It works fine but a little more wiggle room would be better. 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! 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. My only regret is not making it sooner. My damper was not working correctly, so I had to replace mine. Meanwhile, the bifold doors allow for easy closure to prevent air leaks when the hearth is not in use. You are exceedingly talented!! Angel, there are some slight gaps not filled in by the bumpers, but most have been completely stopped by the draft stopper. 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. Thereis no additional cost to you. 1. As a bonus, it also eliminates that big gaping black hole in the living room. The only thing that will work is a fireplace cover with insulation. Draft Decor's vent cover can be easily removed when you use your fireplace. It was surprising to find how much heat loss a drafty chimney can account for. If you have an old wood-burning stover, or even one converted to gas logs, you likely know this old fireplace can be the source of cold air and drafts in the winter. It looks like old rusty ceiling tiles. They are best used after youve had a fire burning o that only the embers remain. You can use a butter knife to help roll-squeeze it in. Do you leave logs in the fire even when you know youre not gonna burn them? When there's a fire, cold air entering through the chimney can cause a downdraft and make it difficult to keep the fire burning. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIY enthusiast covering everything from pests to painting to pool cabanas. There could be a flue damper up towards the top of the flue. You can then tighten the thumbscrew using a pair of pliers. When the fireplace is off, however, you may experience the cold air coming through the chimney and stealing the warmth out of your home. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Home House & Components Parts of House Fireplace. When I wasnt using my fireplace the flueblocker worked well and is more budget-friendly than some other options. The best solution, in this case, is to replace the damper with a new, effective one. Enjoy! As much as it bugs me to say, some chimneys cant be saved. The 2x4s will act as "legs" to keep the plywood upright. Flue sealers are usually installed underneath the damper to keep out cold drafts and keep in hot air. I would love to try this but as i live in England i dont know if i can buy it here, do you know if its available to buy here? 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. Draft Decor's magnetic fireplace vent cover is machine precision cut to size. I liked how it worked and it was a good option if you dont have a table saw or track saw. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. Once the fireplace is cool again, place the guard over the hole. 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. Follow the wallpaper instructions for application. Remember the time I weather-stripped my garage doors? Because, a lot of the heated air in our houses finds its way outside thru our chimneys! 2. Keep in mind that wood glue expands as it cures, so don't put any glue near the edges, or you'll risk having it ooze out of the sides of the logs. Next, screw down the door to the firebox floor by simply driving the screws through the brackets and lead anchors. 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. For instance, that old barn door, plywood board, or stained glass window lying idly in your garage could work out just fine as a DIY hearth covering. It was a helpful solution as I only wanted to stop the cold air draft until I could get the draft problem sorted out permanently. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I am a licensed general contractor and an interior designer. Text Me / Download Our Free App / E-mail Subscription / Shop / Tik Tok / YouTube / Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / Courses & Community. The glass screen will heat up and help radiate heat from the fire. You may need to tweak it and cut away some more until a good pattern emerges. When you have a chance, please have your fireplace cover on, and then, cover the entire fireplace opening again with a 2mil plastic sheet. All you have to do to turn them on is push a button. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. I found that one of the reasons I might have a draft coming from my fireplace was if the flue was blocked. Bravo!! While positioning the fireplace door against the hearth opening, mark out the spots where youll drill your screw holes for the floor brackets. Covering the Fireplace with a Draft Guard Download Article 1 Measure the width and height of the fireplace opening. The problem is they arent very attractive to look at so might only be useful for a cabin. A fireplace door reflects the drafty air and ensures combustion byproducts do not enter your house. Be sure that the air pressure is turned down so the nails dont pierce through the back of the insulation. Lay each piece inside the frame and use the speed square to scribe a line where you need to cut. You probably have a damper already. This kit comes with everything you need to rust anything! This continuous process of air moving up a chimney is known as the draft. You canreadmore about affiliate links here.). Fireplace doors come in a variety of designs, and can either be temporary or permanent. Even with the damper closed, there is a draft that escapes into the room. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. 2. This article has been viewed 67,365 times. It just adds that little something. If it has a leak, replace the balloon. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Use a jigsaw to cut the curved edge and a table saw for the straight edges. If like me you have very noticeable cold air coming from your fireplace you ideally need to identify the main problem before spending money on a solution. This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition to your home. Give yourself at least an extra inch of fabric all the way around for the seams. Arrange varying sizes of log slices on the plywood until you have your desired pattern. Regular chimney sweeps will help to eliminate this issue. Step back a few times as you arrange the slices to make sure it looks like a realistic stack of logs, with each one resting on the one below it. But, the rubber bumper will be very snug and since its foam it can compress when you insert it into the opening and then expand slightly to hold it in place. I used the kit with 8 oz. If the liner is not lined up properly or in the right size, it will cause a cold air draft from the fireplace. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. 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. But, between uses, an empty and open fireplace lets cold air sneak in through the chimney (not to mention comes across as a bit of an eyesore). Fill in the wood bead holes and mitered corner edges with wood filler. Mark the cut lines on your pegboard material. Stir Metal Effect Oxidizing Iron Paint well with stir stick. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Measure the height and width of your fireplace opening and ask your hardware store to cut a sheet of plywood to the exact dimensions. We may earn commission through affiliate links on this page at no additional cost to you. Once you've exposed the raw masonry, mix up a batch of thinset concrete and spread it over the surface of the brick using a broad, flat hand trowel. Now add houseplants, bookshelves or completely brick-over the space. Cut the next side and notch out where there are any overlaps. HOW THE FIREPLACE FASHION FIREPLACE COVER WORKS TO SAVE YOU ENERGY AND MONEY Our Covers Are Constructed By Layering 3 Different Materials, To Obtain The Best Insulation And Isolation Prevents Heat Loss, Air Conditioning Loss, Air Infiltration, Insects, Toxins and Fireplace Drafts All Year Its the best! If theres no air build-up between the plastic sheet and the fireplace, your fireplace cover and the edge bumpers have successfully sealed the fireplace; if theres air build-up, air is leaking through. This base coat needs to dry completely approximately 12 hours. *** Draft guards are sold in hardware stores or online. Some people find that they work great at stopping a cold air draft, while others find that they do not work at all. To help clear the air in your home, open a few windows. Required fields are marked *. Chimney flue pipes provide much-needed ventilation for masonry fireplaces. The process is super easy, but does take some time because of the dry time involved in the steps. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Chimney balloons can be reused as long as it holds air. Like all draft king chimney covers, the outside mounting design provides maximum free air space and better draft while the attractive powder coat finish helps it stand up to the elements. I have lots of DIY home improvement videos. I promise you cant even tell this fireplace cover is made from new materials! Lay the pegboard on top of the excess foam insulation and set the saw blade depth just below the pegboard. Open fireplaces help to remove byproducts from a fire from your home without any assistance needed from you. Most types of chimney balloon will allow a small amount of air to vent around them to keep a small amount of airflow. Many styles of tempered-glass, hinged doors come with magnetic latches to keep them tightly closed. Apply Oxidizing Iron Paint over entire surface with the other brush from your kit. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Stopping this cold convection will give you a lot of relief. Excellent diy, and thanks for sharing. Use insulating flameproof foam board by cutting out the correct shape, then pressing it in place under the damper. How to Clean Inside Dimplex Electric Fireplace. Our cover will slide up under a small upper awning if you choose to cover the top vent. Cut two-inch foam to the shape of the opening; subtract about an 1/8- to 1/4-inch around all sides to leave room for wrapping with material. Thanks for sharing this, Kim. I especially love the beads on it! Kim, this is amazing!! Seal your fireplace insert with the Metal Effects Sealer if you want to make sure you dont get rust on anything! Vertically position one of the 2x4s just inside the 2-inch mark and attach it to the plywood using a power drill and screws. Get enough trim to finish out your straight edges. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney. To prevent cold drafts from seeping into your house during winter, temporarily seal your fireplace using a chimney balloon, firebox opening cover, or a chimney flue cap. As temperatures dip, nothing feels better than thick fleece socks and a seat next to the fire. Home How to Cover a Fireplace Hole [Temporary + DIY Covers]. 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! Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. 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. They even block smoke. 9 / 9 BWFolsom/Getty Images DIY Removable Cover We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Cut the pegboard to size. The best time of the year to seal a firebox thats been lying idle is in late fall- just before winter. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fireplace Draft Stopper Cover 36\\ X 4\\ Fireplace Cover Fireplace Draft Stopper at the best online prices at eBay! Any time you want to use your fireplace, simply pull the cover out of the opening and slide it to the side. 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. Why not seal off your fireplace permanently? Even if youve addressed the issues above a fireplace can still be drafty. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Feel free to add a handle or decorative pull to the front of your insert. 99 $26.99 $26.99. Nail each blanket corner to the back. Simply place the Draft Guard in front of your metal fireplace opening when it is not in use to keep warm air from escaping your home and cool air from entering your heated living space. There could be a mechanical damper right above the firebox. Lots of ways to improve chimney draw exist. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Blocking this cold air at the bottom vent and the top vent with our Magnetic Fireplace Vent Covers will stop this cold air. You cant weatherstrip the damper (that would be a fire hazard), so I solved the issue by building a rustic reclaimed wood fireplace insert to stop the draft. This. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Place the balloon back into the chimney so it fits firmly. I used a 1/4 plywood piece as the base. When you get home, check that the plywood fits inside your fireplace opening before proceeding. I didnt have the right fireplace, so I could not use this method. If you wonder what to do with your fireplace in the summer months then this little rusty DIY project is just for you. We are almost literally burning our money in our fireplaces! I was determined to search for all the information I needed to stop cold air drafts from bugging me in the winter. 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