My damper was not working correctly, so I had to replace mine. A piece of wrapping paper works perfect to create a pattern. Plus it is super custom, which I love! It should be inset on the sides and top to allow room for the bumper (as shown in the photo below.). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. I especially love the beads on it! Installing a fireplace cover/fireplace screen door on the fireplace opening helps prevent warm air from escaping out of the house. All covers are made to your measurements. A damper should be your go-to draft stopper if your fireplace has one. 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. 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. This Fireplace Insert Draft Stopper looks good year-round. Most types of chimney balloon will allow a small amount of air to vent around them to keep a small amount of airflow. 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. Thank you to Modern Masters for sponsoring this DIY project. Other options are fireplace vent covers or adding glass doors to the fireplace to stop drafts from coming through. Want more ways to save on energy bills and prepare for winter? Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. Seal out the cool air and critters with a chic fireplace cover that looks as if you have a perfectly stacked set of logs. I have a mantle that is well caulked on the inside against the fireplace wall. Its beautiful as well as decorative and Ill make another for when I tire of this one. 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! Why? This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition to your home. Therefore, blocking the opening with bricks is not an option. Plugging a drafty fireplace that we don't use. Remove the plastic tube so it doesnt hang down in your fireplace. 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. Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours, then apply a second coat of latex-infused thinset. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Get a Modern Masters Metal Effect Rust Finish Kit. Lay the rubber edge bumper onto the side of the frame/pegboard sandwich and measure the area for the rigid foam insulation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Meanwhile, custom-sized chimney caps are more expensive and are usually mounted outside the chimney to cover both the chimney crown and top. 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. You can then place the blanket over the fire while it cools to prevent cold air from coming into the room. Allow wallpaper glue and all adhesive to dry completely, overnight is best before you move to the rust process. This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition. A screen door or an insert may not be enough to fully prevent air leaks through your masonry firebox, as the vents on the lower and upper sections of the frame still allow for air to pass through. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It does not store any personal data. Its also energy efficient as it helps keep the warm air circulating in your house rather than going up the chimney. By using our site, you agree to our. Allow to dry 5 minutes or so and then lightly spray again. We want to reflect heat back into the house.- Do a diaper wrap as shown in video. I promise you cant even tell this fireplace cover is made from new materials! Cut the foam bumper for the first side and press it onto the double-stick tape. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The three-panel fireplace screen door will not only ward off air leaks, but also improve your hearths visual aesthetics due to the detailed stained glass patterns. Measure and Cut Your Fabric Measure the body pillow length and width then double it. If it has a leak, replace the balloon. You can always add more but not take it away! Use pliers or an oven mitt to prevent any burns. Learn how I painted my fireplace back to brick without sand-blasting!). 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. Thats why it makes financial sense to block your fireplace opening if you dont intend to use the hearth for the foreseeable future. The main reason I had a cold air draft issue with my fireplace was that my home had poor airflow. Of course if your fireplace is all straight lines this will be a slightly easier process. It effectively guards against cold air coming in and heat escaping into the atmosphere while youre fast asleep. You want to make sure you cut your wood pieces slightly smaller that the actual fireplace opening. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. Few people know that when you upgrade your fireplace you may also need to upgrade your chimney or flue liner. 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. This can lead to high energy bills as you spend more energy to heat up your home. 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? Keep a reminder card or tie something to the handle of the balloon so you dont forget its there. Then, tighten the screws using a wrench tool. 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. My fireplace is not set in that deep. What could I use besides rigid insulation? Learn to grow a creative business with Kim from Salvaged Living! Its hot yall! The main consideration when choosing a cover for your fireplace opening is its ability to prevent air leaks. A good quality fireplace blanket will effectively keep hot air in while simultaneously stopping downward cold drafts. I am saving this post in hopes I will try this some day! 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 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. The steel/cast iron construction helps to prevent air from escaping. Enjoy! Yes, the wood insert needs to be built custom to the size of your fireplace opening. You can see that our bricks are faux painted in this picture. Because, a lot of the heated air in our houses finds its way outside thru our chimneys! Again, thanks for sharing your project it inspired me to move my lazy buns and do something useful : ). Any time you want to use your fireplace, simply pull the cover out of the opening and slide it to the side. Don't miss out! Iron your fabric and mark your dimensions. It takes at least 30 to 40 minutes to activate and see the rust change take place. 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. I seriously love a nice cozy fire, but down here in Texas its a small window of opportunity on the wood burning situation. You may need to tweak it and cut away some more until a good pattern emerges. Thank you! Now add houseplants, bookshelves or completely brick-over the space. This fire-resistant, carbon fiber hearth cover is designed to attach to your metal screen via strong magnets. A top damper sits on top of the chimney and has a cord that runs down the length of the chimney. 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. Another option would be to buy foam insulation and wrap it with fabric and batting and simply fit it in the fireplace opening. Cut your reclaimed lumber edges at 45 degree angles. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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). By properly using a damper, covering the fireplace, or installing a chimney balloon, you can keep the heat in and the cold out! 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 how I painted my fireplace back to brick without sand-blasting, make your own DIY Track Saw for your circular saw here, 21 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter, Fireplace Cover Plate 2017 : Fireplace Ideas 2017, Gorgeous Diy Fireplace Cover 2017 : Fireplace Ideas 2017, How to Use a Kreg Jig - Pretty Handy Girl, 13s, 14s, 16s or other reclaimed lumber. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Tired of battling drafts that raise your heating costs when you havent used your fireplace in years? Hello Kim, I love your project, the rust effect is amazing. It actually works to rust wood, metal, masonry, painted surfaces and plaster. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The damper helps the air to flow properly, and if the damper is closed or not working, it wont just cause a cold air draft, but your home will fill with smoke and carbon monoxide. Measure the straight edges. Cover an outdated brick fireplace with contemporary tile. If youve never made mitered corners practice on some scrap wood, but it is just a 45 angle cut. Lots of ways to improve chimney draw exist. Please consider subscribing to get more contents like this on a weekly basis. The only thing that will work is a fireplace cover with insulation. Im a little bit of a fanatic when it comes to drafts. Some options include the use of a fireplace draft cover, installing a damper device, the use of a fireplace draft stopper or a fireplace insert. 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. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. If you want to rust all the things now, then check out my supply list for links to the products I used here! Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. It works to prevent drafty airflow when the chimney isnt in use. Using Fireplace Draft Stopper Or Chimney Balloon. That's another way to kind of slow down the drafts. 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. Carefully punch it in. How to Make A Burlap Carrot Door Hanger. I put magnets on mine to hold it in place. LESLIE: Yeah. The process is super easy, but does take some time because of the dry time involved in the steps. Save on your electric bill plus keep bugs out. []. The 2x4s will act as "legs" to keep the plywood upright. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Theres a wide range of unused materials around the house that you can use to create a fireplace cover by yourself. 99 $26.99 $26.99. Use a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes in the corners. In my case I subtracted .5 inches but .75 or even one would have been a bit better.- Cut the insulation board on a cutting board of some kind, piece of plywood, etc.- Confirm the cut insulation board fits in the hole, sanity check on your measurements.- Clean up any insulation scraps with vacuum, get rid of cutting board.- Lay out blanket, ideally squarish, that is at least a few inches wider (in its shortest dimension) than the insulation board's diagonal.- Lay the insulation board shiny side down. 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. Silicone fireplace sealers- on the other hand- feature durable construction and can last for up to 20 years. Lay the pegboard onto the reclaimed lumber and press firmly in place. Minor modifications done at no extra charge. Lay the pegboard on top of the excess foam insulation and set the saw blade depth just below the pegboard. Though this insert appears to be three-dimensional and about as deep as the fireplace, the draft stopper for mikeasaurushumble hearth is less than 4 inches thick, and only amounts to three large branches in total. Do you know of another material I could use on the back of the pegboard to get the same result? You must remove the covers when you have a fire to get warm air circulating. You will need to have your chimney inspected if you think you might have this issue. 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. A fireplace draft stopper is an efficient way to prevent this from happening. They also keep out smoke. Decide the Size of Your Fireplace Hearth Cover. I liked how it worked and it was a good option if you dont have a table saw or track saw. Instructables maker mikeasaurus demonstrates. 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. Clamp the corners (use a square to maintain true 90 degree angles) and drive the pocket screws into place. 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 Although this is a older post I had a few ideas about the insert. Learn more Everyone likes to cozy up in front of a fireplace during the cold months. After all, thats its job, to keep smoke from choking you. Fireplaces and chimneys- when left open- leak out lots of hot air while letting in cold air into the house. 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. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Excess build-up can cause a chimney fire. (If you dont own a rip cut or track saw, you can make your own DIY Track Saw for your circular saw here!). And the insert is easily removed to enjoy a warm fire. The glass screen will heat up and help radiate heat from the fire. To effectively seal off your flue opening, you can install a polyurethane chimney balloon sealer or a silicone rubber flue pipe sealer. As a bonus, it also eliminates that big gaping black hole in the living room. I hope some of the suggestions work as well for you as they did for me, and they keep you warmer this winter, as. Here are 21 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter. 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? To maximize the wood collected from the yard,he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Thereis no additional cost to you. 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. A chimney cap is an air-tight, removable cover used to seal the chimney flue opening. Inflatable chimney plugs/ balloons not only prevent air leaks, but also prevent critters and debris from entering your house. 9 / 9 BWFolsom/Getty Images DIY Removable Cover Its snug fit ensures that thisDIY draft stopper stands in the fireplace and effectively plugs any potential air leaks. Look through the trim selections and pick a style that goes with your decor. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. :)***Welcome to my channel. Heath inserts are combustion systems that improve the energy efficiency of fireplaces. I used foam board covered with fabric as well as batting that I spray glued to the foam board. Remember measure twice cut once in wood working! Check the width of the edge bumper (the one I used is 1/4 inch) and subtract that amount from three sides of the fireplace opening measurements. L x 32 in. Dry fit each piece and continue until youve filled the frame. We may earn commission through affiliate links on this page at no additional cost to you. Use a liberal amount of construction adhesive on the back of the reclaimed lumber frame. This is meant as a permanent solution, rather than something I might want to remove and put back occasionally. Absolutely looks like an old piece of rusted metal! There are many ways to cover a fireplace to prevent a draft from coming in, and I researched a few to find one that would work best for my fireplace. ; Product Usage: The magnetic fireplace draft cover works to eliminate weather drafts Suitable season: The Magnetic Fireplace Draft Stopper is suitable for winter and summer.In winter, keep unwanted cold air out of your home to prevent heat loss.In summer, this fireplace vent cover can be used to keep hot and humid air out. Cut the next side and notch out where there are any overlaps. This year I decided to tackle the problem by investigating how to stop the cold air draft with a fireplace draft cover. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Use insulating flameproof foam board by cutting out the correct shape, then pressing it in place under the damper. 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 . Draft Decor's vent cover can be easily removed when you use your fireplace. Stand back and marvel at how realistic the stack of "logs" look, and how much style it instantly adds to your fireplace vignette! With your protective gloves on, unroll the fiberglass insulation and stuff it into all three channels of the door to insulate it. Fireplace magnetic draft cover. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". When you get home, check that the plywood fits inside your fireplace opening before proceeding. I just built mine and am having the same problem Pam, did you find a solution yet? Installing glass doors to the front of an open-hearth fireplace can nearly double the fireplaces heat efficiency. 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. It will also act as a safety barrier for children and pets. 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. I hope that helps!? One of the best ideas I discovered was to install glass doors in front of the fireplace. Time to assemble the sandwich. Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install. While positioning the fireplace door against the hearth opening, mark out the spots where youll drill your screw holes for the floor brackets. Using the same dimensions as the pegboard, cut your frame pieces (miter cut the corners for a clean look). No. Open fireplaces help to remove byproducts from a fire from your home without any assistance needed from you. How To Increase Chimney Draft. I used a hammer at first but you can just push them in probably.- Before insertion I had to chisel off some jagged edges from the masonry. Get enough trim to finish out your straight edges. We promise not to over stuff your inbox! This particular solution is perfect for those who have an open hearth fireplace. Use a jigsaw to cut the curved edge and a table saw for the straight edges. Since every Fireplace Fashion Cover is made when ordered, we can make one just for your fireplace size and for your tastes and dcor. For ease cut the wallpaper larger than the base, adhere and then trim away the excess for perfect coverage. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). To help clear the air in your home, open a few windows. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I chose to use the Kreg Rip Cut because I was anxious to try it out. So, there's lots of different types of dampers. I went back a few times and added more spray here and there in areas I wanted more rusty until I achieved the look I was going for. The AT-1002 Ascot Fireplace Glass Door by Pleasant Hearth offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Flehomo Fireplace Cover to Block Draft from Fireplace Vent . 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. 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. Do I need to make it a tight enough fit inside the fireplace opening so that the foam bumper keeps it from moving? Looks like an attractive solution, but I before I build it I am wondering what keeps it from falling forward or backward? Improve your fireboxs energy efficiency with the Tiffany fireplace screen from ARTZONE. Start by measuring your fireplace opening. Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. Lay each piece inside the frame and use the speed square to scribe a line where you need to cut. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It looks like a work of Art Enjoy. 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. Nail each blanket corner to the back. Also have them cut two pieces from a 2x4 to the same height as your fireplace opening. If you dont have the money to invest in a fireplace screen door or a flue sealer, you can improvise using a DIY fireplace cover. 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. Also if you notice that smoke or fumes are present in the room this is another sign of p[oor airflow. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIY enthusiast covering everything from pests to painting to pool cabanas. How To Clean Reusable Straws The Easy Way, Most Energy Efficient Dishwasher Buyers Guide 2023. Firmly secure the bumper to the sides of the frame with a staple gun. That being said, the best temporary cover for a fireplace opening is a screen door/glass door. Please only use one picture with a link back unless individual permission is given otherwise by Salvaged Living. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Cut the foam bumper for the first side and press it onto the double-stick tape. The anchors should be level with the brick surface. Fireplace Chimney . Lightly spray the entire surface with Metal Effect Rust Activator. You can ask a Lowes employee to cut down the rigid foam insulation for you so you can fit it in your car. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 5.9K views 5 years ago If you are looking to cover-up your fireplace area, then this is the video for you! 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. I may rust something! This is the beginning of the coldest season of the year and chimney draftiness is more likely to occur. By being included in our newsletter delivery, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotional emails related to the Salvaged Living family. I learned that the fireplace damper should always be open when you are using the fireplace. When I wasnt using my fireplace the flueblocker worked well and is more budget-friendly than some other options. You can then tighten the thumbscrew using a pair of pliers. You can use a butter knife to help roll-squeeze it in. Hi Rosemary I checked with the brand and the product is listed on the Amazon International site, but color selection may be more limited. Thank you for all your lovely emails, very inspiring, take care, Rosie. I opted to use a fireplace draft stopper called a Flueblocker Its made of wool and fits snugly up the chimney out of sight. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Chimney flue pipes provide much-needed ventilation for masonry fireplaces. But, there was one draft that Ive been meaning to serve an eviction notice to since the first winter we lived in our house. 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. Kim Jones and Salvaged Living, 2019. See Disclaimer for details. 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. Standard chimney caps are cheaper and only seal the flue opening. This kit comes with everything you need to rust anything! Winter is coming, help a friend stop drafts too by pinning this image! Flue sealers are usually installed underneath the damper to keep out cold drafts and keep in hot air. size supplies. This fire-resistant hearth blanket from Fireplace Blocker effectively prevents drafty airflow via the fireplace opening. Finally, adding the reclaimed lumber is not necessary, I just like the look. Your fireplace screened turned out beautifully! This is because a chimney will normally draw air up it. Next, screw down the door to the firebox floor by simply driving the screws through the brackets and lead anchors.