If you have an unused fireplace that you’d like to cover up, you have many options to choose from. The simplest solution is to fill the opening with insulation and use a piece of thin plywood cut to fit across the top.
This will completely block off the area and prevent drafts from coming in.
Another option is to install a clear-glass fireplace screen. This material can be used to lightly cover the fireplace without blocking the light and making the room look dark. This type of screen also allows you to still enjoy the aesthetic of the fireplace while keeping it covered.
If you’d like a more permanent solution, consider brick or concrete. This material is long-lasting, provides an attractive look, and can be customized. You could either add a coat of paint or stucco to the concrete to match the interior of the room or leave it natural for a more rustic feel.
You might also want to consider adding a wood mantel for a classic look.
No matter which option you choose, covering an unused fireplace can help improve the look and feel of any room. With careful planning and some creativity, you can transform your unused fireplace into an attractive and feature in your home.
How much does it cost to close up a fireplace?
The cost to close up a fireplace can vary significantly depending on the type of fireplace, the materials being used, and the size of the opening. If you are retrofitting an existing fireplace with a standard 40-inch flue size and using traditional materials, you should expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,500 for the job.
This includes refractory brick, a fireproof sealant, and a steel plate installed to ensure the opening is completely sealed. If additional repairs need to be done to the chimney or flue, or if you need special materials like a stainless steel lining, the cost will increase.
The labor costs also can vary greatly depending on your geographic location and the contractor’s experience level.
Can you cover up a wood burning fireplace?
Yes, it is possible to cover up a wood-burning fireplace. The most common way to do this is to create a false wall to enclose the fireplace entirely. This is typically done by framing a wall in front of the fireplace opening, then adding drywall, insulated boards or fire-rated plasterboard.
Alternatively, you could install a prefabricated fire surround which is designed to suit the shape and size of your existing fireplace. This would fit over the existing opening and enclose the fireplace from view.
Finally, you could simply hang a white, plain-style curtain in front of the fireplace to cover it up and give your living room a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
What can you cover a fireplace with?
A fireplace can be covered with a number of different materials ranging from wood to metal. Depending on the desired aesthetic, wood can be used for a more traditional look and metal offers a more modern option.
Popular materials to cover a fireplace with include:
• Masonry – such as stone, brick, tile, and slate
• Wood – such as oak, cherry, walnut, pine, etc.
• Metal – such as stainless steel, bronze, brass, etc.
• Concrete – such as colored concrete, stamped concrete, etc.
• Glass – such as colored glass, stained glass, etc.
• Fabric – such as tapestry, canvas, velvet, etc.
In addition to the material used to cover a fireplace, the design and decor should be considered as well. Many window treatments, such as curtains and window shades, can be used to help create a nice atmosphere.
Mirrors and artwork can also be placed around the fireplace for a more decorative look. Lastly, accent lighting can be used to bring the whole room together.
Can I drywall over a fireplace?
Yes, it is possible to drywall over a fireplace, although it is important to take certain steps in order to ensure safety. Begin by cleaning out the fireplace and checking for any combustible materials.
If there are any combustible materials present, such as wood, use a fire resistant drywall to reduce the risk of a fire. Additionally, it is important to use drywall that is fire-resistant, and avoid adding insulation around the fireplace that could catch fire.
Be sure to also check the vents to make sure they are properly connected and clear of any debris that could cause a fire. When drywalling, use a fire-resistant and heat-resistant joint compound in order to ensure safety.
Take the necessary steps to ensure a safe environment before and during the drywalling process.
How do I cover my fireplace for the winter?
Covering your fireplace for the winter is easy and important to do to protect your hearth and keep the cold air out. Here are a few steps to help you cover your fireplace:
1. Start by removing any debris from the fireplace, such as logs, wood chips, and ash.
2. Measure the fireplace opening for a cover. Choose a cover that is specifically designed for use on fireplaces; rather than plastic sheeting or other materials that do not allow for proper air circulation or provide proper insulation.
3. To hang the cover for the winter, use an L-bracket that can be securely attached to the bricks around the fireplace opening. Then hook the cover onto the L-bracket so it hangs securely in place. Be sure to close the damper or flue tight to prevent cold air from coming in.
4. Make sure that any combustible material is kept away from the fireplace when it’s not in use. Additionally, be sure that you have a working smoke alarm installed.
By following these steps, you can easily and safely cover your fireplace for the winter and help protect your hearth.
How can I make my fireplace look nice?
Adding decorative touches to your fireplace can not only make it look nice, but also create a more inviting atmosphere for your home. Depending on your style and space available, there are a number of different ways to decorate your fireplace.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, adding wood to the inside of the fireplace can add a rustic look. Stack it in a way that makes it look inviting and natural. Then, you can hang a mirror, artwork or decorative lanterns above it.
For a modern spin, you can add large stones or bricks to the inside of the fireplace.
If you have a gas fireplace, you can use pillows or throw blankets to give it a cozy feeling. Hang a painting or photograph with an interesting frame above the mantel, leaving the fireplace itself open and inviting.
Or, you can add accents of color by including bright foliage such as a tall decorative plant that stands out against the rest of the room.
Finally, no matter what type of fireplace you have, it is important to make sure all the components are properly in place and functioning. Sweep away debris and leave it clean. Keep the area around the fireplace maintained and organized so it continues to look and stay nice.
What is the way to cover a fireplace without air seep out?
The best way to cover a fireplace without air seeping out is to create a tight seal with an appropriate material. The material can be a flexible insulating material such as high-density fiberglass, mineral wool, or foam.
The material should be an appropriate size and thickness to cover the area of the fireplace and any gaps around it. It is also important to pay attention to the material’s R-value and flammability to ensure the material will be safe and effective for the intended use.
Once the material is in place, seal it with a high-grade caulk, tape, or gasket material to prevent any air from escaping. Additionally, an appropriately sized and fitted metal mesh or grate can be installed to further keep the air from escaping.
If covering a masonry fireplace, applying refractory mortar also helps prevent air from escaping. If a prefabricated metal fireplace is being covered, ensure the manufacturer’s instructions for covering the fireplace are followed.
Following these tips will ensure the fireplace is adequately covered, reducing air leakage and wastage.
How do I seal the fireplace opening?
You can seal the fireplace opening by following these steps:
1. Put on safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from dust and debris.
2. Clean the space around the fireplace opening. Remove any soot and debris that may be present.
3. Place the fireproof material over the opening. Make sure it is flush with the walls and ceiling.
4. Apply a thin layer of masonry sealant to the edges of the material for extra protection.
5. Allow the sealant to dry completely before moving on.
6. Place the sheet metal flange around the opening and screw it into the frame.
7. Caulk the seams with a fire-resistant caulk, making sure it is firmly pressed into place.
8. Finally, apply an additional layer of masonry sealant over the seams and edges of the fireproof material and caulk.
How do I stop my chimney from draughting?
In order to stop your chimney from draughting, there are a few things you can try.
1. Check the top of the chimney for blockages – look out for any potential blockages (such as leaves, bird nests, branches and debris) and remove them carefully.
2. Get a chimney liner – a stainless steel liner can help insulate the chimney and reduce draughts.
3. Make sure the chimney cap is fitted properly – the cap should fit snugly and be made of durable material such as steel, copper or stainless steel.
4. Cap the unused flue openings – if you have an unused chimney flue, make sure to fit a cap over it to stop draughts from entering.
5. Install a chimney damper or top sealing damper – these are devices that can be installed within the existing chimney to help regulate and stop the draught.
6. Be aware of wind direction – sometimes the direction and strength of the wind can cause unwanted draughts and be exacerbated by open windows and doors.
If you are still having problems, it is best to get an expert to assess your chimney and help you take the necessary steps needed to resolve the issue.
Can I use a pillow to block a chimney?
No, you should not use a pillow to block a chimney. While it might seem like a simple solution in theory, it could put you and your family in danger. First, pillows are made from combustible materials that could easily catch fire from the heat and flames of the fireplace.
Second, most fireplaces require a special retained metal damper to close them off and keep out outside air. If you do not use the damper, the smoke and carbon monoxide from the fireplace could start to build up in the room.
Additionally, when a pillow is placed in the chimney, it can actually cause backdrafting as it restricts the air flow and creates a vacuum. This makes the fire burn hotter and potentially more dangerous.
Ultimately, the best way to block a chimney is to hire a chimney professional to properly close and seal the vent.
Should I cap my unused chimney?
Yes, you should definitely cap your unused chimney. Capping an unused chimney is an important measure to take to ensure the safety of your home and those in it. An uncapped chimney can be a serious hazard and can lead to air leaks, pests, and other hazards in the home.
The cap can also help to prevent debris and moisture from entering the chimney and affecting the structure and performance of the chimney. Moreover, not capping the chimney can also lead to heat loss and decreased energy efficiency in your home.
Capping off the chimney will help to seal off the flue and keep moisture and debris out while also keeping the warm air in. The process of capping is fairly straightforward and can be completed with relative ease.
Additionally, a professional should be called on to inspect the chimney and make sure that it’s properly sealed before use. All in all, capping your unused chimney is essential for safety and efficiency reasons.
How much heat is lost through an open chimney?
The amount of heat lost through an open chimney depends on several factors, including the amount of airflow, the outside temperature, and the efficiency of the chimney. Warm air rises and is drawn out of the house through the open chimney.
The colder the outside air, the greater the draw on the warm air inside the home, resulting in a greater heat loss. The efficiency of the chimney is important, too. Chimney liners, draft stoppers, and seals help reduce the amount of heat that can escape through the chimney.
Some chimneys also use dampers to help regulate the amount of heat loss. Unfortunately, some homes have a poorly designed chimney that allows a large amount of heat to escape. In cases like these, the homeowner may need to invest in a sealing system, insert, or damper to reduce the amount of heat loss.
In general, an open chimney can cause an enormous loss of warm air from a home, especially during the winter months.
Does a fireplace need to be covered?
In most cases, it is best to cover a fireplace in order to protect it from environmental damage and keep it running at optimal efficiency. Depending on its size and design. For example, wooden or metal covers are the easiest to install and can be found in many hardware stores and online retailers.
Alternatively, you could use a reflective covering that not only blocks the air flow to the fireplace, but also reflects its heat. Keeping the fireplace covered prevents wind, water, and other outdoor elements from interfering with the fire, as well as protecting small children and pets from being accidentally burned.
Additionally, some fireplaces require special ventilation covers to supply air and ensure that the fire is properly oxygenated. In short, covering your fireplace is an important step in maintaining its condition and performance while keeping your family safe.
Is it better to leave fireplace open or closed?
The answer to this question depends on the type of fireplace you have and whether you are actively using the fire. If you have an open-hearth fireplace (often referred to as a masonry fireplace), it is generally safest to keep the damper closed when not in use to prevent heat loss and keep unwanted smoke, odors and carbon monoxide from entering the home.
The damper can be opened when using the fire, but should be closed when the fire has gone out.
If you have a factory-built firebox or open gas log fireplace, you may choose to leave the damper partially open when not in use so that the warm air from your home does not escape up the chimney. However, if you are not using the fireplace and would like to restrict air flow and conserve energy, you should keep the damper shut.
Opening and closing the damper regularly can cause it to become stuck and unable to close completely. It is important to have the damper and flue inspected and repaired by a professional to ensure proper operation and safety.
Should I crack a window when using fireplace?
The level of ventilation you need when using a fireplace depends on the type of fuel you are using and what type of fireplace you are using. Generally, it is best to crack a window when using the fireplace, as the burning fuels produce some by-products that can be hazardous to your health.
When using a gas fireplace, it is recommend that you keep the window open just a few inches to prevent a build-up of hazardous airborne particles, like carbon monoxide. If you are using a wood-burning fireplace, you should open the window significantly wider as wood emits much higher levels of smoke and particulate pollutants.
Additionally, opening the window will allow fresh air to come in, providing the fire with the controlled amount of oxygen it needs in order to burn more efficiently while also dispersing any lingering smoke.
In short, we suggest that you keep a window open while using a fireplace, but the exact amount of ventilation depends on the type of fireplace and fuel you are using.
Should I keep my fireplace doors closed?
The best practice for fireplaces is to keep the doors that are connected to the fireplace closed when not in use. Keeping the fireplace doors shut helps to prevent the escape of heated or cooled air.
Additionally, it can help to prevent sparks or embers from flying out of the fireplace and landing on nearby furniture or rugs. It is also important to make sure that the chimney flue damper is properly closed as well.
Keeping this flue damper shut will ensure that no cold drafts enter the house through the chimney. It is important to remember that a chimney flue should never be used to ventilate the house. Doing so can reduce the efficiency of the furnace, put extra strain on the blower motor, and create condensation that could lead to mold or other damage.
When should I close my fireplace vents?
You should close your fireplace vents in the warmer months when you are not going to use your fireplace. It’s important to close the vents when the fireplace is not in use as this will help to keep pests and debris from entering your home.
Additionally, closing the vents will reduce the amount of cool air entering the home in the summer, thus helping to keep your house cool and energy costs down. Before closing your fireplace vents, ensure that the fire has been fully put out and that the area around the fireplace has been thoroughly cleaned and is free of ash and embers.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the chimney and make sure that it is free of any debris or blockages.
How do I get more heat from my fireplace?
If you’re looking to get more heat from your fireplace, the key is to increase air flow, making sure you’re burning high quality dry wood, and improving the condensation in your chimney.
First, make sure your fireplace and chimney are being used properly. Shutting the damper when not in use will help keep the heat in your home, as well as making sure the size and design of your fireplace is right for your home.
Second, use high quality, well-seasoned firewood. Be sure to store your firewood somewhere where it can completely dry out, ideally for one year prior to burning. This will make a big difference in the amount of heat you are able to produce.
Third, a lined chimney can help improve the condensation in your chimney, as well as the way your home handles cold air. A lined chimney will help keep your home warm and reduce the amount of smoke and carbon dioxide that is emitted from your chimney.
Finally, increase the airflow around your fireplace. Adding fans or blowers to your fireplace will help distribute the heat more evenly throughout your home, aiding in better temperature distribution.
Additionally, opening up the area around your fireplace – removing clutter, furniture, and opening up curtains – will allow the heat from your fireplace to spread more efficiently.
By following these steps, you will get more heat from your fireplace, keeping your home warm and cozy in the winter months.
Should I leave the damper open overnight?
No, you should not leave the damper open overnight. Since the damper is the way your furnace regulates the air flow, leaving it open can cause heat to escape from the furnace and can pose a safety risk.
Additionally, leaving the damper open can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and in turn, increase your energy bills. To avoid these potential problems, it is best to close the damper just before you retire for the evening, and leave it closed until morning.
If necessary, you can open the damper again in the morning to allow more air to flow into your home.
