how to make a fireplace draft cover

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 When all the pieces are cut, set them in the frame. Its, therefore, crucial to seal/block a fireplace opening if its not currently in use. Give yourself at least an extra inch of fabric all the way around for the seams. Also if you notice that smoke or fumes are present in the room this is another sign of p[oor airflow. Please only use one picture with a link back unless individual permission is given otherwise by Salvaged Living. Remove the plastic tube so it doesnt hang down in your fireplace. I researched the causes and solutions of fireplace drafts thoroughly before choosing an option that I knew would work best for my needs, and I wanted to share that information. Once the fireplace is cool again, place the guard over the hole. Will Cleaning My Chimney Help Stop Cold Drafts? There could be a mechanical damper right above the firebox. So, how do you temporarily cover a fireplace hole? This particular solution is perfect for those who have an open hearth fireplace. Lay each piece inside the frame and use the speed square to scribe a line where you need to cut. Heat loss up a chimney can be as much as 73%. We made something similar to this and it periodically falls forward. Other options are fireplace vent covers or adding glass doors to the fireplace to stop drafts from coming through. You must remove the covers when you have a fire to get warm air circulating. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. Do I need to make it a tight enough fit inside the fireplace opening so that the foam bumper keeps it from moving? You canreadmore about affiliate links here.). I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. Now add houseplants, bookshelves or completely brick-over the space. As temperatures dip, nothing feels better than thick fleece socks and a seat next to the fire. 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. (Caution: Don't use hot glue -- it won't hold.) Nail each blanket corner to the back. 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. I chose to use the Kreg Rip Cut because I was anxious to try it out. Modern Masters Metal Effect Rust Kit You can get this kit in the following places (click to purchase online! 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 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. Home House & Components Parts of House Fireplace. 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 site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. You can also have your pegboard cut at Lowes if you know your measurements upfront. Yayyyy thanks Vicki I will be rusting some other things soon because I am completely enamored with this process so stay tuned! Draft Decor's magnetic fireplace vent cover is machine precision cut to size. Looks like an attractive solution, but I before I build it I am wondering what keeps it from falling forward or backward? 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 learned that the fireplace damper should always be open when you are using the fireplace. Once you find the measurements, make sure you buy a guard that is at least the size of the opening. Due to its black finish and transparent glazing, this hearth door is the best option if you have a fireplace with a modern, minimalist aesthetic and are looking for something that matches it. You can then place the blanket over the fire while it cools to prevent cold air from coming into the room. BY PHONE: If you prefer, you can give us a call to order by phone - 215-817-8229. 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? In this video, I make a DIY fireplace cover to stop losing valuable heated air! I used foam board covered with fabric as well as batting that I spray glued to the foam board. I promise you cant even tell this fireplace cover is made from new materials! For ease cut the wallpaper larger than the base, adhere and then trim away the excess for perfect coverage. Again spray lightly and add more if needed. Place the balloon back into the chimney so it fits firmly. Stir Metal Effect Oxidizing Iron Paint well with stir stick. Its the best! 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. 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. Hi Rosemary I checked with the brand and the product is listed on the Amazon International site, but color selection may be more limited. Your email address will not be published. Custom perfection. Buy a guard in a color that accents the inside of your house. Be careful operating any metal cords or levers after a fire is lit. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. See Disclaimer for details. Meanwhile, the bifold doors allow for easy closure to prevent air leaks when the hearth is not in use. Just follow these easy steps and you'll have one too. Lets get started and make sure you scroll down for a supply list. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Installing a magnetic fireplace vent cover over those vents is a smart solution that stops cold air dead in its tracks. This fire-resistant, carbon fiber hearth cover is designed to attach to your metal screen via strong magnets. if i gave you my messurments, [] build a fireplace insert draft stopper a lowes creator idea Fireplace Cover Plate Size: 640 X 427 | Source: http://www.prettyhandygirl.com [], [] build a fireplace insert draft stopper a lowes creator idea Diy Fireplace Cover Size: 640 X 427 | Source: http://www.prettyhandygirl.com [], [] of my door to fit on the side of our refrigerator cabinet. This type of hearth covering boasts fireproof construction and uses magnetic technology to attach to the metal screen of the fireplace. WOW! You did a great job and it looks so good with the hanging above the fireplace! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Leave the plywood laying flat on the floor as the glue dries overnight. We are almost literally burning our money in our fireplaces! As the hot air generated by a fire rises up the chimney it pulls more air behind it. Apply insulation batt or spray foam within the framing of the wall up to the ceiling or roof line. 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. SHIPPING. Many styles of tempered-glass, hinged doors come with magnetic latches to keep them tightly closed. 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. 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. 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. 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. Doesn't have to be super secure, just pinning it in place til we stuff it in. size supplies. If you find less of a draft, you know you need to allow better airflow in your home. It will also act as a safety barrier for children and pets. I have lots of DIY home improvement videos. You can see that our bricks are faux painted in this picture. []. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Kim, this is amazing!! Minor modifications done at no extra charge. However, they can also let in a cold draft and unwelcome pests from the outdoors. It looks like old rusty ceiling tiles. Get enough trim to finish out your straight edges. Apply Oxidizing Iron Paint over entire surface with the other brush from your kit. Similarly, attach the second 2x4 2 inches in from the other side. Heat loss up a chimney can be as much as 73%. Cut the pegboard to size. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You will need to have your chimney inspected if you think you might have this issue. My only regret is not making it sooner. The glass screen will heat up and help radiate heat from the fire. 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. I could not be more thrilled with the way this DIY turned out and I am going to walk you through how to recreate a fireplace cover full of rusty goodness of your very own. The best solution, in this case, is to replace the damper with a new, effective one. I especially love the beads on it! We promise not to over stuff your inbox! For me having a wood-burning fireplace is a must for heating my home in the cold and dreary winter, but there are times when a storm is on the way or the days when its windy out that I can feel a cold draft wafting from my fireplace opening. If you'd like to order the. This is meant as a permanent solution, rather than something I might want to remove and put back occasionally. 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. This is a necessary step because with repeated removal of the insert, the bumper will eventually come off. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. Some people find that they work great at stopping a cold air draft, while others find that they do not work at all. Paint the front of the plywood with a matte black paint and let dry. 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. You can build a brick-and-mortar one or have a gas one installed. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours, then apply a second coat of latex-infused thinset. 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. Here's how I made our fireplace draft stopper. Its hot yall! Hello would you possibly make this and sell one? Lay the pegboard onto the reclaimed lumber and press firmly in place. If it has a leak, replace the balloon. You can use a butter knife to help roll-squeeze it in. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. 1. Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs.. Im a little bit of a fanatic when it comes to drafts. These insulated fireplace covers are the easy affordable and attractive solution you have been looking for to stop the cold winter air and hot humid summer air from entering your home from outside and your expensive heated and cooled air escaping through the chimney. 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. 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. I didnt have the right fireplace, so I could not use this method. ): I hope it inspires you to make a custom fireplace cover that is full of rusty heaven! To maximize the wood collected from the yard,he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. Bravo!! You now have a no-fuss, faux 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. 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. This can make a big impact on our own comfort and home's energy bill as well. 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. Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. This. As much as it bugs me to say, some chimneys cant be saved. I probably would select a wider trim if I made this again because I think it would be more substantial and attractive. 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. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Make sure to vacuum again.- Shove the diaper-wrapped insulation board into the hole. Thus, to completely keep cold air outside and hot air inside the house, we recommend covering these vents using a fireplace vent cover. You want to make sure you cut your wood pieces slightly smaller that the actual fireplace opening. Use a circular saw to trim the door. That was kinda my goal without having to find, cut and pay for old tiles! Subscribe Do you have drafts coming in to your home through your chimney when your fireplace is not in use? You can ask a Lowes employee to cut down the rigid foam insulation for you so you can fit it in your car. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 67,365 times. 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. You can cover the foam with a cozy blanket or fun fabric to match your decor. Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs. By properly using a damper, covering the fireplace, or installing a chimney balloon, you can keep the heat in and the cold out! How To Clean Reusable Straws The Easy Way, Most Energy Efficient Dishwasher Buyers Guide 2023. Fireplace plugs (a.k.a. I used a 1/4 plywood piece as the base. Mila is passionate about living sustainability and encouraging others to do the same. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you.