how to make a fireplace draft cover

We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Press the insert into your fireplace and stop the drafts forever! Yayyyy thanks Vicki I will be rusting some other things soon because I am completely enamored with this process so stay tuned! Advertisement Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse Tip 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). 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. Get enough trim to finish out your straight edges. Cut the paper and then try the pattern in the space. I may rust something! Gently slide the fireplace cover into the opening in your fireplace. (Pssst. Apply Oxidizing Iron Paint over entire surface with the other brush from your kit. While positioning the fireplace door against the hearth opening, mark out the spots where youll drill your screw holes for the floor brackets. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Fireplace Draft Stopper - Cheap DIYNEW VIDEO Every WeekSteverd Links:TWITTER: https://twitter.com/stevesrealworldFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Steves-R. Primary Material: Steel; Heat Resistant: Yes Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Yes, the wood insert needs to be built custom to the size of your fireplace opening. Do you know of another material I could use on the back of the pegboard to get the same result? If you need to make the balloon fit better, push the corners of the balloon up into the chimney with your fingers. Remove the plastic tube so it doesnt hang down in your fireplace. 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. 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. You probably have a damper already. This continuous process of air moving up a chimney is known as the draft. Measure and Cut Your Fabric Measure the body pillow length and width then double it. Using Fireplace Draft Stopper Or Chimney Balloon. 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. This worked perfect, I feel no air. After all, thats its job, to keep smoke from choking you. To help clear the air in your home, open a few windows. Buy a guard in a color that accents the inside of your house. *** Blanket-wrapped Fireplace Cover - YouTube Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year so build-up does not form. 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! Im a little bit of a fanatic when it comes to drafts. Meanwhile, custom-sized chimney caps are more expensive and are usually mounted outside the chimney to cover both the chimney crown and top. 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. This article has been viewed 67,365 times. Its important to sweep and check your chimney regularly. I am a licensed general contractor and an interior designer. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. 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. This is at no extra cost to you. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Similarly, attach the second 2x4 2 inches in from the other side. Amazon.com: Fireplace Draft Guard Cover Hello would you possibly make this and sell one? Measuring 28-inches high and 43.6-inches wide, this screen sheet does a great job at covering up your fireplace hole. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. You are in no way required to use them, but if you do, you'll help support my channel and allow me to continue creating helpful videos and tutorials with no charge to you! We may earn commission through affiliate links on this page at no additional cost to you. We can make any size to fit your needs. Add construction glue to the pegboard. 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. Next, screw down the door to the firebox floor by simply driving the screws through the brackets and lead anchors. An air-tight, adjustable cover helps improve fireplace efficiency while saving you money that would otherwise go up in smoke! Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. It effectively guards against cold air coming in and heat escaping into the atmosphere while youre fast asleep. Insulated Magnetic Fireplace Cover | Fireplace Fashion Winter is coming, help a friend stop drafts too by pinning this image! I checked my chimney cap/damper to ensure it worked properly. 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. I especially love the beads on it! To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. Although this is a older post I had a few ideas about the insert. You did a great job and it looks so good with the hanging above the fireplace! One of the best ways to close off drafty airflow from your fireplace, especially when it wont be used for a while, is to create a decorative and removable cover that you can pop in and out. You may need to tweak it and cut away some more until a good pattern emerges. Basic steps here:- Buy thick insulation board.- Measure fireplace hole size.- Subtract between .5 inches and one inch from your measurement so you have room for error, since the hole probably isn't perfectly square, and to account for the blanket wrap. Lay the pegboard onto the reclaimed lumber and press firmly in place. Carefully punch it in. Your email address will not be published. Stand back and marvel at how realistic the stack of "logs" look, and how much style it instantly adds to your fireplace vignette! Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs.. Once you find the measurements, make sure you buy a guard that is at least the size of the opening. This is a necessary step because with repeated removal of the insert, the bumper will eventually come off. Why Open Fireplaces Can Be Drafty (And How To Fix) - Fireplace Universe Cut the foam bumper for the first side and press it onto the double-stick tape. 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. Fireplace Chimney . Here's how I made our fireplace draft stopper. Iron your fabric and mark your dimensions. I am saving this post in hopes I will try this some day! I used a 1/4 plywood piece as the base. Silicone fireplace sealers- on the other hand- feature durable construction and can last for up to 20 years. There could be a mechanical damper right above the firebox. 1 x 4 cedar boards worked well for the frame. Paint the front of the plywood with a matte black paint and let dry. Fill in the wood bead holes and mitered corner edges with wood filler. Measure the straight edges. A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install. Its also energy efficient as it helps keep the warm air circulating in your house rather than going up the chimney. Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. L x 32 in. I used textured wallpaper to cover the base piece of wood. Chimney Draw - 10 Steps To Improving Draft - Safe And Sanitary Homes 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 67,365 times. DIY Fireplace Cover Tutorial | eHow Wait till you see how to make a DIY rust fireplace cover out of simple materials. Even if youve addressed the issues above a fireplace can still be drafty. In this video, I make a DIY fireplace cover to stop losing valuable heated air! 2. The fireplace should be covered across the front, inside the home. Meanwhile, the bifold doors allow for easy closure to prevent air leaks when the hearth is not in use. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. I liked how it worked and it was a good option if you dont have a table saw or track saw. Fireplace Draft Stopper: An Easy DIY Sewing Tutorial - Ideas for the Home The glass screen will heat up and help radiate heat from the fire. Before deciding whether to purchase or hand-make a fireplace draft stopper, check out our list of the kinds of stoppers that are available. I put magnets on mine to hold it in place. Allow wallpaper glue and all adhesive to dry completely, overnight is best before you move to the rust process. Home House & Components Parts of House Fireplace. As a bonus, it also eliminates that big gaping black hole in the living room. Start by measuring your fireplace opening. 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 . If you have a brick, wood-burning fireplace in your home, consider investing in a fireplace blanket. A fireplace door reflects the drafty air and ensures combustion byproducts do not enter your house. 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. Sure, you can turn up your thermostat to counteract the chill, but that will send your heating bill through the roofalong with the heated air that continues to be displaced. The damper is a metal valve located within the chimney. Thats why it makes financial sense to block your fireplace opening if you dont intend to use the hearth for the foreseeable future. Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 8 Ways to Follow on How to Make a Fireplace Hearth Cover. You can build a brick-and-mortar one or have a gas one installed. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement of log slices, glue each one into place with wood glue. Any time you want to use your fireplace, simply pull the cover out of the opening and slide it to the side. Blocking a fireplace opening can either be a DIY job, or you can call in the professionals. Don't miss out! Lay the pegboard on top of the excess foam insulation and set the saw blade depth just below the pegboard. Magnetic Fireplace Vent Covers | Fireplace Draft Stopper | Fireplace Next, cut your trim pieces. Doesn't have to be super secure, just pinning it in place til we stuff it in. 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. Of course if your fireplace is all straight lines this will be a slightly easier process. I really am in love with this project, you should absolutely rust something!!! Flehomo Fireplace Cover to Block Draft from Fireplace Vent . Cut the next side and notch out where there are any overlaps. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. This can lead to high energy bills as you spend more energy to heat up your home. I opted to use a fireplace draft stopper called a Flueblocker Its made of wool and fits snugly up the chimney out of sight. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIY enthusiast covering everything from pests to painting to pool cabanas. well as help cut the energy bills for heating your home. I learned that the fireplace damper should always be open when you are using the fireplace. Then, attach two lintel clamps at the top of the door, and the floor brackets to the bottom part. I love this! Join our FREE newsletter and get new projects, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox! The first step is to determine how large you want your fireplace hearth cover to be. You can then tighten the thumbscrew using a pair of pliers. Feel free to add a handle or decorative pull to the front of your insert. Apply insulation batt or spray foam within the framing of the wall up to the ceiling or roof line. You can use a butter knife to help roll-squeeze it in. 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. My only regret is not making it sooner. The AT-1002 Ascot Fireplace Glass Door by Pleasant Hearth offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Secure both the lintel clamps and floor brackets using the four screws that youd earlier removed. The main consideration when choosing a cover for your fireplace opening is its ability to prevent air leaks. Fireplace Cover to Keep Cold Air Out - Fireplace Draft Stopper Mark the cut lines on your pegboard material. Will Cleaning My Chimney Help Stop Cold Drafts? You can check if that is the issue with your fireplace by opening a window while using your fireplace. Your fireplace screened turned out beautifully! Make sure to vacuum again.- Shove the diaper-wrapped insulation board into the hole. It just adds that little something. You want to make sure you cut your wood pieces slightly smaller that the actual fireplace opening. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. There could be a flue damper up towards the top of the flue. Draft Decor's magnetic fireplace vent cover is machine precision cut to size. Regular chimney sweeps will help to eliminate this issue. It looks like a work of Art Enjoy. You may need to wiggle and nudge it a bit to get it in there snugly. Lots of ways to improve chimney draw exist. Easy Ways to Cover a Fireplace: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow See Disclaimer for details. A damper should be your go-to draft stopper if your fireplace has one. Measure 2 inches in from the side of the plywood and mark the point. 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. Please only use one picture with a link back unless individual permission is given otherwise by Salvaged Living. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Theres a wide range of unused materials around the house that you can use to create a fireplace cover by yourself. We want to reflect heat back into the house.- Do a diaper wrap as shown in video. 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. My damper was not working correctly, so I had to replace mine. 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. 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.. This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition. You will need to have your chimney inspected if you think you might have this issue. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. H A top damper sits on top of the chimney and has a cord that runs down the length of the chimney. Step 4. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Lets get started and make sure you scroll down for a supply list. 99 $26.99 $26.99. It was surprising to find how much heat loss a drafty chimney can account for. Again spray lightly and add more if needed. Learn how your comment data is processed. Blocking this cold air at the bottom vent and the top vent with our Magnetic Fireplace Vent Covers will stop this cold air. That was kinda my goal without having to find, cut and pay for old tiles! How to Make A DIY Rust Fireplace Cover - Salvaged Living 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. I cant wait to use the Modern Masters Rust kit on some other items that I have in mind, I am OBSESSED! A fireplace is a huge source of drafts from the cold outdoors. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. 5.9K views 5 years ago If you are looking to cover-up your fireplace area, then this is the video for you! Learn to grow a creative business with Kim from Salvaged Living! How to Make a Fireplace Hearth Cover | Easy 8 Ways (2023) 9 / 9 BWFolsom/Getty Images DIY Removable Cover Place the balloon back into the chimney so it fits firmly. He informed me that using a chimney cap worked to keep cold drafts out of his fireplace. How To Clean Reusable Straws The Easy Way, Most Energy Efficient Dishwasher Buyers Guide 2023. Installing glass doors to the front of an open-hearth fireplace can nearly double the fireplaces heat efficiency. Draft Decor's vent cover can be easily removed when you use your fireplace. That being said, the best temporary cover for a fireplace opening is a screen door/glass door. 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. Cut insulation to size. Once your lead anchors are in place, its now time to insulate the door to prevent smoke leaks. Excellent diy, and thanks for sharing. 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. After some digging, I found these reasons for a fireplace draft. If it has a leak, replace the balloon. This is the side that will be facing out. This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition to your home. Thanks for sharing this, Kim. Lay the rubber edge bumper onto the side of the frame/pegboard sandwich and measure the area for the rigid foam insulation. 40 in. L Black 3-Panel Steel Draft Guard Cover - The Home Depot Learn more Everyone likes to cozy up in front of a fireplace during the cold months. Allow first coat to dry and then use a second coat for complete coverage. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Genius! Reinflate the chimney balloon once the chimney is cold. 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. That's another way to kind of slow down the drafts. They attach over the front of a fireplace usually with magnets. Fireplace Magnetic Draft Cover - fireplacenow.co It sends chills up my spine each time. Gas Fireplace Draft Cover - Wayfair Canada You can cover the foam with a cozy blanket or fun fabric to match your decor. I just built mine and am having the same problem Pam, did you find a solution yet? Once air is accumulated inside the fireplace, air pressure will build-up and exits out through those gaps. You could staple or glue black ribbon in a few discreet spots along the bottom or sides of the fireplace cover that act as pull tabs to make it easier to pull the cover out when you'd like to use your fireplace. How to Clean Inside Dimplex Electric Fireplace. Using an inflatable rectangular flameproof pillow as a fireplace draft stopper. We promise not to over stuff your inbox! When you have a chance, please have your fireplace cover on, and then, cover the entire fireplace opening again with a 2mil plastic sheet. 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. You can then place the blanket over the fire while it cools to prevent cold air from coming into the room. I have a similar brick-face fireplace and was about to do a similar cover using the rubber edge or bumper. Flue sealers are usually installed underneath the damper to keep out cold drafts and keep in hot air. DIY FIREPLACE COVER - Free DIY Tutorials - YouTube The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Stir Metal Effect Oxidizing Iron Paint well with stir stick. For the curved area I used wood beads attached with a heavy row of construction adhesive. 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 You can see that our bricks are faux painted in this picture. DIY Draft Stopper for Your Fireplace - Genius! - Bob Vila 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. 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 This year I decided to tackle the problem by investigating how to stop the cold air draft with a fireplace draft cover. 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. Watch this video for a simple and inexpensive solution. Here are some solutions I found:-. 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 to Cover a Fireplace Draft The Money Pit Also if you notice that smoke or fumes are present in the room this is another sign of p[oor airflow. This. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. OVERSIZE: Width over 40 Wide AND Height over 32 High. Press the paper into the curve or shape and use a sharpie to draw an outline of your fireplace. This insulated cover will also stop the smell from the fireplace. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. []. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. References. We are almost literally burning our money in our fireplaces! Then lay the rigid foam on top of the pegboard. If you still have cold drafts leaking into your home even when the flue damper is closed, it could be that its too worn out. For ease cut the wallpaper larger than the base, adhere and then trim away the excess for perfect coverage. Fireplaces and chimneys- when left open- leak out lots of hot air while letting in cold air into the house. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I have lots of DIY home improvement videos. Try not to overspray or pool the liquid. 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. Is using a rubbish/bin bag full of newspaper balls stuffed up a non-working fireplace an adequate way of preventing heat loss from a room? 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. A damper is a permanent fixture and can be manually opened and closed between fires to help stop a fireplace draft. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney. Dry fit each piece and continue until youve filled the frame. Also have them cut two pieces from a 2x4 to the same height as your fireplace opening. Inflatable chimney plugs/ balloons not only prevent air leaks, but also prevent critters and debris from entering your house. You must remove the covers when you have a fire to get warm air circulating. To maximize the wood collected from the yard, he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. Use construction adhesive or wood glue to attach the trim to the base piece. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. When all the pieces are cut, set them in the frame. The best solution, in this case, is to replace the damper with a new, effective one. 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. Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. I measured from the inside of the mantel, side to side and the bottom to the top inside edge as well. If you'd like to order the. You can always add more but not take it away! Look through the trim selections and pick a style that goes with your decor. Most types of chimney balloon will allow a small amount of air to vent around them to keep a small amount of airflow. As much as it bugs me to say, some chimneys cant be saved. The 2x4s will act as "legs" to keep the plywood upright. Its the best! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 8 Best Fireplace Draft Stoppers | The Family Handyman We recommend our users to update the browser. 3 Ways to Block Drafts from a Fireplace - wikiHow