Gently slide the fireplace cover into the opening in your fireplace. This type of hearth covering boasts fireproof construction and uses magnetic technology to attach to the metal screen of the fireplace. Hi Rosemary I checked with the brand and the product is listed on the Amazon International site, but color selection may be more limited. Learn how I painted my fireplace back to brick without sand-blasting!). I hope that helps!? Use insulating flameproof foam board by cutting out the correct shape, then pressing it in place under the damper. Also have them cut two pieces from a 2x4 to the same height as your fireplace opening. 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. Finally, you want a cover that you can easily uninstall whenever you want to use the fireplace again. As a bonus, it also eliminates that big gaping black hole in the living room. The truth is you can turn just about anything to rust, so dont limit the rust part to just this project. Fill in the wood bead holes and mitered corner edges with wood filler. 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. 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! You can cover the foam with a cozy blanket or fun fabric to match your decor. How do you think of these things?!?! 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. There could be a flue damper up towards the top of the flue. Since every Fireplace Fashion Cover is made when ordered, we can make one just for your fireplace size and for your tastes and dcor. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Cut the foam bumper for the first side and press it onto the double-stick tape. A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. 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.. Firmly secure the bumper to the sides of the frame with a staple gun. It wipes clean with a damp cloth and will last for years. 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. Sand down smooth once dry. I have a similar brick-face fireplace and was about to do a similar cover using the rubber edge or bumper. It was surprising to find how much heat loss a drafty chimney can account for. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. 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. Once the fireplace is cool again, place the guard over the hole. 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. The only thing that will work is a fireplace cover with insulation. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. L x 32 in. Cut the paper and then try the pattern in the space. Therefore, blocking the opening with bricks is not an option. Inspect the fireplace for any gaps or cracks around the fireplace. Seal your fireplace insert with the Metal Effects Sealer if you want to make sure you dont get rust on anything! 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. We lose a lot of heated air thru our fireplaces! I found that one of the reasons I might have a draft coming from my fireplace was if the flue was blocked. Even with the damper closed, there is a draft that escapes into the room. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. This kit comes with everything you need to rust anything! Modern Masters Metal Effect Rust Kit You can get this kit in the following places (click to purchase online! Cut insulation to size. I love this! If you find less of a draft, you know you need to allow better airflow in your home. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Allow first coat to dry and then use a second coat for complete coverage. To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. 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. Larger sizes slightly more. This can make a big impact on our own comfort and home's energy bill as well. Im a little bit of a fanatic when it comes to drafts. Stopping this cold convection will give you a lot of relief. Do you leave logs in the fire even when you know youre not gonna burn them? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The best way to find out if a fireplace blanket will work for you is to try it out and see. All you have to do to turn them on is push a button. Before deciding whether to purchase or hand-make a fireplace draft stopper, check out our list of the kinds of stoppers that are available. It measures 32-inches high and 42-inches wide, thus will effectively cover the opening of a standard-sized firebox. I am a licensed general contractor and an interior designer. 8 Ways to Follow on How to Make a Fireplace Hearth Cover. SHIPPING. Angel, there are some slight gaps not filled in by the bumpers, but most have been completely stopped by the draft stopper. It works to prevent drafty airflow when the chimney isnt in use. The best solution, in this case, is to replace the damper with a new, effective one. 5.9K views 5 years ago If you are looking to cover-up your fireplace area, then this is the video for you! This process requires a free passageway for hot air and waste gases and smoke . The AT-1002 Ascot Fireplace Glass Door by Pleasant Hearth offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Again, thanks for sharing your project it inspired me to move my lazy buns and do something useful : ). Step 4. Chimney balloons can be purchased from online retailers. Its snug fit ensures that thisDIY draft stopper stands in the fireplace and effectively plugs any potential air leaks. Or you could just put glass doors on the fireplace. Winter is coming, help a friend stop drafts too by pinning this image! Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. Allow to dry 5 minutes or so and then lightly spray again. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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! Be careful operating any metal cords or levers after a fire is lit. I used a 1/4 plywood piece as the base. I put magnets on mine to hold it in place. Vertically position one of the 2x4s just inside the 2-inch mark and attach it to the plywood using a power drill and screws. The Fireplace Blocker features magnetic construction that allows it to easily adhere to your fireplace screen. Free delivery for many products. This continuous process of air moving up a chimney is known as the draft. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. This rusty fireplace insert is a perfect draft stopper and makes your fireplace look gorgeous long after the winter fire burning months have passed. For the curved area I used wood beads attached with a heavy row of construction adhesive. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Fireplace Cover, Fireplace Draft Cover, Fireplace Blocker Blanket Stops Overnight Heat Loss, Fireplace Draft Stopper Guard Covers Screen Block Summer Cold Air Draft Leak&Winter Heat Loss(45" Wx34 H) 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (33) $24.99 $ 24. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. I chose to use the Kreg Rip Cut because I was anxious to try it out. Hello Kim, I love your project, the rust effect is amazing. Another option would be to buy foam insulation and wrap it with fabric and batting and simply fit it in the fireplace opening. I used textured wallpaper to cover the base piece of wood. Seal out the cool air and critters with a chic fireplace cover that looks as if you have a perfectly stacked set of logs. 1. Custom perfection. Over time Ive addressed most of the pesky cracks and crevices that invite cold air into our home. Make sure to vacuum again.- Shove the diaper-wrapped insulation board into the hole. Thereis no additional cost to you. That's another way to kind of slow down the drafts. (Remember the time I weather-stripped my garage doors?) This base coat needs to dry completely approximately 12 hours. Covering the Fireplace with a Draft Guard Download Article 1 Measure the width and height of the fireplace opening. You can see that our bricks are faux painted in this picture. Using a decorative fitted fireplace cover. If you'd like to order the. Improve your fireboxs energy efficiency with the Tiffany fireplace screen from ARTZONE. With your protective gloves on, unroll the fiberglass insulation and stuff it into all three channels of the door to insulate it. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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! He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. % of people told us that this article helped them. Join our FREE newsletter and get new projects, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox! Circular saw (optional) Step 1 Measure the height and width of your fireplace opening and ask your hardware store to cut a sheet of plywood to the exact dimensions. Save on your electric bill plus keep bugs out. This. Watch this video for a simple and inexpensive solution. It just adds that little something. Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. Another important consideration is the visual aesthetics of the cover, as the fireplace is usually a focal point within the house and draws lots of attention. I opted to use a fireplace draft stopper called a Flueblocker Its made of wool and fits snugly up the chimney out of sight. Open fireplaces help to remove byproducts from a fire from your home without any assistance needed from you. Of course if your fireplace is all straight lines this will be a slightly easier process. We promise not to over stuff your inbox! You will want to play with it to get the desired finish you like. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Fireplaces and chimneys- when left open- leak out lots of hot air while letting in cold air into the house. Just follow these easy steps and you'll have one too. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Apply insulation batt or spray foam within the framing of the wall up to the ceiling or roof line. Used to reduce maintenance costs and prevent the heating loss; Suitable for winter and summer, keeps the air circulation in house stably; Available in 4 sizes, suitable for most fireplace vent and can be cut for a snug fit; Packed and delivered in a roll, prevent damage from . They are best used after youve had a fire burning o that only the embers remain. By being included in our newsletter delivery, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotional emails related to the Salvaged Living family. This is meant as a permanent solution, rather than something I might want to remove and put back occasionally. It should be inset on the sides and top to allow room for the bumper (as shown in the photo below.). Thus, to completely keep cold air outside and hot air inside the house, we recommend covering these vents using a fireplace vent cover. You probably have a damper already. Similarly, attach the second 2x4 2 inches in from the other side. 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. Use pliers or an oven mitt to prevent any burns. Here are some solutions I found:-. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney. You can then tighten the thumbscrew using a pair of pliers. My damper was not working correctly, so I had to replace mine. Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. Its, therefore, crucial to seal/block a fireplace opening if its not currently in use. Using the same dimensions as the pegboard, cut your frame pieces (miter cut the corners for a clean look). To maximize the wood collected from the yard, he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. It actually works to rust wood, metal, masonry, painted surfaces and plaster. Standard chimney caps are cheaper and only seal the flue opening. Other options are fireplace vent covers or adding glass doors to the fireplace to stop drafts from coming through. Plus it is super custom, which I love! These include fiberglass insulation, a screwdriver, a power drill, a hammer, clamps, pliers, protective gloves, wrench tools, and sockets. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. A removable fireplace draft stopper is one possible solution. "Your article is very informative and hopefully I'll find installing the balloon quite straightforward.". 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. 1 x 4 cedar boards worked well for the frame. This particular solution is perfect for those who have an open hearth fireplace. 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. Feel free to add a handle or decorative pull to the front of your insert. Then, attach two lintel clamps at the top of the door, and the floor brackets to the bottom part. Draft Decor's magnetic fireplace vent cover is machine precision cut to size. Advertisement Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse Tip Why? This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Now add houseplants, bookshelves or completely brick-over the space. We made something similar to this and it periodically falls forward. Do I need to make it a tight enough fit inside the fireplace opening so that the foam bumper keeps it from moving? 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. 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. Your fireplace screened turned out beautifully! 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. Thanks for sharing this, Kim. Kim, this is amazing!! 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. 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. I hope some of the suggestions work as well for you as they did for me, and they keep you warmer this winter, as. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. (Ive includedaffiliate links for your convenience. 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. Once you have the right product you can make all new things look vintage and yummy! I have a mantle that is well caulked on the inside against the fireplace wall. 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. Measure the height and width of your fireplace opening and ask your hardware store to cut a sheet of plywood to the exact dimensions. 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. https://www.youtube.com/c/DIYWithTuba #FireplaceCover #FireplaceInsulation #FireplaceDraftStopper*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description may have affiliate links. 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 This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Stopping a fireplace draft is not difficult. Any time you want to use your fireplace, simply pull the cover out of the opening and slide it to the side. I didnt have the right fireplace, so I could not use this method. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement of log slices, glue each one into place with wood glue. That being said, the best temporary cover for a fireplace opening is a screen door/glass door. And when youre ready to warm up again, its easy to reverse this fix: Simply pull out the insert, replace the fireplaces screen, and rekindle the flames. A fireplace draft stopper is an efficient way to prevent this from happening. 1. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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 Installing glass doors to the front of an open-hearth fireplace can nearly double the fireplaces heat efficiency. When you get home, check that the plywood fits inside your fireplace opening before proceeding. Using Fireplace Draft Stopper Or Chimney Balloon. References. Fireplace Chimney . A chimney cap is an air-tight, removable cover used to seal the chimney flue opening. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. Use a liberal amount of construction adhesive on the back of the reclaimed lumber frame. Then lay the rigid foam on top of the pegboard. Inflatable chimney plugs/ balloons not only prevent air leaks, but also prevent critters and debris from entering your house. Thank you! Although different, each serves the same purpose. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. Excellent diy, and thanks for sharing. You will need to have your chimney inspected if you think you might have this issue. Stir Metal Effect Oxidizing Iron Paint well with stir stick. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). 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. 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. If you have a brick, wood-burning fireplace in your home, consider investing in a fireplace blanket. Subscribe Do you have drafts coming in to your home through your chimney when your fireplace is not in use? 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. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Thank you for all your lovely emails, very inspiring, take care, Rosie.