how to make a fireplace draft cover

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. You probably have a damper already. Fireplace draft cover amazon. If you want to rust all the things now, then check out my supply list for links to the products I used here! Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. This can lead to high energy bills as you spend more energy to heat up your home. Want to build your own fireplace insert draft stopper? But asInstructables maker mikeasaurus demonstrates, there is a third option: shutting out the cold with a few fallen branches and some simplescrap wood. Learn how your comment data is processed. They attach over the front of a fireplace usually with magnets. Using an electric drill and a 5/16-inch drill bit, drill two-inch deep holes in the spots that youd marked out during the previous step. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. This particular solution is perfect for those who have an open hearth fireplace. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year so build-up does not form. 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 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. When you use the fireplace, creosote builds up in the flue and chimney, and over time this can block proper airflow as the chimney wont be able to open and close properly. We can make any size to fit your needs. 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. Lay the pegboard on top of the excess foam insulation and set the saw blade depth just below the pegboard. Stir Metal Effect Oxidizing Iron Paint well with stir stick. I used the kit with 8 oz. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Advertisement Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse Tip Kim, this is amazing!! By properly using a damper, covering the fireplace, or installing a chimney balloon, you can keep the heat in and the cold out! Your email address will not be published. Sand down smooth once dry. Cut the paper and then try the pattern in the space. Stick it on the side of your refrigerator to keep the magnet smooth. ONLINE: The easiest way to order is in the box above. 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. 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. You must remove the covers when you have a fire to get warm air circulating. The anchors should be level with the brick surface. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Best Temporary Fireplace Covers Fireplace Blocker firebox blanket Be sure to check and see if your base piece fits into your fireplace opening at this point and alter if necessary. Winter is coming, help a friend stop drafts too by pinning this image! This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. Custom perfection. You may need to tweak it and cut away some more until a good pattern emerges. Easy DIY home decor and craft projects for budget home decor. All covers are made to your measurements. Flip the frame over and double secure the frame to the pegboard with finish nails. To help clear the air in your home, open a few windows. Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. I have lots of DIY home improvement videos. 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. You may need to sand it down in a few places if it's too snug to slide in and out of the opening. A removable fireplace draft stopper is one possible solution. We made something similar to this and it periodically falls forward. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Feel free to add a handle or decorative pull to the front of your insert. Today Ill show you how to build a fireplace insert draft stopper! 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Stand back and marvel at how realistic the stack of "logs" look, and how much style it instantly adds to your fireplace vignette! This insulated cover will also stop the smell from the fireplace. Cut insulation to size. Cover an outdated brick fireplace with contemporary tile. Learn more Everyone likes to cozy up in front of a fireplace during the cold months. A fireplace draft stopper is an efficient way to prevent this from happening. (Ive includedaffiliate links for your convenience. It sends chills up my spine each time. Why? 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! References. Don't miss out! Any suggestions? It effectively guards against cold air coming in and heat escaping into the atmosphere while youre fast asleep. Excess build-up can cause a chimney fire. Chimney flue pipes provide much-needed ventilation for masonry fireplaces. 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. Be sure that the air pressure is turned down so the nails dont pierce through the back of the insulation. Genius! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If the liner is not lined up properly or in the right size, it will cause a cold air draft from the fireplace. Remember the time I weather-stripped my garage doors? Vertically position one of the 2x4s just inside the 2-inch mark and attach it to the plywood using a power drill and screws. Chimney balloons can be purchased from online retailers. Then lay the rigid foam on top of the pegboard. Over time Ive addressed most of the pesky cracks and crevices that invite cold air into our home. Press the insert into your fireplace and stop the drafts forever! My fireplace is not set in that deep. SHIPPING. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Flue sealers are usually installed underneath the damper to keep out cold drafts and keep in hot air. You canreadmore about affiliate links here.). 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. We are almost literally burning our money in our fireplaces! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I didnt have the right fireplace, so I could not use this method. If it has a leak, replace the balloon. Yes, the wood insert needs to be built custom to the size of your fireplace opening. One of the best ideas I discovered was to install glass doors in front of the fireplace. 5.9K views 5 years ago If you are looking to cover-up your fireplace area, then this is the video for you! Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. Blocking this cold air at the bottom vent and the top vent with our Magnetic Fireplace Vent Covers will stop this cold air. So, how do you temporarily cover a fireplace hole? No. Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs.. Start by measuring your fireplace opening. 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. Blanket-wrapped Fireplace Cover Aytwit Engineering 451 subscribers Subscribe 298 Share 25K views 3 years ago #heat #fireplace #insulation Plugging a drafty fireplace that we don't use. *** I also used velcro strips to hold it in place. I just built mine and am having the same problem Pam, did you find a solution yet? Got mine done last night and it looks nice, to my eyes : ) Yes, those 1/8-1/4 brick gaps allowed air to pass through, but not a whole lot; it was worse without the draft stopper. 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. The main consideration when choosing a cover for your fireplace opening is its ability to prevent air leaks. Fireplace plugs (a.k.a. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When you have a chance, please have your fireplace cover on, and then, cover the entire fireplace opening again with a 2mil plastic sheet. The 2x4s will act as "legs" to keep the plywood upright. Or you could just put glass doors on the fireplace. Stopping a fireplace draft is not difficult. Hello would you possibly make this and sell one? Any time you want to use your fireplace, simply pull the cover out of the opening and slide it to the side. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Use a tape measure so you can determine what size draft guard you need. This worked perfect, I feel no air. 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. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. As temperatures dip, nothing feels better than thick fleece socks and a seat next to the fire. Measure 2 inches in from the side of the plywood and mark the point. Im a little bit of a fanatic when it comes to drafts. Secure both the lintel clamps and floor brackets using the four screws that youd earlier removed. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney. Draft guards are sold in hardware stores or online. Electric and gas inserts are also incredibly easy to operate. Apply Oxidizing Iron Paint over entire surface with the other brush from your kit. Do I need to make it a tight enough fit inside the fireplace opening so that the foam bumper keeps it from moving? This fire-resistant, carbon fiber hearth cover is designed to attach to your metal screen via strong magnets. Get a Modern Masters Metal Effect Rust Finish Kit. Please note, if you are adding wood beads to an edge, make sure you cut this side down extra to allow for the bead thickness or your fireplace cover might not fit in the opening if you cut your cover with a tight fit. We may earn commission through affiliate links on this page at no additional cost to you. Whether store-bought or handmade, fabric draft stoppers long, rectangular cloth tubes stuffed with soft, pliable filling are a stylish and simple way to block drafts that leak through cracks and gaps at the base of fireplace doors, screens and inserts. Keep a reminder card or tie something to the handle of the balloon so you dont forget its there. I was determined to search for all the information I needed to stop cold air drafts from bugging me in the winter. Lay the pegboard onto the reclaimed lumber and press firmly in place. The damper is a metal valve located within the chimney. Seal your fireplace insert with the Metal Effects Sealer if you want to make sure you dont get rust on anything! The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I may rust something! Want to make sure you don't break the board with an errant karate chop.- Take some thin foam insulation tubing and stuff up any remaining small gaps. [6] 2 Purchase a draft guard online or in store. Gaps and cracks in your chimney masonry . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. 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. It works fine but a little more wiggle room would be better. Even if youve addressed the issues above a fireplace can still be drafty. Reinflate the chimney balloon once the chimney is cold. Press the paper into the curve or shape and use a sharpie to draw an outline of your fireplace. 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. When there's a fire, cold air entering through the chimney can cause a downdraft and make it difficult to keep the fire burning. I liked how it worked and it was a good option if you dont have a table saw or track saw. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Once you have the right product you can make all new things look vintage and yummy! To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. 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. You can use a butter knife to help roll-squeeze it in. When you get home, check that the plywood fits inside your fireplace opening before proceeding. It looks like old rusty ceiling tiles. See Disclaimer for details. This rusty fireplace insert is a perfect draft stopper and makes your fireplace look gorgeous long after the winter fire burning months have passed. 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. Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. 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. 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. It does not store any personal data. 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. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Draft Decor's vent cover can be easily removed when you use your fireplace. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. Fireplace magnetic draft cover. It takes at least 30 to 40 minutes to activate and see the rust change take place. 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. My only regret is not making it sooner. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement of log slices, glue each one into place with wood glue. I chose to use the Kreg Rip Cut because I was anxious to try it out. 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 L x 32 in. 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. Text Me / Download Our Free App / E-mail Subscription / Shop / Tik Tok / YouTube / Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / Courses & Community. I used a 1/4 plywood piece as the base. (Caution: Don't use hot glue -- it won't hold.) (If you dont own a rip cut or track saw, you can make your own DIY Track Saw for your circular saw here!). Cut the pegboard to size. You can check if that is the issue with your fireplace by opening a window while using your fireplace. Then, attach two lintel clamps at the top of the door, and the floor brackets to the bottom part. Fill in the wood bead holes and mitered corner edges with wood filler. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Draft Decor's magnetic fireplace vent cover is machine precision cut to size. 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fireplace Draft Stopper Cover 36\\ X 4\\ Fireplace Cover Fireplace Draft Stopper at the best online prices at eBay! The process is super easy, but does take some time because of the dry time involved in the steps. 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. Although this is a older post I had a few ideas about the insert. 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