how to make a fireplace draft cover

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. Its beautiful as well as decorative and Ill make another for when I tire of this one. Thats why it makes financial sense to block your fireplace opening if you dont intend to use the hearth for the foreseeable future. My friend also suggested not to use a cone-shaped chimney cap as it caused a downward draft, and using a rotating one made a mess on your roof, so I installed a regular square one, which has helped keep the air flowing correctly. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You want to make sure you cut your wood pieces slightly smaller that the actual fireplace opening. This process requires a free passageway for hot air and waste gases and smoke . 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. 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. Apply the Metal Effect Primer to the entire surface of your fireplace cover using one of the paint brushes included in your kit. How do you think of these things?!?! 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. Choose your size, shop your fabric and get to creating!Follow Us!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanvasEtcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canvas.etc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/4FabricPrintingShop: Canvasetc.comEmail: CS@CanvasETC.comCall: (404) 514 -7166SHOP THE MATERIAL USED:Fabric: https://www.canvasetc.com/product-category/denier-fabric-synthetic/600d-polyester/Webbing: https://www.canvasetc.com/product-category/industrial-sewing-threads-and-accessories/polypro-webbing/ Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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 all the pieces are cut, set them in the frame. Cut the paper and then try the pattern in the space. Hello would you possibly make this and sell one? Please consider subscribing to get more contents like this on a weekly basis. This. 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. An air-tight, adjustable cover helps improve fireplace efficiency while saving you money that would otherwise go up in smoke! Electric and gas inserts are also incredibly easy to operate. To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. I really am in love with this project, you should absolutely rust something!!! This continuous process of air moving up a chimney is known as the draft. If you do, I suggest using tempered glass doors in front of the fireplace as an effective way of keeping the cold air draft out of your home. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIY enthusiast covering everything from pests to painting to pool cabanas. 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. No. Meanwhile, custom-sized chimney caps are more expensive and are usually mounted outside the chimney to cover both the chimney crown and top. (Caution: Don't use hot glue -- it won't hold.) Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Meanwhile, some inserts feature blowers that drive warm air back into the house via the front vents. 1. The truth is you can turn just about anything to rust, so dont limit the rust part to just this project. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Best Temporary Fireplace Covers Fireplace Blocker firebox blanket Meanwhile, the bifold doors allow for easy closure to prevent air leaks when the hearth is not in use. Custom perfection. 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. Another option would be to buy foam insulation and wrap it with fabric and batting and simply fit it in the fireplace opening. Other options are fireplace vent covers or adding glass doors to the fireplace to stop drafts from coming through. Mark the cut lines on your pegboard material. I was determined to search for all the information I needed to stop cold air drafts from bugging me in the winter. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. 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 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. Its not hard and you can complete it in an afternoon! Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. Absolutely looks like an old piece of rusted metal! flue blockers, chimney pillows, draft stoppers and the trademarked Chimney Balloon) are an inexpensive way to choke off drafts when a fireplace is not in use. 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. My only regret is not making it sooner. A removable fireplace draft stopper is one possible solution. Start by measuring your fireplace opening. The first step is to determine how large you want your fireplace hearth cover to be. A good quality fireplace blanket will effectively keep hot air in while simultaneously stopping downward cold drafts. I learned that the fireplace damper should always be open when you are using the fireplace. If you wonder what to do with your fireplace in the summer months then this little rusty DIY project is just for you. I am a licensed general contractor and an interior designer. This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition to your home. Then, tighten the screws using a wrench tool. Allow wallpaper glue and all adhesive to dry completely, overnight is best before you move to the rust process. Even if youve addressed the issues above a fireplace can still be drafty. Lay the pegboard on top of the excess foam insulation and set the saw blade depth just below the pegboard. 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. I didnt have the right fireplace, so I could not use this method. Join our FREE newsletter and get new projects, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox! 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. You may need to sand it down in a few places if it's too snug to slide in and out of the opening. I am saving this post in hopes I will try this some day! Vertically position one of the 2x4s just inside the 2-inch mark and attach it to the plywood using a power drill and screws. Do you leave logs in the fire even when you know youre not gonna burn them? Measure 2 inches in from the side of the plywood and mark the point. Silicone fireplace sealers- on the other hand- feature durable construction and can last for up to 20 years. Modern Masters Metal Effect Rust Kit You can get this kit in the following places (click to purchase online! Fireplace Chimney . 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. Chimney flue pipes provide much-needed ventilation for masonry fireplaces. Allow to dry 5 minutes or so and then lightly spray again. I opted to have my chimney swept, replace my chimney cap, and use a fireplace draft stopper when I am not using my fireplace. My fireplace is not set in that deep. Last Updated: October 21, 2021 Stand back and marvel at how realistic the stack of "logs" look, and how much style it instantly adds to your fireplace vignette! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. If theres no air build-up between the plastic sheet and the fireplace, your fireplace cover and the edge bumpers have successfully sealed the fireplace; if theres air build-up, air is leaking through. Its the best! Although different, each serves the same purpose. well as help cut the energy bills for heating your home. Inspect the fireplace for any gaps or cracks around the fireplace. These include opening up windows or air vents, sweeping the chimney, using a fireplace grate, pushing combustion further back, as well as leaving glass doors open before every fire. Once you have your measurements hit the lumber yard or hardware store. Follow the wallpaper instructions for application. Once the fireplace is cool again, place the guard over the hole. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. Step 4. If I could do my project again I would cut the baseboard smaller mine is a tight fit. With your protective gloves on, unroll the fiberglass insulation and stuff it into all three channels of the door to insulate it. (Pssst. Cut two-inch foam to the shape of the opening; subtract about an 1/8- to 1/4-inch around all sides to leave room for wrapping with material. https://www.youtube.com/c/DIYWithTuba #FireplaceCover #FireplaceInsulation #FireplaceDraftStopper*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description may have affiliate links. Heat loss up a chimney can be as much as 73%. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We may earn commission through affiliate links on this page at no additional cost to you. When I wasnt using my fireplace the flueblocker worked well and is more budget-friendly than some other options. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. Remember measure twice cut once in wood working! If you dont have a miter saw (one that cuts angles) you can make more of a box frame, but I think mitered corners look a tad more professional. 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. This article has been viewed 67,365 times. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Why not seal off your fireplace permanently? 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. 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. How To Increase Chimney Draft. This insulated cover will also stop the smell from the fireplace. Measure the height and width of your fireplace opening and ask your hardware store to cut a sheet of plywood to the exact dimensions. 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. Make Me Sustainable is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. We promise not to over stuff your inbox! 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. I used a 1/4 plywood piece as the base. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Excellent diy, and thanks for sharing. That's another way to kind of slow down the drafts. This fire-resistant, carbon fiber hearth cover is designed to attach to your metal screen via strong magnets. Next, cut your trim pieces. Fireplace draft guard cover. Some people find that they work great at stopping a cold air draft, while others find that they do not work at all. Stopping a fireplace draft is not difficult. Kim Jones and Salvaged Living, 2019. Cut insulation to size. Now add houseplants, bookshelves or completely brick-over the space. 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. 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. Cut the foam bumper for the first side and press it onto the double-stick tape. Hello Kim, I love your project, the rust effect is amazing. Not only does the glass stop cold air from entering the room, but it also provides a safety barrier for children and pets. If you want to rust all the things now, then check out my supply list for links to the products I used here! Be sure that the air pressure is turned down so the nails dont pierce through the back of the insulation. 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. The Fireplace Blocker features magnetic construction that allows it to easily adhere to your fireplace screen. I purchased pre-cut wood slices from the craft store for this project, but you'll definitely save some money if you have a circular saw and cut your own slices from branches and logs found outside. % of people told us that this article helped them. The main reason I had a cold air draft issue with my fireplace was that my home had poor airflow. Its important to sweep and check your chimney regularly. These types of fireplace draft stoppers also have the added benefit of preventing unwanted soot or wildlife from falling into the hearth. The anchors should be level with the brick surface. Cover an outdated brick fireplace with contemporary tile. Remember the time I weather-stripped my garage doors? They even block smoke. LESLIE: Yeah. You can use a butter knife to help roll-squeeze it in. Doesn't have to be super secure, just pinning it in place til we stuff it in. A damper is a permanent fixture and can be manually opened and closed between fires to help stop a fireplace draft. 8 Ways to Follow on How to Make a Fireplace Hearth Cover. Your email address will not be published. As much as it bugs me to say, some chimneys cant be saved. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Mila is passionate about living sustainability and encouraging others to do the same. Allow first coat to dry and then use a second coat for complete coverage. Installing a fireplace cover/fireplace screen door on the fireplace opening helps prevent warm air from escaping out of the house. Minor modifications done at no extra charge. Allow first coat to dry and then use a second coat for complete coverage. Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. 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. This fire-resistant hearth blanket from Fireplace Blocker effectively prevents drafty airflow via the fireplace opening. That was kinda my goal without having to find, cut and pay for old tiles! A fireplace is a huge source of drafts from the cold outdoors. Try not to overspray or pool the liquid. It actually works to rust wood, metal, masonry, painted surfaces and plaster. You are exceedingly talented!! Chimney balloons can be reused as long as it holds air. 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 fireplace should be covered across the front, inside the home. Blocking this cold air at the bottom vent and the top vent with our Magnetic Fireplace Vent Covers will stop this cold air. Thus, to completely keep cold air outside and hot air inside the house, we recommend covering these vents using a fireplace vent cover. 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. Thank you! (Ive includedaffiliate links for your convenience. Watch this video for a simple and inexpensive solution. It does not store any personal data. You can cover the foam with a cozy blanket or fun fabric to match your decor. Thereis no additional cost to you. I especially love the beads on it! Secure both the lintel clamps and floor brackets using the four screws that youd earlier removed. It works fine but a little more wiggle room would be better. Feel free to add a handle or decorative pull to the front of your insert. I have a mantle that is well caulked on the inside against the fireplace wall. Lay the rubber edge bumper onto the side of the frame/pegboard sandwich and measure the area for the rigid foam insulation. These include fiberglass insulation, a screwdriver, a power drill, a hammer, clamps, pliers, protective gloves, wrench tools, and sockets. Angel, there are some slight gaps not filled in by the bumpers, but most have been completely stopped by the draft stopper. 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. The pegboard should be loose, but allow the edge bumper to compress against the sides for a snug fit.