I am saving this post in hopes I will try this some day! 5.9K views 5 years ago If you are looking to cover-up your fireplace area, then this is the video for you! :)***Welcome to my channel. Paint the front of the plywood with a matte black paint and let dry. 1. CLICK HERE http://tinyurl.com/kyevc62/ To see all of our Fireplace and Hearth Items.Video Highlights 0:14 What is a Draft Guard?0:25 What size fireplaces wil. Fireplace Draft Stopper - Cheap DIYNEW VIDEO Every WeekSteverd Links:TWITTER: https://twitter.com/stevesrealworldFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Steves-R. Just follow these easy steps and you'll have one too. 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. I didnt have the right fireplace, so I could not use this method. 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! BY MAIL: If you'd like to order by mail with a check, please print our order form. Stick it on the side of your refrigerator to keep the magnet smooth. Heath inserts are combustion systems that improve the energy efficiency of fireplaces. 1. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It wipes clean with a damp cloth and will last for years. My fireplace is not set in that deep. Buy a guard in a color that accents the inside of your house. Free delivery for many products. Want to build your own fireplace insert draft stopper? 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. The pegboard should be loose, but allow the edge bumper to compress against the sides for a snug fit. Use a circular saw to trim the door. This Fireplace Insert Draft Stopper looks good year-round. Covering the Fireplace with a Draft Guard Download Article 1 Measure the width and height of the fireplace opening. Advertisement Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse Tip The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Looks like an attractive solution, but I before I build it I am wondering what keeps it from falling forward or backward? Measure the height and width of your fireplace opening and ask your hardware store to cut a sheet of plywood to the exact dimensions. It sends chills up my spine each time. 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. 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. This base coat needs to dry completely - approximately 12 hours. Thanks for sharing this, Kim. I love this! https://www.youtube.com/c/DIYWithTuba #FireplaceCover #FireplaceInsulation #FireplaceDraftStopper*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description may have affiliate links. 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. 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? Get enough trim to finish out your straight edges. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. The truth is you can turn just about anything to rust, so dont limit the rust part to just this project. I used textured wallpaper to cover the base piece of wood. You can build a brick-and-mortar one or have a gas one installed. 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. Leave the plywood laying flat on the floor as the glue dries overnight. Next, install the lead anchors for the screws into the holes using a hammer. This base coat needs to dry completely approximately 12 hours. This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition. Because, a lot of the heated air in our houses finds its way outside thru our chimneys! L x 32 in. 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. 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. 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. Home House & Components Parts of House Fireplace. Firmly secure the bumper to the sides of the frame with a staple gun. *** Time to assemble the sandwich. 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! All Flue-zees are shipped separately for a fee of $15.95 each to addresses in the U.S.A. Here's how I made our fireplace draft stopper. The best solution, in this case, is to replace the damper with a new, effective one. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Once you have your measurements hit the lumber yard or hardware store. 1 x 4 cedar boards worked well for the frame. I found that one of the reasons I might have a draft coming from my fireplace was if the flue was blocked. 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. (Remember the time I weather-stripped my garage doors?) The fireplace should be covered across the front, inside the home. Get a Modern Masters Metal Effect Rust Finish Kit. Then, tighten the screws using a wrench tool. 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 Cut the next side and notch out where there are any overlaps. You can see that our bricks are faux painted in this picture. 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. This worked perfect, I feel no air. The only thing that will work is a fireplace cover with insulation. Use insulating flameproof foam board by cutting out the correct shape, then pressing it in place under the damper. I have a mantle that is well caulked on the inside against the fireplace wall. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. This is the side that will be facing out. Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. That was kinda my goal without having to find, cut and pay for old tiles! To maximize the wood collected from the yard, he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. This insulated cover will also stop the smell from the fireplace. The look is unbelievable, its like a rusty piece of tin that was made to be in my living room fireplace. If you find less of a draft, you know you need to allow better airflow in your home. A fireplace is a huge source of drafts from the cold outdoors. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I probably would select a wider trim if I made this again because I think it would be more substantial and attractive. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Once you have the right product you can make all new things look vintage and yummy! You can always add more but not take it away! When there's a fire, cold air entering through the chimney can cause a downdraft and make it difficult to keep the fire burning. This is meant as a permanent solution, rather than something I might want to remove and put back occasionally. Fireplace plugs (a.k.a. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. 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. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. I checked my chimney cap/damper to ensure it worked properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cut the foam bumper for the first side and press it onto the double-stick tape. 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. Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. Meanwhile, some inserts feature blowers that drive warm air back into the house via the front vents. Installing a fireplace cover/fireplace screen door on the fireplace opening helps prevent warm air from escaping out of the house. As temperatures dip, nothing feels better than thick fleece socks and a seat next to the fire. Use a jigsaw to cut the curved edge and a table saw for the straight edges. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Stopping this cold convection will give you a lot of relief. 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. I seriously love a nice cozy fire, but down here in Texas its a small window of opportunity on the wood burning situation. The glass screen will heat up and help radiate heat from the fire. Home How to Cover a Fireplace Hole [Temporary + DIY Covers]. Nail each blanket corner to the back. Measure 2 inches in from the side of the plywood and mark the point. (Ive includedaffiliate links for your convenience. SHIPPING. To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. ONLINE: The easiest way to order is in the box above. 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. Clamp the corners (use a square to maintain true 90 degree angles) and drive the pocket screws into place. 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.. Or you could just put glass doors on the fireplace. "Your article is very informative and hopefully I'll find installing the balloon quite straightforward.". Lay the rubber edge bumper onto the side of the frame/pegboard sandwich and measure the area for the rigid foam insulation. There could be a flue damper up towards the top of the flue. Do you leave logs in the fire even when you know youre not gonna burn them? You can then tighten the thumbscrew using a pair of pliers. Here are 21 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter. Bravo!! Inspect the fireplace for any gaps or cracks around the fireplace. Its, therefore, crucial to seal/block a fireplace opening if its not currently in use. 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. Regular chimney sweeps will help to eliminate this issue. Now add houseplants, bookshelves or completely brick-over the space. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Stopping a fireplace draft is not difficult. You can use a butter knife to help roll-squeeze it in. They attach over the front of a fireplace usually with magnets. You can ask a Lowes employee to cut down the rigid foam insulation for you so you can fit it in your car. Seal your fireplace insert with the Metal Effects Sealer if you want to make sure you dont get rust on anything! Kim, this is amazing!! I opted to use a fireplace draft stopper called a Flueblocker Its made of wool and fits snugly up the chimney out of sight. I liked how it worked and it was a good option if you dont have a table saw or track saw. 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). When I wasnt using my fireplace the flueblocker worked well and is more budget-friendly than some other options. While positioning the fireplace door against the hearth opening, mark out the spots where youll drill your screw holes for the floor brackets. Next, screw down the door to the firebox floor by simply driving the screws through the brackets and lead anchors. We are almost literally burning our money in our fireplaces! Finally, you want a cover that you can easily uninstall whenever you want to use the fireplace again. Do I need to make it a tight enough fit inside the fireplace opening so that the foam bumper keeps it from moving? I really am in love with this project, you should absolutely rust something!!! Excess build-up can cause a chimney fire. So, there's lots of different types of dampers. 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. A removable fireplace draft stopper is one possible solution. 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. Be careful operating any metal cords or levers after a fire is lit. Improve your fireboxs energy efficiency with the Tiffany fireplace screen from ARTZONE. 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. I also used velcro strips to hold it in place. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Decide the Size of Your Fireplace Hearth Cover. H Any time you want to use your fireplace, simply pull the cover out of the opening and slide it to the side. []. I was determined to search for all the information I needed to stop cold air drafts from bugging me in the winter. Any suggestions? There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. (If you dont own a rip cut or track saw, you can make your own DIY Track Saw for your circular saw here!). The steel/cast iron construction helps to prevent air from escaping. You may need to sand it down in a few places if it's too snug to slide in and out 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. 8 Ways to Follow on How to Make a Fireplace Hearth Cover. This continuous process of air moving up a chimney is known as the draft. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You can also have your pegboard cut at Lowes if you know your measurements upfront. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Of course if your fireplace is all straight lines this will be a slightly easier process. A chimney balloon is simply a form of balloon that you can blow up within your chimney to provide a tight seal. Measure the straight edges. Using Fireplace Draft Stopper Or Chimney Balloon. Its snug fit ensures that thisDIY draft stopper stands in the fireplace and effectively plugs any potential air leaks. Will Cleaning My Chimney Help Stop Cold Drafts? Learn how your comment data is processed. To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. 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 Stir Metal Effect Oxidizing Iron Paint well with stir stick. Also have them cut two pieces from a 2x4 to the same height as your fireplace opening. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Be sure to check and see if your base piece fits into your fireplace opening at this point and alter if necessary. Easy DIY home decor and craft projects for budget home decor. Please consider subscribing to get more contents like this on a weekly basis. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I opted to have my chimney swept, replace my chimney cap, and use a fireplace draft stopper when I am not using my fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement of log slices, glue each one into place with wood glue. Measuring 28-inches high and 43.6-inches wide, this screen sheet does a great job at covering up your fireplace hole. Fireplace draft guard cover. I used foam board covered with fabric as well as batting that I spray glued to the foam board. Also have them cut two pieces from a 2x4 to the same height as your fireplace opening. 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. Cut the paper and then try the pattern in the space. This process requires a free passageway for hot air and waste gases and smoke . https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/fireplace-hearth-birch-logs-lit-leaves.jpg, https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpg, 11 Things You Should Always Do Before Hiring a Tree Service. [6] 2 Purchase a draft guard online or in store. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Once you've exposed the raw masonry, mix up a batch of thinset concrete and spread it over the surface of the brick using a broad, flat hand trowel. Watch this video for a simple and inexpensive solution. Here are some solutions I found:-. 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. Remember measure twice cut once in wood working! Fireplace doors come in a variety of designs, and can either be temporary or permanent. A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install. Apply Oxidizing Iron Paint over entire surface with the other brush from your kit. LESLIE: Yeah. Again, thanks for sharing your project it inspired me to move my lazy buns and do something useful : ). Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Press the paper into the curve or shape and use a sharpie to draw an outline of your fireplace. Before deciding whether to purchase or hand-make a fireplace draft stopper, check out our list of the kinds of stoppers that are available. 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. It works to prevent drafty airflow when the chimney isnt in use. We lose a lot of heated air thru our fireplaces! This article has been viewed 67,365 times. Again spray lightly and add more if needed. 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. Learn more Everyone likes to cozy up in front of a fireplace during the cold months. Excellent diy, and thanks for sharing. How to Make A Burlap Carrot Door Hanger. 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. Finish off your fireplace hole cover installation project by hand-adjusting the clamps that secure the lintel bar to the hearth. You probably have a damper already. 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? Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs.. Thank you to Modern Masters for sponsoring this DIY project. Carefully punch it in. Then lay the rigid foam on top of the pegboard. ; Product Usage: The magnetic fireplace draft cover works to eliminate weather drafts Suitable season: The Magnetic Fireplace Draft Stopper is suitable for winter and summer.In winter, keep unwanted cold air out of your home to prevent heat loss.In summer, this fireplace vent cover can be used to keep hot and humid air out. Lots of ways to improve chimney draw exist. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year so build-up does not form. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. This year I decided to tackle the problem by investigating how to stop the cold air draft with a fireplace draft cover. Mark the cut lines on your pegboard material. It effectively guards against cold air coming in and heat escaping into the atmosphere while youre fast asleep. Fireplaces and chimneys- when left open- leak out lots of hot air while letting in cold air into the house. Other options are fireplace vent covers or adding glass doors to the fireplace to stop drafts from coming through. Also if you notice that smoke or fumes are present in the room this is another sign of p[oor airflow. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIY enthusiast covering everything from pests to painting to pool cabanas. Another option would be to buy foam insulation and wrap it with fabric and batting and simply fit it in the fireplace opening. Use a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes in the corners. Therefore, blocking the opening with bricks is not an option. You can then tighten the thumbscrew using a pair of pliers. Draft Decor's magnetic fireplace vent cover is machine precision cut to size. If it has a leak, replace the balloon. Installing glass doors to the front of an open-hearth fireplace can nearly double the fireplaces heat efficiency. Angel, there are some slight gaps not filled in by the bumpers, but most have been completely stopped by the draft stopper. % of people told us that this article helped them. Do you know of another material I could use on the back of the pegboard to get the same result? We recommend our users to update the browser. Silicone fireplace sealers- on the other hand- feature durable construction and can last for up to 20 years. Larger sizes slightly more. 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. 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. The main reason I had a cold air draft issue with my fireplace was that my home had poor airflow. Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. Remember the time I weather-stripped my garage doors? Thus, to completely keep cold air outside and hot air inside the house, we recommend covering these vents using a fireplace vent cover. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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.