how to make a fireplace draft cover

Fill in the wood bead holes and mitered corner edges with wood filler. I chose to use the Kreg Rip Cut because I was anxious to try it out. 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. It was surprising to find how much heat loss a drafty chimney can account for. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. WOW! 1. This continuous process of air moving up a chimney is known as the draft. So, there's lots of different types of dampers. I especially love the beads on it! I also used velcro strips to hold it in place. Use a jigsaw to cut the curved edge and a table saw for the straight edges. I hope that helps!? Cut the pegboard to size. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney. I really am in love with this project, you should absolutely rust something!!! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Kim, this is amazing!! Use a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes in the corners. Home House & Components Parts of House Fireplace. Firmly secure the bumper to the sides of the frame with a staple gun. Its snug fit ensures that thisDIY draft stopper stands in the fireplace and effectively plugs any potential air leaks. 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? 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. 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 Stopping a fireplace draft is not difficult. By using our site, you agree to our. Heath inserts are combustion systems that improve the energy efficiency of fireplaces. Kim Jones and Salvaged Living, 2019. Your email address will not be published. Leave the plywood laying flat on the floor as the glue dries overnight. Larger sizes slightly more. How to Make A Burlap Carrot Door Hanger. Its not hard and you can complete it in an afternoon! Finally, you want a cover that you can easily uninstall whenever you want to use the fireplace again. Lay the rubber edge bumper onto the side of the frame/pegboard sandwich and measure the area for the rigid foam insulation. I am saving this post in hopes I will try this some day! 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. Standard chimney caps are cheaper and only seal the flue opening. Mila is passionate about living sustainability and encouraging others to do the same. 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. Thereis no additional cost to you. The problem is they arent very attractive to look at so might only be useful for a cabin. 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. This can lead to high energy bills as you spend more energy to heat up your home. Here are 21 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter. Bravo!! Any suggestions? Measure and Cut Your Fabric Measure the body pillow length and width then double it. I think this might be one of my favorite DIY projects ever. If youve never made mitered corners practice on some scrap wood, but it is just a 45 angle cut. The only thing that will work is a fireplace cover with insulation. Heat loss up a chimney can be as much as 73%. Cut insulation to size. 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! Advertisement Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse Tip Do you leave logs in the fire even when you know youre not gonna burn them? We promise not to over stuff your inbox! Genius! Blocking this cold air at the bottom vent and the top vent with our Magnetic Fireplace Vent Covers will stop this cold air. Although this is a older post I had a few ideas about the insert. Today Ill show you how to build a fireplace insert draft stopper! Well thank you Claire! Use insulating flameproof foam board by cutting out the correct shape, then pressing it in place under the damper. Be sure that the air pressure is turned down so the nails dont pierce through the back of the insulation. 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. Try not to overspray or pool the liquid. Fireplaces add a lovely layer of warmth and coziness to your home. He informed me that using a chimney cap worked to keep cold drafts out of his fireplace. How do you think of these things?!?! This. This insulated cover will also stop the smell from the fireplace. If you need to make the balloon fit better, push the corners of the balloon up into the chimney with your fingers. I checked my chimney cap/damper to ensure it worked properly. Regular chimney sweeps will help to eliminate this issue. It should be inset on the sides and top to allow room for the bumper (as shown in the photo below.). L x 32 in. Use a liberal amount of construction adhesive on the back of the reclaimed lumber frame. You canreadmore about affiliate links here.). Look through the trim selections and pick a style that goes with your decor. This fire-resistant hearth blanket from Fireplace Blocker effectively prevents drafty airflow via the fireplace opening. 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. ; 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. Get enough trim to finish out your straight edges. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. This year I decided to tackle the problem by investigating how to stop the cold air draft with a fireplace draft cover. But asInstructables maker mikeasaurus demonstrates, there is a third option: shutting out the cold with a few fallen branches and some simplescrap wood. This is because a chimney will normally draw air up it. Excellent diy, and thanks for sharing. I opted to have my chimney swept, replace my chimney cap, and use a fireplace draft stopper when I am not using my fireplace. If you find less of a draft, you know you need to allow better airflow in your home. Gently slide the fireplace cover into the opening in your fireplace. 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. You now have a no-fuss, faux fireplace. I used the kit with 8 oz. Like all draft king chimney covers, the outside mounting design provides maximum free air space and better draft while the attractive powder coat finish helps it stand up to the elements. Use a tape measure so you can determine what size draft guard you need. These types of fireplace draft stoppers also have the added benefit of preventing unwanted soot or wildlife from falling into the hearth. 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. 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. 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. well as help cut the energy bills for heating your home. Check the fit of the cut pegboard with the edge bumper inside the fireplace opening. Iron your fabric and mark your dimensions. 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. No. Open fireplaces help to remove byproducts from a fire from your home without any assistance needed from you. Installing a magnetic fireplace vent cover over those vents is a smart solution that stops cold air dead in its tracks. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Also have them cut two pieces from a 2x4 to the same height as your fireplace opening. Once you have your measurements hit the lumber yard or hardware store. Dry fit each piece and continue until youve filled the frame. 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 Of course if your fireplace is all straight lines this will be a slightly easier process. I used foam board covered with fabric as well as batting that I spray glued to the foam board. Again spray lightly and add more if needed. This rusty fireplace insert is a perfect draft stopper and makes your fireplace look gorgeous long after the winter fire burning months have passed. As a bonus, it also eliminates that big gaping black hole in the living room. A damper is a permanent fixture and can be manually opened and closed between fires to help stop a fireplace draft. LESLIE: Yeah. Tired of battling drafts that raise your heating costs when you havent used your fireplace in years? Press the paper into the curve or shape and use a sharpie to draw an outline of your fireplace. 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. If you'd like to order the. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. I have a similar brick-face fireplace and was about to do a similar cover using the rubber edge or bumper. 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. (Remember the time I weather-stripped my garage doors?) Once air is accumulated inside the fireplace, air pressure will build-up and exits out through those gaps. Do you know of another material I could use on the back of the pegboard to get the same result? If I could do my project again I would cut the baseboard smaller mine is a tight fit. 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.. The fireplace should be covered across the front, inside the home. Clamp the corners (use a square to maintain true 90 degree angles) and drive the pocket screws into place. As much as it bugs me to say, some chimneys cant be saved. Its the best! Again, thanks for sharing your project it inspired me to move my lazy buns and do something useful : ). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Why not seal off your fireplace permanently? Watch this video for a simple and inexpensive solution. Stand back and marvel at how realistic the stack of "logs" look, and how much style it instantly adds to your fireplace vignette! Yes, the wood insert needs to be built custom to the size of your fireplace opening. I may rust something! I used a 1/4 plywood piece as the base. Stopping this cold convection will give you a lot of relief. Improve your fireboxs energy efficiency with the Tiffany fireplace screen from ARTZONE. A removable fireplace draft stopper is one possible solution. Thank you! 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 I promise you cant even tell this fireplace cover is made from new materials! 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). Time to assemble the sandwich. Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs.. 8 Ways to Follow on How to Make a Fireplace Hearth Cover. 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. BY PHONE: If you prefer, you can give us a call to order by phone - 215-817-8229. Lots of ways to improve chimney draw exist. Measure 2 inches in from the side of the plywood and mark the point. 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. Lay each piece inside the frame and use the speed square to scribe a line where you need to cut. Gaps and cracks in your chimney masonry . Apply Oxidizing Iron Paint over entire surface with the other brush from your kit. This is meant as a permanent solution, rather than something I might want to remove and put back occasionally. 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. Inflatable chimney plugs/ balloons not only prevent air leaks, but also prevent critters and debris from entering your house. Lay the pegboard on top of the excess foam insulation and set the saw blade depth just below the pegboard. 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. A chimney balloon is simply a form of balloon that you can blow up within your chimney to provide a tight seal. Cover an outdated brick fireplace with contemporary tile. Nail each blanket corner to the back. We recommend our users to update the browser. It looks like a work of Art Enjoy. 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. 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. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Cut the paper and then try the pattern in the space. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIY enthusiast covering everything from pests to painting to pool cabanas. You can cover the foam with a cozy blanket or fun fabric to match your decor. 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! By being included in our newsletter delivery, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotional emails related to the Salvaged Living family. Even with the damper closed, there is a draft that escapes into the room. This Fireplace Insert Draft Stopper looks good year-round. To maximize the wood collected from the yard, he cut each into 2- to 3-inch-thick rounds using a bandsaw. Sanded and stained in richer tones, the branches take on the look of freshly chopped logs. Allow to dry 5 minutes or so and then lightly spray again. Seal your fireplace insert with the Metal Effects Sealer if you want to make sure you dont get rust on anything! Easy DIY home decor and craft projects for budget home decor. Stir Metal Effect Oxidizing Iron Paint well with stir stick. 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! Measure the height and width of your fireplace opening and ask your hardware store to cut a sheet of plywood to the exact dimensions. 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. Make sure to vacuum again.- Shove the diaper-wrapped insulation board into the hole. When we bought a house with a built-in fireplace in the mid-1990s, we looked forward to using wood to reduce the cost of heating . Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 67,365 times. 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. To do this, measure the length and width of your fireplace hearth. Meanwhile, some inserts feature blowers that drive warm air back into the house via the front vents. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. OVERSIZE: Width over 40 Wide AND Height over 32 High. Thus, to completely keep cold air outside and hot air inside the house, we recommend covering these vents using a fireplace vent cover. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. When there's a fire, cold air entering through the chimney can cause a downdraft and make it difficult to keep the fire burning. Learn how your comment data is processed. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. We may earn commission through affiliate links on this page at no additional cost to you. Free delivery for many products. We made something similar to this and it periodically falls forward. When you have a chance, please have your fireplace cover on, and then, cover the entire fireplace opening again with a 2mil plastic sheet. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 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! H Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. 1 x 4 cedar boards worked well for the frame. 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 Once you find the measurements, make sure you buy a guard that is at least the size of the opening. Once its dry and gently lodged in place, the living space gains a stunning new faux focal point that prevents hard-earned heating dollars from going up in smoke. 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. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. [6] 2 Purchase a draft guard online or in store. If you want to rust all the things now, then check out my supply list for links to the products I used here! Even if youve addressed the issues above a fireplace can still be drafty. % of people told us that this article helped them. We want to reflect heat back into the house.- Do a diaper wrap as shown in video. The pegboard should be loose, but allow the edge bumper to compress against the sides for a snug fit. 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. I measured from the inside of the mantel, side to side and the bottom to the top inside edge as well. Over time Ive addressed most of the pesky cracks and crevices that invite cold air into our home. Some people find that they work great at stopping a cold air draft, while others find that they do not work at all. You are exceedingly talented!! A top damper sits on top of the chimney and has a cord that runs down the length of the chimney. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. One of the best ideas I discovered was to install glass doors in front of the fireplace. Lightly spray the entire surface with Metal Effect Rust Activator. Hello Kim, I love your project, the rust effect is amazing. 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. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. The look is unbelievable, its like a rusty piece of tin that was made to be in my living room fireplace. Do I need to make it a tight enough fit inside the fireplace opening so that the foam bumper keeps it from moving? 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. 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. Cut a vertical support piece for inside the center of the frame and attach it with pocket hole joinery. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Will Cleaning My Chimney Help Stop Cold Drafts? Follow the wallpaper instructions for application. It wipes clean with a damp cloth and will last for years. 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. All covers are made to your measurements. You will need to have your chimney inspected if you think you might have this issue. After all, thats its job, to keep smoke from choking you. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It measures 32-inches high and 42-inches wide, thus will effectively cover the opening of a standard-sized firebox. Enjoy! Feel free to add a handle or decorative pull to the front of your insert. Please only use one picture with a link back unless individual permission is given otherwise by Salvaged Living. (Pssst. The best solution, in this case, is to replace the damper with a new, effective one. Allow first coat to dry and then use a second coat for complete coverage. Stopping a fireplace draft is not difficult. By Manasa Reddigari Updated May 25, 2021 6:47 PM. 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. But, there was one draft that Ive been meaning to serve an eviction notice to since the first winter we lived in our house. Lay the pegboard onto the reclaimed lumber and press firmly in place. Flehomo Fireplace Cover to Block Draft from Fireplace Vent . Apply the double-stick tape that came with the bumper to the sides of the frame. Then, tighten the screws using a wrench tool. 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. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year so build-up does not form. Looks like an attractive solution, but I before I build it I am wondering what keeps it from falling forward or backward? See Disclaimer for details. 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. This fireplace cover is super easy to make on your own and the perfect addition. All Flue-zees are shipped separately for a fee of $15.95 each to addresses in the U.S.A. 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. 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. Writing about practical steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment. If you wonder what to do with your fireplace in the summer months then this little rusty DIY project is just for you. In my case I subtracted .5 inches but .75 or even one would have been a bit better.- Cut the insulation board on a cutting board of some kind, piece of plywood, etc.- Confirm the cut insulation board fits in the hole, sanity check on your measurements.- Clean up any insulation scraps with vacuum, get rid of cutting board.- Lay out blanket, ideally squarish, that is at least a few inches wider (in its shortest dimension) than the insulation board's diagonal.- Lay the insulation board shiny side down.