How to Stop a Fireplace Draft – An Ultimate Guide
Fireplaces are a source of warmth and joy as they keep your home cozy and comfy during the chilly seasons. But what if you start experiencing cold drafts out of the fireplace, you definitely won’t like it and would look for ways to stop those drafts immediately!
Not denying the importance of drafts, as they help draw smoke and harmful particles out of your chimney or flue to help keep your home out of the fire. Without drafts, these byproducts can enter your home during a fire.
These drafts are essential for lighting a home, but one drawback is that drafts can send in cold winds when the fireplace is not in use.
A downdraft fireplace problem is the second most common complaint about the heating unit (leaks are still number one). However, the cold air from the fireplace is controllable, and with a little knowledge and know-how tricks, a room with a fireplace can be made comfortable again.
So, to help you out on a major query of how to stop a fireplace draft, we’ve put together a complete guide to a drafty fireplace solution.
7 Steps to Stop a Draft From Fireplace
A drafty fireplace can cause discomfort in your home, as well as waste energy by letting out heated air. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to stop a drafty fireplace.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix this issue.
1. Identify the Source of the Draft
The first step in stopping a drafty fireplace is to determine where the air is coming from. This is best done on a windy day when the draft is more noticeable. Ensure to double check if the fireplace is also creating issues while being fully lit.
2. Check the Chimney
One common source of fireplace draft is a chimney that is not properly sealed. If you have a masonry chimney, check for cracks or gaps in the mortar between the bricks. You can also check the chimney cap to make sure it is secure in its place and not allowing air to pass through. If you have a factory-built chimney, make sure the chimney collar is securely attached to the chimney and the chimney cap is in place.
3. Check the Damper
Another common source of draft is a damaged or improperly installed damper. The damper is a metal plate located just above the firebox that opens and closes to allow smoke to escape and fresh air to enter the chimney. If the damper is not properly sealed, it can allow air to escape.
4. Check the Hearth
The hearth, or the area around the fireplace, can also be a source of draft. If you have a gas fireplace, make sure the gas line and vent are properly sealed. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure there are no gaps around the firebox that are allowing air to escape.
5. Check the Chimney Chase
The chimney chase is the structure that surrounds the chimney and helps to contain the smoke and exhaust. If the chimney chase is not properly sealed, air can escape from the chimney and into your home.
6. Install a Chimney Balloon
If you’ve checked all of the above and are still experiencing cold drafts, you can install a chimney balloon. A chimney balloon is an inflatable device that fits into the chimney and stops air from escaping. To install a chimney balloon, simply place it into the chimney and inflate it until it is snug against the sides.
7. Use a Chimney Draft Stopper
Another option to stop a drafty fireplace is to use a chimney draft stopper. A chimney draft stopper is a foam or silicone plug that is inserted into the chimney to block air from escaping. To use a chimney draft stopper, simply insert it into the chimney and adjust it as needed until it is snug against the sides.
8. Use Weatherstripping
If the draft is coming from around the fireplace doors or screen, you can use weatherstripping to seal the gaps. Weatherstripping is a flexible material that is applied to the sides of the doors or screen to create a tight seal.
9. Hire a Professional
If you have tried the above steps and the draft is still present, it may be time to call in a professional. A professional chimney sweep or fireplace repairman can assess the problem and recommend the best solution.
What Causes a Drafty Fireplace?
If the fireplace is not in use then you can consider it and the chimney as the gateways to outdoor openings. Both the indoor and cold outside air will flow in the direction of pressure. Now there are certain things that affect the pressure difference including;
- Wind direction (Wind induced downwind)
- Chimney height
- Fireplace location in the house
- Temperature difference between inside and outside the house
- Chimney use (gas flue or wood burning fireplace)
- House ventilation (chimney and top house height)
By understanding what causes cold air to flow down the chimney, you can diagnose the cause and find solutions to cold stove problems. Stopping a drafty fireplace is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. All you have to do is to perform some checking on the chimney and fireplace components.
Avail the Assistance of Magic Mountain Chimney to Stop a Fireplace Draft (H2)
Still can’t stop the downdraft of the fireplace? No worries, you can always count on Magic Mountain Chimney professionals to repair and maintain the fireplace or chimneys. Our fireplace repairman will diagnose the cause of your fireplace drafts and propose solutions that will help in the longer run.
If you reside in Maryland and nearby areas and are looking for fireplace repair and maintenance, you can contact Magic Mountain Chimneys. We are experts in sweeping, maintaining, and installing chimneys, stoves, fireplaces, and vents. Book your appointment now or call us at 301-695-6991.
