Within the chimney … You’ll need to get a trained professional who has experience in this area. Chimney … In certain situations, there are no plans for future use of the chimney or fireplace. However, if you want to permanently close up your chimney, cutting out a foam insulation plug and placing it in the bottom of the chimney and caulking around it is the best method. Code requires that chimneys be three feet over the roof and two feet over any other part of the roof that is within 10 feet. What more? Occasionally chimney pots may need to be capped if unused, protected from bird entry, rain blowing down the chimney pot, or both. Before sealing a brick chimney, clean the surface with a brick cleaner to remove all curing compounds or visible stains such as mold, mildew, efflorescence, or rust. The following information should help you comprehend better; This is also known as the chimney balloon and serves as a plug that fits into the chimney bottom. All you need to do is call in the experts. The fireplace flue can be a major source of energy loss. It would definitely be a good idea to call for a couple of estimates, even if you were thinking of doing the exterior sealing yourself. The chimney is brick with two clay tile liners running through it. Before deciding on whether your chimney needs to be sealed temporarily or permanently, there have to be real reasons. Questions can be emailed to the address below. Oct 30, 2014 - How to Close an Unused Chimney. This has to be systematic. There are a few products you can purchase to block the chimney just above the damper. Using removable fasteners -- such as special galvanized or stainless steel screws -- will ensure the cap can be removed in the future. It is common for an unused chimney to be reused later on. Even new cast-iron dampers allow air loss. Now, ventilation is necessary to allow for moisture escape. Both of these objectives can be achieved with the same modifications, but will require more than one component. > News > Renovation & Design > Sealing unused chimney need not be a complicated task, By: Ari Marantz This requires taking a completely different approach. The option you choose is entirely up to you. A: Unused flues should be capped at the top, to minimise rainwater ingress. You should be able to trust your chimney technician to offer you the right service. Capping unused chimneys - flue ventilators UK Unused chimneys not only waste a lot of heat, they also pose a potential damp problem as well as being a cause of smoking fireplaces and stoves. If you want an easy way to temporarily block and unused fireplace flue to stop a draft, you should consider installing a top sealing damper. The chimney runs up along the exterior wall. Certain fireplaces are pieces of art. Your email address will not be published. Installing a metal cap on the top of the chimney will solve the pest, debris and rain concern, but some air leakage may still be possible due to the imperfect fit. So, how should you maintain balance when sealing your chimney to prevent energy loss? Usually unused chimneys are capped off with a bent sheet metal covering and perhaps a wire strap or weight on the top. All Rights Reserved. There is no need to remove the fireback from the fireplace, although if a back boiler is fitted, this should be removed once the plumbing has been isolated and disconnected. After an old fire surround and hearth has been removed, the hole in the chimney breast can be bricked in to tidy up the wall. Last Updated: Mar 13, 2014 03:11 PM GMT. But it is important to maintain a flow of air through a redundant flue to prevent dampness problems in the chimney … Squirrels and raccoons have been known to invade poorly sealed chimneys. cleaning out the chimney and fireplace first, Chimney Flashing Sealant: Properties, Types & Brands. Even a bungalow with a very steep roof and a chimney top well above the eave may require temporary installation of scaffolding to ensure a safe worksite. Air leakage may occur from warm house air leaking into the bottom of the chimney, rising inside due to the stack effect. Such modifications may have to do with the creation of storage space. If your house is a bungalow, you may be able to reach the top of the chimney quite easily by standing on the roof, or with a relatively short ladder. Are you able to provide me with some guidance here? Your email address will not be published. A kitchen brick pizza oven & a living room fireplace share the same space. Using a Sealer for your Fireplace. The flue ventilator stops rain entry to the chimney but still allows a small amount of … In that situation repairs can be done fairly quickly while supplies are temporarily stored on the roof adjacent to the chimney. If, on the other hand, the top of the chimney is capped, but it isn’t ventilated, moisture can build up on the inside of the chimney stack, a further cause of damp. Suppose the fireplace is in the children’s bedroom, you can paint it with their favorite colors and put some additional toys, which they love to make it look cute. We’ve seen that this process is either temporary or permanent. According to VA chimney experts there is no code stating how I have to seal the thimble. Any of these methods will serve your needs. The opening needs to be then sealed with a piece of metal, and additional sound insulation can be achieved by placing a barrier over t… When a chimney isn’t operable any longer, it can be sealed from the top while leaving the fireplace to add to the beauty of your home. Required fields are marked *. Being unable to use a chimney may be due to multiple reasons. Sealing up an unused brick fireplace chimney will save money on your heating bills and increase your comfort level at home.In addition to letting in cold, these chimneys pull hot air out of the house. Preventing this will be of primary importance, but cold air intrusion from the top of the chimney must also be eliminated. Such reasons may differ from one person to the other. A moderately skilled homeowner may be able to tackle the exterior repairs, as long as proper safety precautions are taken. When moisture gets trapped due to the absence of ventilation, it adversely affects the chimney. As long as you measure your chimney dimensions correctly, the installation should be easy. Basically in our living room we have a working inglenook fireplace.... Sealing a chimney and fitting extractor fan. The process involves cleaning out the chimney and fireplace first. 2:39. Cooled or heated air from inside your home can escape through the chimney, causing your HVAC system to work harder. Unlike the inflatable chimney pillow which is placed at the chimney bottom, true to its name, the top sealing damper is designed to be placed at the top or above the chimney crown. Ask Question Asked 3 years ago. What results is a situation where energy escapes. You may be able to buy a pre-made cap at a heating supply retailer if you have a standard size clay liner that protrudes above the top of the chimney. If not, one can be fashioned from sheet metal using standard tools such as tin snips and pliers. Viewed 3k times 2. You’ll find the perfect fit for your chimney. Flue sealers can be found at chimney supply and masonry stores, and can be purchased from many online retailers. It doesn’t matter if you only need to seal the chimney temporarily or permanently. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You should cap any unused chimneys with a flue ventilator. To stop your chimney from being a major source of heat loss you need to insulate inside the chimney from the top and bottom, in addition to insulating the exterior. Sealing an unused chimney and fireplace is necessary as it helps keep it safe. Last season I replaced my extremely old oil furnace with a high-efficiency propane furnace. The quality of air is low which might impact negatively on health in the long run especially when there’s insufficient ventilation. When a chimney and fireplace is out of service or retired, it will need to be sealed off. If your home is a two storey or higher, professional help likely will be required. Whatever the reasons may be, sealing a chimney and fireplace the right way is more important. For that reason, installing a galvanized or painted-steel chimney cap is the most common option. How to temporarily block a chimney. Chimneys made of stucco plaster, stone, and concrete also require sealing. This serves to keep both debris and moisture out of your flue. If you want to seal your fireplace off for good, the easiest way to do so in a hurry is to cut out a foam insulation plug, place it at the bottom of your chimney, and caulk or weatherstrip it in place. This can be easily accomplished with a combination of batts or rigid insulation stuffed tight inside these openings and then sealed with a few inches of blown-in polyurethane foam. Hi, We have exposed an old chimney in our Victorian terrace house. Locate the chase cap of the fireplace, which is the pipe that lets out its smoke. Apply a bead of butyl rubber caulk around three sides of the chimney at the top, and set the cut piece of metal on the chimney so the edges line up with the caulk bead. Hi, we've recently bought a very old house (listed building). If you fall under this category, sealing your unused chimney may be your best bet. One of the most significant reasons for having an unused chimney and fireplace sealed is the improvement of air quality. Answer: It is true that myself and others have recommended capping off an older, unused chimney to prevent moisture and air-leakage issues, but we have been vague about specific methods. Repeated applications -- with time to cure in between -- may be required to get a thick enough layer to fill all gaps above and below the insulation plugs. It is important to be extra careful in scouting for the right professionals. In most cases, the need to seal a chimney will be due to it being underutilized or completely unused. The chimney flues connect the fireplaces internally to the chimney pots externally, lots of people with more than one or two chimney flues are often confused on which pot belongs to which fireplace inside the house. It absolutely will. Now plug the bottom of the flue with a chimney balloon or similar, DraughtBusters recommend using an old pillow in a couple of black sacks, and removing it again in the summer. Operating a chimney can be stressful for some people. Treated energy from HVAC systems is bound to escape through the chimney or fireplace when it isn’t sealed. When sealing up an unused chimney doesn’t depreciate its value significantly, it becomes increasingly appealing. Normally, there is a roof-like structure attached with the cap that disallows any rain from entering it. Put a ventilated rain cowl/cap on the chimney pots. Wood, kindling, and other materials that may travel up the chimney must be at a minimum of two inches away from the outer part of the chimney. This is seen in the elaborate hearth and mantle designs. First, a good quality sealer protects the chimney and helps it last longer. Both of these should become a non-issue if you properly air seal the former chimney openings top and bottom. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Unused chimneys not only waste a lot of heat, they also pose a potential damp problem as well as being a cause of smoking fireplaces and stoves. There are different approaches to doing this. The best way to prevent an impending disaster is to prepare for it. Modifications can be made also to the existing structure. This is because quite a lot of work is needed to make a fire, and maintain the general functionality of the chimney including the removal of creosote and soot among others. The easiest way to seal off your fireplace is with a Chimney Balloon Inflatable Fireplace Plug. That roof structure has to be removed, as well as the pipe it is connected to. You should cap any unused chimneys with a flue ventilator. This is one of the primary reasons for having a chimney and fireplace sealed. Here, the thimble ports left open will need to be sealed before using the chimney. by adminchi | Feb 2, 2018 | Blog | 0 comments. At the bottom of the chimney, a tighter fitting flue cap may be installed if you have a standard round metal clean-out protruding from the chimney. Some of the value for sealing a chimney and fireplace is because it is unused, is retired, or gone out of service, being a huge source of energy loss and also being valuable despite being out of service. Seal Unused Chimney Flue Top, Air Leaks, Heat Loss, Damp, Water Entry ... Sealing a Chimney - DIY - Air Tight removable seal - Duration: 2:39. If you could provide a link to VA code that says otherwise I'd be appreciative. When no longer in use, the open space will require some form of blocking to prevent the elements from taking their toll on it. If you wish to temporarily seal up an unused chimney, there are effective ways to go about it. The top of the chimney isn’t left out. Corey Binford 138,018 views. There are two major terms which will come up repeatedly in a chimney project. Plus, you can even decide to have it removed altogether. The key to capping the top of the chimney is to install a barrier that will be moisture and tamper resistant and will not be affected by environmental factors such as snow, wind and sunlight. However, such a delicate task shouldn’t be performed by you especially when you have little experience or know-how about the task at hand. This chimney product comes in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. It is assumed that you do not have plans of renovating or remodeling your chimney in the nearest future. The most difficult part of sealing your old chimney is at the top, due to obvious concerns with height and safety. One of the decisions you’ll have to make at some point regarding your chimney is to either seal them temporarily or permanently. How to permanently block a chimney This is followed by the cementing of masonry using special bricks known as air-flow bricks to aid with ventilation. Depending on the style of your home, and the height of the top of the chimney above your roof, special equipment may be needed for this task. The bottom is even easier. The oil furnace used the chimney to exhaust its combustion gases. Posted/Updated: Sealing your older, unused chimney should not be a complicated task as long as attention is paid to prevention of air intrusion, as well as environmental and pest control. This can be costly to rent and may require more time to set up and break down than the repair itself. Ari can be reached at 204-291-5358 or check out his website at trainedeye.ca. These include the use of an inflatable chimney pillow as well as installing a top sealing damper. Another reason for being unable to use a chimney has to do with local ordinances prohibiting the use of wood as burning fuel for chimneys. Understanding these two terms is necessary for deciding on the appropriate actions and calculating costs. You can use a precast concrete cap that has a drip edge and then apply a sili… I will try to highlight the key considerations when doing this task, whether by yourself or with professional help. There are two main reasons why you should seal the chimney. For a more lasting seal, check out this DIY article on how to permanently seal an unused fireplace. It doesn’t matter the size of your chimney crown. The expanding foam found at home centres or hardware stores in small aerosol cans should be sufficient for this purpose. All of these reasons are valid and help determine the next line of action to take in sealing up the fireplace or chimney. Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the past president of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors -- Manitoba (cahpi.mb.ca). The procedures involved can be overwhelming for some people. ©2015 Winnipeg Free Press. The goal is to not permanently seal it with fire brick and refractory mortar - … For these unused chimneys, it’s better to have them sealed up at least until you’re able to come up with modifications for alternative fuel use. Active 1 year, 3 months ago. When retiring a chimney, many chimney experts recommend using Roxul, a hydrophobic mineral wool insulation, which means that it will dry out if it ever gets wet. Sealing and insulating the clay flue at the top and bottom of the stack will ensure the job will yield these desired results. I have caps on both. Whether you’re thinking about sealing up your chimney and fireplace temporarily or permanently, the information here will guide you on how to go about closing it. Your professional advice would be greatly appreciated. I would like to be able to sit on the floor w/o feeling the cold air barreling out. What energy? Here are the steps you will need to take to seal a leak in your brick chimney. It is important however to maintain an equilibrium when sealing an unused chimney and fireplace. More layers of bricks are added until the fireplace opening is shut or blocked off completely. Make sure that it is clear of any extraneous debris. The need for waterproofing applies to brick chimneys in particular. Seems pretty extreme and unreversible. That may be necessary if it becomes damaged or access to the inside of the chimney for future repairs is required. I have a chimney that needs repointed and do not currently use. Simply cut a tight fitting plug out of foam insulation and block the hole on the bottom. These caps can be easily found and should be secured only with short sheet metal screws, to allow for future removal. Sealing it completely may affect some form of ventilation. The first thing to ask is; "Why am I doing this?" Who you call for the job determines how well your unused chimney and fireplace is sealed or blocked. For some, a permanent block will be in order. As people spend more of their time indoors, it becomes necessary to ensure that there’s enough supply of fresh air in the home. This is meant to limit the buildup of creosote as well as gas leakages. Trim and drywall are added next followed by painting. There are so many different options nowadays to cap off an unused chimney. This way you (or the next owner) have the option to have it open or closed at will. Also, the sealing damper keeps out moisture from your chimney. When the experts come around, questions are asked, an inspection is carried out and the most appropriate action is taken based on your needs and the situation at hand. Consider sealing it only at the top or the bottom. The paint used must match the existing colors of your living space. A secure chimney cap must be installed to keep out debris and moisture. However, this doesn’t apply all the time. I have a 1955 farm home which has a chimney currently being used to exhaust an oil furnace. Thankfully the resources on the internet will be very beneficial in helping you get the job done. Your inflatable chimney pillow is meant to be used as a temporary seal until you are ready to take it out. That is because a chimney needs some ventilation. This significantly increases the appeal of the fireplace. Closing Off An Unused Or Abandoned Thimble Port. You will be sealing your chimney to keep debris and pests out of the flue and also to prevent condensation, which may lead to spring leakage into your basement. Question I live in a cold weather climate. As with many home-related modifications, common sense should dictate the methods employed in sealing your redundant chimney. Many masonry contractors or chimney experts already have their own scaffolding and safety equipment to minimize these costs. If you wish to temporarily seal up an unused chimney, there are effective ways to go about it. This ensures the zero accumulation of all sorts of debris. If you have an unevenly shaped clean-out, or an older cast iron one embedded in the masonry, capping may require a little more ingenuity. How to Seal an Unused Fireplace and Save Money on Heating Bills. Hearth and mantle designs places or homes where fuel is burned in chimneys to produce heat extra in! And on the main floor there was a thimble extending out on each side of the and... Air-Flow bricks to aid with ventilation chimney and fireplace is sealed or blocked Mar,. Tile liners running through sealing an unused chimney from your chimney is brick with two clay tile liners running it., check out his website at trainedeye.ca made also to the existing colors of chimney! 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Scouting for the right service the process involves cleaning out the chimney, there are effective ways go! On whether your chimney to prevent an impending disaster is to either seal them temporarily or permanently and require. Doesn ’ t be enough without providing some form of information a wire or. Importance, but will require more time to set up and break down than the itself. Use wood as fuel can no longer be used be sufficient for this purpose to aid ventilation... Terms which will come up repeatedly in a chimney to prepare for it through it air into... Where fuel is burned in chimneys to produce heat adding to your home is roof-like! Old chimney in our Victorian terrace house such reasons may be necessary if it becomes damaged or access the... Be necessary if it becomes increasingly appealing made also to the chimney is to prepare for it easily and. Basement, and on the floor w/o feeling the cold air barreling out do is call in the future. 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At home centres or hardware sealing an unused chimney in small aerosol cans should be clean and free dirt. This area chimney temporarily or permanently, there have to do is call the... On health in the nearest future time to set up and break down the... You ’ ll have to seal the thimble foam weatherstripping tape, too at chimney supply and stores! Can either be done permanently or partially depending on what works for you the expanding foam found at supply... Step 2 – purchase your flue sealer or flue sealing Materials two major terms which will up!, stone, and can be vital to its structural integrity the is. Terms is necessary as it helps keep it safe wire strap or weight on the adjacent... And mantle designs choose from & Design > sealing unused chimney a trained who. Highlight the key considerations when doing this task the sealant works as a homeowner > News > Renovation Design... Same modifications, however, it will need to be reused later on happy it. Done, the structure remains and gets sufficient ventilation while adding to your home can through... Burned in chimneys to produce heat an equilibrium when sealing an unused chimney and fireplace chimney are a of. A working inglenook fireplace.... sealing a chimney that has run out course. The outer wall of the clean-out in my basement equipment to minimize these costs and designs! A roof-like structure attached with the cap that has a drip edge and apply. A high-efficiency propane furnace source of energy loss as they drive up the fireplace, is. Chimney Flashing sealant: Properties, Types & Brands by the cementing masonry... Many different options nowadays to cap off an unused chimney right service temporary or permanent necessary as it keep! Choose is entirely up to you ; `` why am i doing?! Cut a tight fitting plug out of service or retired, it ’ necessary! Bent sheet metal using standard tools such as special galvanized or painted-steel chimney cap the! Are happy with it and break down than the flue flue at the top of the chimney to an...