How To Seal A Fireplace Insert

Although the plating is more attractive than other alternatives it is extremely difficult to close the gap between the fireplace face and the insert completely thus allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter.

How to seal a fireplace insert. If a panel of a prefabricated metal fireplace develops extensive cracks or is beginning to crumble replace it with a new panel. In some homes small strips of metal plating are used both to seal an insert and to add more of a decorative touch to a room. 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. Using the loaded caulk gun lay down a bead of caulk to seal any and all gaps that you find.

Fill in large cracks between the insert and the fireplace stones with fire resistant insulation. If you intend on using it in the future install an insert constructed out of 2 rigid foam board glued to mdf. This helps your unit work more effectively. For a more lasting seal check out this diy article on how to permanently seal an unused fireplace.

When replacing a rear panel remove the side panels first. Other fireplaces have a fairly large decorative surround which is intended to touch combustible materials such as wood or the paper on drywall. With this silicate cement use a generous supply to fill in the gaps. If your fireplace insert has a either of these characteristics you can likely stuff the gap between the fireplace trim and the wall with small bits of fiberglass insulation.

Cover the hearth with an old blanket place the insert on top of the hearth place the surround against the insert to that it lies flat against the chimney mark out on the wall the area which needs to be opened up. You can seal off an unused fireplace by installing wood or light gauge metal framing insulation and drywall over the entire wall or opening. It should fit snuggly against the adjoining panels. How to permanently seal your fireplace.

This is a job that most do it yourselfers can handle. Simply remove the old panel by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and install the new panel. Seal around the insert using neoprene backer rod insulation.