How To Fix A Drafty Fireplace?

How to Fix a Drafty Fireplace

A drafty fireplace can be a major inconvenience, wasting energy and making your home uncomfortable. But don’t despair – there are a number of simple and effective ways to fix a drafty fireplace.

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of drafts and the best ways to seal them up. We’ll also provide tips on how to make your fireplace more efficient and how to keep it clean and safe.

So if you’re tired of dealing with a drafty fireplace, read on for all the information you need to know!

Problem	Solution	Instructions
Drafty fireplace	Install a fireplace damper	1. Remove the old damper. 2. Install the new damper according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 3. Reattach the fireplace doors.
Cracks in the masonry	Seal the cracks with a high-temperature sealant	1. Clean the cracks thoroughly. 2. Apply the sealant to the cracks. 3. Allow the sealant to dry completely.
Loose or missing mortar	Repoint the masonry	1. Remove the loose or missing mortar. 2. Mix new mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 3. Apply the new mortar to the joints. 4. Use a trowel to smooth the mortar. 5. Allow the mortar to dry completely.

How to Fix a Drafty Fireplace?

A drafty fireplace can be a major inconvenience, wasting energy and making it difficult to stay warm. There are a number of ways to fix a drafty fireplace, depending on the source of the problem.

Identifying the Source of the Draft

The first step to fixing a drafty fireplace is to identify the source of the problem. Here are some common causes of drafts:

• Cracks in the fireplace walls or chimney: Cracks in the fireplace walls or chimney can allow cold air to enter the house. Look for cracks around the fireplace opening, in the chimney, and in the walls behind the fireplace.
• Improperly installed or damaged damper: The damper is a metal plate that closes off the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. If the damper is not installed properly or is damaged, it can allow cold air to enter the house.
• Poorly fitting fireplace doors: Fireplace doors should fit snugly against the opening to prevent air from leaking in. If the doors are loose or damaged, they can allow cold air to enter the house.
• Chimney cap that is loose or missing: The chimney cap is a metal cover that protects the top of the chimney from the elements. If the chimney cap is loose or missing, it can allow cold air to enter the house.

Sealing the Cracks

Once you have identified the source of the draft, you can take steps to seal the cracks. Here are some tips:

• Use a high-temperature caulk or sealant to seal any cracks in the fireplace walls or chimney. Be sure to use a sealant that is specifically designed for use in high-temperature environments.
• Make sure that the damper is properly installed and closes tightly. If the damper is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Replace any damaged or ill-fitting fireplace doors. Be sure to choose doors that fit snugly against the opening.
• Secure a loose or missing chimney cap. If the chimney cap is loose, you can use a chimney clamp to secure it in place.

Other Tips for Reducing Drafts

In addition to sealing the cracks, there are a few other things you can do to reduce drafts from your fireplace:

• Keep the fireplace doors closed when the fireplace is not in use. This will help to prevent cold air from entering the house.
• Install a fireplace screen. A fireplace screen will help to keep warm air inside the fireplace and cold air out.
• Install a heat baffle. A heat baffle is a metal plate that reflects heat back into the room. This can help to reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the chimney.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce drafts from your fireplace and make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

3. Improving the Draft

If your fireplace is drafty, there are a few things you can do to improve the draft.

• Add a spark arrestor to the chimney. A spark arrestor is a metal screen that sits at the top of the chimney and prevents sparks from escaping into the atmosphere. This can help to prevent creosote buildup, which can block the chimney and reduce airflow.
• Install a baffle in the chimney. A baffle is a metal plate that is installed inside the chimney to help improve airflow. It works by redirecting the smoke and gases up the chimney, rather than allowing them to escape through the fireplace.
• Clean the chimney regularly. Creosote is a flammable substance that is produced when wood burns. It can build up inside the chimney and block the airflow, which can lead to a drafty fireplace. Cleaning the chimney regularly will help to remove creosote buildup and improve airflow.

4. Maintaining a Draft-Free Fireplace

Once you have fixed the draft in your fireplace, there are a few things you can do to maintain a draft-free fireplace.

• Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. The damper is a metal plate that controls the airflow in the chimney. When the damper is closed, it prevents air from escaping from the chimney and helps to keep the draft in check.
• Clean the chimney regularly. As mentioned above, creosote is a flammable substance that can build up inside the chimney and block the airflow. Cleaning the chimney regularly will help to remove creosote buildup and improve airflow.
• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year. A professional chimney sweep can inspect your chimney for damage and clean it out, ensuring that it is safe and draft-free.

A drafty fireplace can be a nuisance, but it can also be a safety hazard. By following these tips, you can fix a drafty fireplace and enjoy a warm, cozy fire without the worry of a draft.

How do I know if my fireplace is drafty?

There are a few signs that your fireplace may be drafty. These include:

• Smoke coming out of the fireplace when it is not in use
• A cold draft coming from the fireplace, even when it is lit
• A lack of heat coming from the fireplace
• The fire going out quickly

What are the causes of a drafty fireplace?

There are a number of things that can cause a drafty fireplace. These include:

• A cracked or broken fireplace damper
• A loose or missing fireplace hearth
• A gap between the fireplace and the wall
• A gap between the fireplace and the chimney
• A blocked chimney

How can I fix a drafty fireplace?

There are a number of ways to fix a drafty fireplace. The best solution for you will depend on the specific cause of the draft.

• If the damper is cracked or broken, you will need to replace it. You can find dampers at most home improvement stores.
• If the hearth is loose or missing, you will need to secure it in place. You can use masonry adhesive or screws to secure the hearth.
• If there is a gap between the fireplace and the wall, you will need to seal it. You can use a fireproof sealant to seal the gap.
• If there is a gap between the fireplace and the chimney, you will need to seal it. You can use a fireproof sealant or a chimney balloon to seal the gap.
• If the chimney is blocked, you will need to have it cleaned. You can hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney.

What are the safety risks of a drafty fireplace?

A drafty fireplace can pose a number of safety risks, including:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Fire hazards
• Structural damage

How can I prevent a drafty fireplace?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a drafty fireplace, including:

• Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.
• Seal any gaps around the fireplace.
• Have your chimney cleaned regularly.
• Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying out of the fireplace.

Additional resources

• [How to Fix a Drafty Fireplace](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-fix-a-drafty-fireplace-4171728)
• [Chimney Safety](https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/publications-and-graphics/safety-data-sheets/chimney-safety)

  Drafty fireplaces can be a nuisance, but they can also be a safety hazard. By following the tips in this article, you can easily fix a drafty fireplace and enjoy a warm, cozy fire without the worry of drafts.

First, you need to identify the source of the draft. This can be done by burning a piece of paper in front of the fireplace and watching where the smoke goes. If the smoke goes up the chimney, then you don’t have a draft problem. If the smoke goes out the sides or back of the fireplace, then you have a draft problem.

Once you have identified the source of the draft, you can fix it by sealing up any gaps around the fireplace. You can use a caulking gun to seal up any cracks around the fireplace opening. You can also use weatherstripping to seal up any gaps around the doors and windows of the fireplace.

If you have a masonry fireplace, you can also try to seal up the cracks with mortar. However, this is a more difficult and time-consuming process. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.

In addition to sealing up the gaps around the fireplace, you can also try to reduce the draft by using a fireplace damper. A damper is a metal plate that fits inside the chimney and helps to control the flow of air. When the damper is closed, it reduces the amount of air that can enter the chimney, which helps to reduce the draft.

By following these tips, you can easily fix a drafty fireplace and enjoy a warm, cozy fire without the worry of drafts.