Should the fireplace flue be open or closed?
You should keep the fireplace flue closed when you aren’t using it. This will prevent hot or cold air from escaping up the chimney. However, you should make sure that it is completely open before starting the fire and whenever you are using the fireplace. If you light a fire and it is closed, the smoke will enter your house.
Should you open the flue on a gas fireplace?
We’ve determined that the flue on a gas fireplace should stay open whenever the fireplace is in use or when the pilot light is on. If the flue were to be closed in either situation, there are severe safety concerns that could arise – including a greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or a structure fire caused by a buildup of toxins produced by the natural gas or propane burners.
How to close gaps in a fireplace?
- Wipe down the area where you will be applying the Sikaflex. ...
- Slide the tube of Sikaflex into a caulk gun. ...
- Cut off the tip of the nozzle at a slight upward angle with a utility knife. ...
- Position the tip of the Sikaflex just above the first seam or crack. ...
- Wipe away any excess Sikaflex that is not in the crack with a clean cloth. ...
How to fix a rusty outdoor fireplace?
‘To remove rust patches or stubborn marks, cut a pad of medium grade steel wool to rub away the rust and, wearing protective gloves, gently work away at it until it vanishes,’ says restoration expert Helaine Clare. To prime your cast iron fireplace for its final finish, use fine wire wool, but avoid cleaning the surface with water.
Should the damper be open or closed on a gas fireplace?
wood or gas . . . . always fully open the damper. If you're burning wood, keep it fully open until all the burning embers are completely burned out. If it's a gas log set, turn off the flames before the closing the damper as far as possible.
Can you close the damper when pilot is on gas fireplace?
If you have installed gas logs in your fireplace, the damper should never be closed. If you have a pilot light constantly burning under your gas logs, shutting the damper puts you, your family and your pets at severe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do you need to keep the flue open on a gas fireplace?
Because gas-log fires produce copious amounts of carbon monoxide, they have to vent outside in a fail-safe manner. That's why there is, or should be, a keep-open device attached to the damper in gas-log fireplaces.
Can you partially close the flue on a gas fireplace?
No. The damper must be in the fully open position when using a wood-burning fireplace. Partially closing the flue (chimney) damper can cause smoke to spill into the room when burning wood, or cause carbon monoxide (CO) to come into the room when using gas logs.
Can I leave the flue open overnight?
The smoke from burning wood contains carbon monoxide, so in order to prevent this toxic byproduct from entering your home, it is important to leave the flue open overnight. This enables a draft to carry the compound out into the atmosphere, instead of sinking down the chimney and saturating the room.
Is there a damper on a gas fireplace?
Is There A Damper On A Gas Fireplace? A damper won't be found on a gas fireplace. Dampers are traditionally found with chimneys of masonry fireplaces and if a gas fireplace is installed within an existing open fireplace then the damper must remain open in order for the gas fireplace to operate safely.
What happens if flue is closed?
Close it when it's not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home. The damper should be kept open until all embers are finished burning to prevent smoke from escaping into the home.
When can you close the flue?
You should close the damper on your fireplace once the fire and embers have all burned out. This prevents warm air in your house from escaping out the chimney. You should open the damper before lighting a fire and close it once the fire is done burning.
Can a gas fireplace cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit.
How do you block a flue on a gas fire?
0:221:22Bricking up Pre Cast Flue and Gas fire removal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo no damp can collect. Then he used the bonding plaster to put the first coat. On get all thatMoreSo no damp can collect. Then he used the bonding plaster to put the first coat. On get all that bonded on then a finishing plaster. So it's nice and smooth.
Is a damper and flue the same thing?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.
How do I know if my gas fireplace is vented?
A vented fireplace has attractive yellow and orange flames that lick upward around the sides of the ceramic logs. An unvented fireplace, by contrast, has much less striking flames. These flames tend to be smaller and bluer. As a result, an unvented gas fireplace won't create quite the same illusion as a vented one.
When can you close the fireplace damper?
A fireplace damper should always be kept open while the fire is burning. Furthermore, keep the damper open until all the embers are completely out; since smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide can enter the house. Once the ember bed is entirely out, close the damper.
What happens if fireplace damper is closed?
A closed throat damper will cause smoke to fill your house immediately when you start a fire. If you have a chimney with a closed top-mount damper It might take a few minutes for smoke to start filling the house, but you will eventually notice that there isn't enough airflow.
How do you use a damper on a gas fireplace?
To open or close the damper, lift the handle and push or pull to move the damper to the desired position. Replace the handle when the damper is in place.
Should the damper be open all the way?
The damper should be kept open until all embers are finished burning to prevent smoke from escaping into the home. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should always be closed. An open damper is like an open window, allowing large amounts of heat from the home to escape.
Why Close Off a Fireplace?
But owning a fireplace is a lot of work — too much for many people. If you hardly use your fireplace, the upkeep might be more than it’s worth. That’s one of the reasons people choose to close off a fireplace.
What is chimney damper?
A chimney cap damper seals a fireplace from the top. This style of damper is very secure; some even come with a rubber seal. “If you have a top closing cap damper, they are more efficient than bottom closing dampers,” explains Blaken. “Those would be the easiest, most temporary solutions.”
Can you close off a fireplace with brick?
There are more permanent options available to close off a fireplace, but they’re also more time consuming. “You can also cover/seal the fireplace opening with brick or drywall if you want to eliminate the fireplace altogether,” says Blaken. You could build a drywall fireplace cover or hire a pro to do it for you. Some drywall fireplace covers act like a plug and can be removed from the opening at will. This DIY fireplace insert is an attractive option. Closing a fireplace with brick is a bigger commitment.
Can you use a door for a fireplace?
You can also purchase doors for the fireplace opening. These seal the fireplace while adding to your home décor. Doors can be used in addition to the dampers mentioned above to “ maintain the look of the fire place without the function,” explains Blaken. Glass fireplace doors are a good option for people with curious kids and pets who might try to explore a fireplace left uncovered.
Is a gas fireplace insert good?
A gas fireplace insert is an excellent option for people who are tired of the wood-burning energy vampire. You might also use a gas fireplace more often, since you won’t have to keep firewood on hand and manually build a fire every time the mood strikes. They can be costly and usually require professional installation. However, it might be worth the cost if you’ll use it more often.
Can you seal a chimney?
You can purchase products that seal your chimney flue, such as this inflatable fireplace plug. They’re inexpensive and easy to install, and they come in many shapes and sizes to fit your fireplace’s dimensions. These flue sealers are another temporary way to close off a fireplace. You may also see them called draft stoppers. By leaving the opening clear, you can decorate the non-functioning fireplace.
Which form of flue setup is chosen for a direct vent gas fireplace?
Which form of flue setup is chosen for a direct vent gas fireplace will differ between each situation but can be commonly be seen as a dual vent arrangement where both the intake and exhaust vents sit next to each other through an external wall of a home.
What is the purpose of air in a gas fireplace?
Use air within a home to feed the combustion inside the gas fireplace.
What is a natural vent fireplace?
Natural vent gas fireplaces, also known as B-vent, traditionally sit within masonry fireplaces and utilize the associated chimney for removing waste air from a home. A natural vent gas fireplace will: Use air within a home to feed the combustion inside the gas fireplace. Exhaust waste air indirectly out of a home using a natural draft movement ...
What is the gas used in a ventless fireplace?
Ventless gas fireplaces use the oxygen within the air of a home to feed the fire and the by-products consist mainly of Carbon Dioxide and water vapor. Ventless gas fireplaces release waste air back into the air within a home and so no form of flue to the vent waste air outside is typically required.
What is a ventless gas fireplace?
A ventless gas fireplace, also known as vent-free or flueless, is designed to burn the fuel so cleanly that they’re rated for indoor use without any form of direct external ventilation such as a flue . Ventless gas fireplaces use the oxygen within the air of a home to feed the fire and the by-products consist mainly of Carbon Dioxide and water vapor.
What does it mean when a gas fireplace is vented?
If a gas fireplace is vented it means that waste air produced by the fireplace is allowed to leave a home. If a gas fireplace is ventless then there’s no external form of ventilation and all waste air from a ventless gas fireplace is released back into a home.
Where does the air intake vent go in a fireplace?
The air intake vent for a direct vent gas fireplace typically extends horizontally out the back of the fireplace and through an external wall of a home to the outside . This allows a direct vent gas fireplace to take air directly from outside.
Why should you adjust the flue on a fireplace?
The flue in your chimney lets you choose how much air flows up the chimney when using your fireplace. The flue should be adjusted to make sure that your fire is safe and efficient. You can adjust the damper to prevent air from escaping when you are not using the fireplace as well.
How to make sure flue is open?
If you have a top mount damper, you should pull the chain. When you pull it down, then the damper will spring open as long as you don’t secure the chain. This is a great way to make sure that the flue is open anytime you plan to start a fire.
How to tell if a chimney is open or closed?
One way to find out is to feel for a draft. When the flue is open, the air will circulate through the chimney, and you should be able to feel air that is the temperature of the outdoor air. You can also take a look in the chimney. Look up the fireplace to see if you can see the sky outside. If you have a throat damper, you will be able to touch it to see if it is open or closed.
Should you keep the flue open when you aren't using it?
You should keep the fireplace flue closed when you aren’t using it. This will prevent hot or cold air from escaping up the chimney. However, you should make sure that it is completely open before starting the fire and whenever you are using the fireplace. If you light a fire and it is closed, the smoke will enter your house. Keep the flue open until the fire is completely out.
Can you light a fire without opening the fireplace flue?
Lighting a fire without opening the fireplace flue will make smoke spill into the house, which can be very dangerous.
Is it important to open and close the flue?
It is important to open and close the fireplace flue at the appropriate time. I wasn’t aware of this. We enjoyed our fireplace this winter many times, and we are now in summer, and I realized that I left the flue open. So I researched the topic, and this is what I learned.
Should the Fireplace Flue Be Open or Closed?
You should keep the fireplace flue closed when you aren’t using it, but it is very important to open it all the way before you light a fire. You should keep it completely open until the fire is out all the way. When you aren’t using the fireplace, closing the flue will keep hot or cooled air in the home. An open flue is similar to opening a window, so keep it closed.
Can you burn natural gas and turn it into carbon monoxide?
Absolutely. Because you’re burning – you know, you’re burning natural gas; that’s going to convert to carbon monoxide. You’ve got to make sure that vents (ph) up the house; it’s not slightly open, it’s all the way open.
Is an unvented gas fireplace a manufactured unit?
TOM: Yeah, an unvented gas fireplace is a manufactured unit – you know, a steel unit – that’s made under very careful controls; and, frankly, even though it is designed to be unvented, we don’t like them. LESLIE: Mm-hmm. They really should always be vented. TOM: We would much prefer that they always be vented.
What happens if you don't clean your fireplace?
Clean Any Ashes. If you don’t frequently clean your fireplace throughout the season, you will undoubtedly have a pile of ashes left all over the firebox. Ashes aren’t only a nuisance if you breathe them in, they’re also corrosive.
What to look for when cleaning a fireplace?
When you’re finished cleaning, you can take a quick look over every easily-visible area of your fireplace to identify potential concern areas. You may notice sections with high corrosion, damaged brick or other signs of damage.
Why do you need a damper in a fireplace?
The damper in your fireplace helps you control the flow of air when your fireplace is being used or not. When you have an active flame going, you want to leave the damper open so the smoke can escape through the flue . But when you aren’t using your fireplace, leaving the damper open can allow warmth out and cold air in.
What is the best material for a fireplace grates?
This will help remove any deposits of corrosive byproducts from them and keep them looking spotless for years. Cast iron is a common type of material for fireplace grates. If you have cast iron , it will have been treated with iron paste that protects it from moisture damage.
How long does mold grow in a chimney?
Additionally, leaks in your chimney can allow mold to grow for weeks or months before you notice it. If you keep the glass door closed, or don’t use the room with your fireplace that often, the mold may grow out of control before you identify the symptoms.
How to tell if a chimney is damaged?
The easiest places for you to identify damage, are visible when looking directly into the firebox: the backing, the base and the visible walls.
Can a fireplace leak moisture?
While doors and windows are common places for leaks to spring up, your fireplace can also let moisture into your home. Moisture in a fireplace can be more problematic than in other places of your home. For starters, the tall flue is difficult to access for those without chimney tools or experience.
Why does my fireplace have a large opening?
This creates a lot of airflow. While this can be useful when starting a fire, too much airflow will cause most of the fire’s heat to be sucked up the chimney. In order to keep more heat inside the home, the damper can be adjusted to reduce the size of the opening. Restricting airflow will also cause the wood to burn more slowly and last longer.
How to see up chimney when damper is open?
Look in the firebox. Stick your head in the fireplace and look up. Remember to only do this when there is no fire. Can you see up the chimney? If so, the damper is open. Keep in mind that sometimes the flue is offset from the fireplace throat, which would obscure part of the chimney from your vision. In this situation, you will still see part of the chimney if the damper is open. You will not be able to see up the chimney at all when the damper is closed.
Why do all wood burning fireplaces have dampers?
Open fireplaces in older homes may not have a damper because the original builder decided it wasn’t necessary. Fireplaces were often a house’s main source of heat in the winter. People weren’t worried about a drafty fireplace because there was always a fire burning. Alternatively, the design of modern wood-burning cast iron stoves makes it where a damper is not needed. The stove’s flue is already the perfect size to regulate airflow during a fire, and the front door panel stays closed, preventing any drafts when the unit is not in use.
Why do you need to keep the damper open when you start a fire?
The damper should be open when you have a fire going to allow the smoke and carbon monoxide to flow up the chimney and out of your living space. If you start a fire with the damper closed, you will fill your home with smoke! It is important to keep the damper closed when no fire is burning, especially when the weather is cold, because the chimney will pull that warm air out of the house. This may cause your furnace to work harder to keep up, costing you even more money on your energy bill.
