6 Ways to Block and Close off a Fireplace

There are six ways to block and close off a fireplace:

  • Throat damper
  • Fireplace doors
  • Chimney cap damper
  • Seal the fireplace opening with drywall or brick
  • Fireplace inserts
  • Seal the flue

If you’re not using your fireplace, there are a few different ways you can block it off to keep heat and drafts from coming into your home. Here are six ways to block and close off a fireplace:

6 Best Ways to Close Off a Fireplace

Why Close Off a Fireplace?

There are a few reasons you might want to close off your fireplace. Maybe you live in a warmer climate and don’t use it often, or maybe you’re trying to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

In either case, blocking off your fireplace can help keep heat from escaping through the chimney and can also prevent drafts from coming into your home.

Close Off Fireplaces with a Throat Damper

One of the simplest and most effective ways to close off a fireplace is to install a throat damper. This is a metal plate that fits over the opening at the top of the fireplace.

When the damper is closed, it seals off the chimney so that air can’t flow through it. Damper plates are easy to install and can be opened and closed as needed.

Install Fireplace Doors

Install Fireplace Doors

Another option for closing off a fireplace is to install glass doors. These fit directly in front of the fireplace opening and can be opened and closed as needed.

They do a great job of sealing off the fireplace when they’re closed, and many models come with built- in screens so you can still use the fireplace even when the doors are open.

Close Off Fireplaces with a Chimney Cap Damper

If you have a chimney but don’t want to use it for a fireplace, you can still close it off with a chimney cap damper. This is a metal plate that fits over the top of the chimney. It has a handle on the outside so you can open and close it as needed.

Chimney cap dampers are a good option if you want to be able to use the chimney for other things, like a wood stove or furnace.

Seal the Fireplace Opening With Drywall Or Brick

Seal the Fireplace Opening With Drywall Or Brick

If you’re not using your fireplace and don’t plan to in the future, you can close it off by sealing the opening with drywall or brick. This is a more permanent solution, but it will completely block off the fireplace so that heat and drafts can’t come through.

Fireplace Inserts

Another option for closing off a fireplace is to install a fireplace insert. These are metal or glass boxes that fit inside the fireplace. They have their own doors and flues, so they can be used to close off the fireplace completely.

Many inserts also come with fans that help circulate the air, so they can actually be used to heat your home.

Seal the Flue

If you want to completely block off your fireplace, you can seal the flue. This is the metal or clay pipe that goes up the chimney. Sealing the flue will prevent anything from going up or down the chimney, so it’s a good way to make sure that heat and drafts don’t come into your home.

Conclusion

If you’re not using your fireplace, there are a few different ways you can block it off to keep heat and drafts from coming into your home. Damper plates, glass doors, and chimney cap dampers are all good options for closing off the fireplace. You can also seal the fireplace opening with drywall

Eugene Duke Pic

Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.

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