How to Reduce the Draft From a Masonry Fireplace

Use a quality draft stopper that requires little assembly, such as a urethane pillow. Measure the size of your fireplace before purchasing the draft stopper to avoid buying one that is too large or too small for your chimney.

Use a flashlight to inspect your chimney for screws, nails, mortar and other sharp objects that can possibly damage the draft stopper. Hammer down or remove sharp objects with a hammer or your gloved hands. Use a broom to remove excess soot and debris.

Inflate your draft stopper pillow through the product's inflation tube according to the manufacturer's directions. You may also use an air pump to decrease the amount of time spent inflating the stopper. Use the tool's support handle to fit it into the chimney while still partially deflated, then inflate the rest of the pillow until it completely seals the fireplace's airway.

Deflate the pillow before using the fireplace by opening the pillow's valve. Use the handle to remove the pillow from the fireplace and keep it in a plastic bag or box until needed.