How to Stop a Fireplace Side Air Draft

Gas Fireplaces

• 1

  Look inside the opening on your fireplace with a flashlight to identify exactly where the draft is originating. Holding a thin piece of paper loosely in your hand helps identify the drafts, particularly on a windy day. The paper wiggles near the source of the draft.

• 2

  Dust the area around the gas pipe if you spot an opening. Do this with a feather duster or a soft cleaning cloth. This allows the metal tape to adhere better.

• 3

  Cut the metal tape into sections that will cover the openings, using a pair of sharp scissors. Use the strips to seal the opening around the pipe. This prevents side air drafts from entering your home.

Fireplaces with a Damper

• 4

  Look inside the fireplace with a flashlight to identify the source of the drafts. Older or frequently-used fireplaces often have dampers that do not seal properly. Even a small space between the damper and firebox causes a chilly draft in your home.

• 5

  Blow up an inflatable fireplace draft stopper partially, using the breathing tube.

• 6

  Place the partially inflated draft stopper against the damper. If the damper has a metal handle that prevents the draft stopper from sitting flat against it, slit the draft stopper with a sharp knife in the correct area. Typically, the draft stopper has four or five sealed sections to choose from to accommodate your particular fireplace. Take care to not slit any inflatable section.

• 7

  Slip the metal handle of the damper through the opening you made with the knife. Press the draft stopper into place.

• 8

  Adjust the lock on the handle of the draft stopper by twisting it to the right until the handle rests securely on the floor of the firebox. This keeps the inflatable draft stopper securely in place.

• 9

  Blow into the breathing tube again until the draft stopper is fully inflated. Tuck the breathing tube up against the draft stopper to keep it out of view.