We have a wood-burning fireplace that produces quite the draft when not in use. The fireplace is located on a wall that only extends up one floor and the flue extends upwards a further 10-15 feet. It is covered in siding but I do not think it is insulated at all. The front consists of two glass doors (bi-folding), with heat vents on either side and also along the top of the firebox. I think there is a draft coming down the outside of the flue directly into the house via those vents. Is there an easy way of preventing this breeze? Is there anyway to insulate this area? I was thinking of removing the fireplace front and trying to find fire/heat retardant insulation to fill the gap between the fireplace flue and the outer walls of the chimney.
Answer:
It cannot come in via the vents because there is no opening from one to the other. The chase the flue goes up through may need better sealing and the chimney cap may need attention. For fear of fire, I wouldn't dare put insulation into that cavity. Your ownerhip manual will show you a complete blow-up picture of the whole unit and the best you can do is confirm that the installation conforms to that.
