aroundthehorn

House is from the 20s, old East Hill sort of deal.

The issue is that the fireplace was originally a coal fireplace (i.e., very shallow) that services two rooms. So, there is the chimney on top that services two separate fireplaces that are back to back, with a brick wall in between them.

Only one side of it has been sealed off where the smoke would go out into the chimney. On the other side there is a gap that goes straight to the chimney and out (where the smoke would go), taking along cold or hot air depending on the season and the temperature.

My question is, what are my best options for putting a seal on top of the chimney to block the flow of air? Have seen a couple of videos, but they aren't from hurricane prone areas.

shootnstarz

You want to permanently seal the flue or just cap the chimney?

Rick

aroundthehorn

I'd prefer just to cap it right now, maybe permanently seal at a later date... TIA for any help.

Edit: there's already a "cap." What I am asking about is the best way to stop the airflow going from inside the house.

johnsonbeachbum

Maybe build a set of what looks like cabinet doors with insulation in behind and secure the door to the face of the fireplace ?
That way your not radiating the heat or the cold to the out-of-doors via the chimney.
No outside work at all.

timeflies

I could be missing something in the problem, so keep that in mind here.....

Can you get on the roof, take out enough of the chimney from the top until it is below the roof line, and patch the hole in the roof that you just made?

aroundthehorn

No, I'm going to have to find some way to seal off the very top of the chimney or the bottom of the chimney (right above where the fireplace is).

To summarize the problem, this is an old system without a damper or whatever it's called. So it's like leaving a window open. AC and heat just goes straight through the chimney to the outside. Chimney has been inspected and, structurally, is in perfect condition.

Firefishvideo

If you are going to use the chimney at a later date, then get a piece of foam board, cut it to fit in the lower portion of the chimney...could use spray foam to seal it in if you want......it could always be removed later. Make sure birds,rain,ect cannot enter the top.....if so, you may need to replace the vented cap with a solid metal cap and seal it down. You can have one made if you cant find one in stock.

If you are going to abandon the chimney forever, then you really should consider taking it down to below the roof line and roofing over it. That will save a lot of maintinence and leaks in the future. You would still need to seal it at the bottom as well.

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mxracer19

Yup...if this is a temporary thing, just stuff the fireplace with insulation and put something pretty over the front.

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"From my Mother's sleep I fell into the State
and I hunched in its belly 'till my wet fur froze.
Six miles from eart, loosed from its dream of life
I woke to black flak and the nightmare fighters.
When I died they washed me out of the turret with a hose."

Seachaser 186

If it's not going to be used anymore, we typically suggest removing them. It solves a lot of water leak and energy efficiency issues.

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230 Cobia

If you want to keep the fire place I would install a fire box with blower, danmer and doors really effiant