How do I insulate below a fireplace?

[evident]

I have an extremely leaky fireplace. At first, i thought warm air was just getting sucked up through the chimney but i gave it a closer look today. when i put my hand in the hearth i don't feel any draft coming into the house. but, below the hearth feels like an open window. It's a regular chimney, not gas. I dont know a thing about fireplaces. How would I go about insulating this area? what type of materials would i need to use, and does it require ripping up all of the tile surrounding the fireplace?

 

[lxskllr]

Does it have an exterior ash trap door? If so, sealing the door joint will probably fix it. Otherwise, I have no idea where the air would be coming from unless you have some real problems.

 

[Red Squirrel]

That's the downside of fireplaces, they're kinda cold zones when not being used.

I insulated mine last year, but it's electric. This would probably work for gas too, though a bit more tricky as you can't just pull it out like that.



Yes, that is frost/ice







Obviously this would not work for a real fireplace though.

 

[Imp]

That's the downside of fireplaces, they're kinda cold zones when not being used.

I insulated mine last year, but it's electric. This would probably work for gas too, though a bit more tricky as you can't just pull it out like that.

Obviously this would not work for a real fireplace though.

Ya, foam probably doesn't stay non-toxic and whole at normal fireplace temperatures.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Ya, foam probably doesn't stay non-toxic and whole at normal fireplace temperatures.

That stuff makes an awful lot of smoke when burned too. :biggrin:

 

[Imp]

That stuff makes an awful lot of smoke when burned too. :biggrin:

I hope it doesn't brain your damage...

 

[IronWing]

Do you ever use the fireplace or desire to use the fireplace?

If not, do something like Red Squirrel.

If yes, then you'll have to post pics so we can spray wisdom all over this thread.

 

[highland145]

My house was built in 1937. The hearth and bottom of the firebox are poured concrete on a wooden slab......WTH? Lasted this long and we've had plenty of fires. Gas logs in soon...I hope.

Anyway, if that's the case, bat insulation in the joists.

 

[Squisher]

I hear those inflatable pillows that are made to fill the flue when not in use do a great job of stopping drafts.