Fireplace insert flue closure air-tightness
 

I have a fireplace insert (NG), the insert is sealed and has a separate cold air intake and exhaust line. It was installed summer 2007. The contractor said that they used rockwool in the flue/damper. I was checking the house for airleaks and i noticed that air is moving into the fireplace. Is this a safety issue or did the contractor not fully seal the flue/damper? If not, can I or should I install more rockwool?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

The rockwool may be used to fill the gap around the liner and has nothing to do with draft. In really cold weather those chimneys can ice up so I recommend my customers run them once a day. It can get a downdraft due to the chimney getting cold and losing any natural updraft. Try run it and keep the chimney warm or you may develop pilot outage problems.

combustion box
 

The combustion box is completely sealed unit. I seem to have a natural updraft from the room. The top of the chimney has a cap for the intake and exhaust. It seems the contractor failed to secure the cap, my guess. Should i be expecting the updraft? I have a Kozy Heat Jackson XL.

thanks

Hot air rises, so if the cap is not sealed properly then you will get an updraft/leak. Call him back and be nice about it or he may get cranky and not do a good job.

Sounds like he already didn't do the best job. :)

I don't do good work for people who yell at me. If they are reasonable, yes. Mistakes do happen.

I still do good work.

It just takes a bit longer.

And there is absolutely no price break on anything.

Amen.