My title doesn't sound right does it? But it's accurate...
Yesterday it was considerably windy here in the midwest U.S. and we were getting a whole lot of wind penetration in and through our direct vent fireplace. If it weren't for the nice focal point of the family room, I'd remove it. Some readings I've found even consider that a fireplace removes heat from a room.
But back at the subject at hand. As of yesterday and all the wind, I relied on how I fixed things last here. I took some 1" foamboard and inserted it in front of the glass bringing it flush with the tile surround and duct taping it firmly in place. Now the focal point becomes more of an eye sore. (Picture to follow...)
My question are:
Is this normal to a degree? Will some wind leak through the fireplace chimney? Picture attached is that of the exterior of our house where the fireplace is built out. Is there a better option to the exterior "shroud" found in the picture?
I've removed the 4 screws in each corner and could not remove it to troubleshoot further. I'm also unaware of how thoroughly insulated this build out is. I can confirm that there is drywall in the inner wall and that I've completely sealed and insulated the bottom (rim joist) with 4" of foamboard and 6" of fiberglass. Bottom of this build out is exposed to the outside, just above the foundation...extended at floor level.
Any insight will be appreciated. Thank you.
Yesterday it was considerably windy here in the midwest U.S. and we were getting a whole lot of wind penetration in and through our direct vent fireplace. If it weren't for the nice focal point of the family room, I'd remove it. Some readings I've found even consider that a fireplace removes heat from a room.
But back at the subject at hand. As of yesterday and all the wind, I relied on how I fixed things last here. I took some 1" foamboard and inserted it in front of the glass bringing it flush with the tile surround and duct taping it firmly in place. Now the focal point becomes more of an eye sore. (Picture to follow...)
My question are:
Is this normal to a degree? Will some wind leak through the fireplace chimney? Picture attached is that of the exterior of our house where the fireplace is built out. Is there a better option to the exterior "shroud" found in the picture?
I've removed the 4 screws in each corner and could not remove it to troubleshoot further. I'm also unaware of how thoroughly insulated this build out is. I can confirm that there is drywall in the inner wall and that I've completely sealed and insulated the bottom (rim joist) with 4" of foamboard and 6" of fiberglass. Bottom of this build out is exposed to the outside, just above the foundation...extended at floor level.
Any insight will be appreciated. Thank you.