[JP79ST]

Hello everyone,

I have a fireplace that seems to create a ridiculous amount of draft in the room. I noticed a fairly large gap between the firebox and the hearth. Then I noticed the gap was there to accommodate a vent to circulate air around the firebox. HOWEVER, there are 5 large holes on the hearth-side of the gap that are the source of a draft of very cold air. I cannot imagine the point of such large holes in the brick hearth, and I am considering filing them in with mortar, but before I do that I thought I would ask if they need to be there? Thanks in advance.

 

[griz]

Call a Mason to come evaluate the situation.

Not good to play by guess and by golly with a fireplace.

 

[Tscarborough]

Can't tell anything from that pic, back up and take one of the fireplace itself, then one looking down at the floor of the fireplace, and one looking up the chimney.

 

[JP79ST]

This is the best pic I can post at the moment. The previous pic was of a gap between the firebox and brick hearth with a large, cold, drafty hole on the hearth side of the gap. Here is a pic of the entire structure. I will have to wait until daylight to post the chimney. Thanks anyway.

If those drafty spots in the brick hearth are supposed to be there, then it seems like a silly idea, since it amounts to having a window ajar in the room all the time.

 

[Tscarborough]

Some jurisdictions require an outside air vent, usually it can be opened and closed though. So, unless it will be an issue when you sell, then you can fill it with mortar. Your fireplace may not draw as well.

 

[JP79ST]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have a look outside and see if I can find an outside air vent, and then definitely close it.

 

[ChuckF.]

The outside air vent control may be inside the fireplace too, similar to the main flue control but over to one side. Outside you may only see a small grating or louver which is where the air goes in.

 

[Bud9051]

Providing an outside air source for an open fireplace is often necessary for it to draft properly. If that was the purpose of those holes, closing them off may not be good, unknown.

Bud

 

[jomama45]

I've never seen a outside air that wasn't inside the firebox, but that's not a bad idea, assuming you have a way to close it. I guess I've never seen a hearth that high above the firebox floor either though. Temporaily, you could try plugging the hole with rags or insulation (take it out if/when you burn) to see if it helps much.......

 

[JP79ST]

I see what you mean about the need to vent outside air through the firebox. I looked at my other fireplace (there are two) and the vent for outside air seems to be in the floor of the firebox, with its source of outside air being at the base of the outside chimney. I suppose that's what those holes in the hearth could be, but I can't find any source of outside air to them. I'll just plug them with rags for now. Thanks for the advice.