Remove prefab fireplace or seal up?

5448 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by ron45, Jan 18, 2016

edspyhill09

Discussion Starter · Jan 13, 2016

I have a prefab fireplace on an external wall in a townhouse. The chase is outside, 2x4 stud construction, and vinyl-sided. It has one damper just above the fire box. The fireplace has always been unusable, very drafty. I'd like to remove it but fireplaces are usually expected when a house is sold.

1) One option would be to just completely remove the everything and permanently seal the top of the chimney chase.

2) The other option, cheaper and reversible, is to cover and seal the front of fireplace opening in the room. Create the look of a sealed up fireplace. The seal up the chimney cap / spark suppressor.

Is the consensus that option 2 is better for cost and resale?

Is there a way to semi-permanently seal the chimney cap / spark suppressor and to out 99% of the drafts?

Thank you,

Ed

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Windows on Wash

· #2 · Jan 13, 2016

Why are you removing it? Because of the drafts?

If so, there are ways to fix that from the exterior or just make a foam cover for it to the inside if you aren't going to use it.

I would not remove it for the reasons of resale value.

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edspyhill09

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 13, 2016

Windows on Wash said:
Why are you removing it? Because of the drafts?

If so, there are ways to fix that from the exterior or just make a foam cover for it to the inside if you aren't going to use it.

I would not remove it for the reasons of resale value.

Thanks. Sometimes I need someone to state what's the best solution. I get attached to all my options equally and then get bogged down with indecision.

I'll close up the fireplace with insulated panels.

Is there a way to semi-permanently seal up or cover the cap? I was thinking of putting in a top damper but haven't done extensive searching to find if I can add one to a prefab chimney stack. I called one Chimney Sweep company but was told I can't install a top damper.

Much appreciated,

Ed

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Msradell

· #4 · Jan 17, 2016

edspyhill09 said:
I called one Chimney Sweep company but was told I can't install a top damper.

Much appreciated,

Ed

Try calling another chimney sweep company, that's something that most of them do on a regular basis.

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Windows on Wash

· #5 · Jan 17, 2016

+1

There are spring top dampers. A good roofer or chimney sweep can install them.

FYI...most of these inserts leak a bunch of air via the outside wall connection. The combustion is mostly sealed so the drafts aren't, in majority, coming down via that way.

You can insulated and seal them from the outside when you remove the siding.

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ron45

· #6 · Jan 18, 2016

Nobody wants those type of fireplaces.....
I would either close it off completely, or install an insert.

Bottom line.....
They cost to much to use,,,
They cost to much to leave open..

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