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GETTING STARTED
CONCEPT & DESIGN
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It is relatively simple to insulate a chimney to reduce heat loss now, but not eliminate the possibility of using it again in the future.
Sealing up an unused brick fireplace chimney will save money on your heating bills and increase your comfort level at home.In addition to letting in cold, these chimneys pull hot air out of the house. To stop your chimney from being a major source of heat loss you need to insulate inside the chimney from the top and bottom, in addition to insulating the exterior.
Insulating chimneys from the inside:
What you want to do is essentially create ‘plugs’ of insulation (Rockwool is recommended) by compressing it and putting it into the opening, it will then expand slightly and fill the hole. Do this from the top and then cover the opening with galvanized sheet metal to prevent water from infiltrating. Plug the bottom opening with insulation as well, then seal it to prevent air leakage.
Insulating chimneys from the outside:
Cover the entire stack of bricks with a layer of rigid insulation (rockwool or expanded polystyrene) and half inch-thick plywood, which can then be covered to match the rest of the house.
Installing wood stoves with existing fireplace chimneys:
By installing batt insulation in the chimney and not using spray foam, it is easily disassembled if needed so you may be able to use the existing chimney for a wood stove or a gas or wood fireplace insert in the future if you so desire. To do so, you simply have to remove the insulation plugs and have a new chimney stack inserted inside the brick fireplace. This of course would need to be done by certified professionals, and only if the existing chimney is structurally solid.