What can be done with a fireplace with no damper?
November 7, 2015 6:29 AM Subscribe
I have fiberglass insulation jammed in it now, just to prevent airflow. I'd really like it to be a functional fireplace. What can be done?
Response by poster: Likely built by a novice, about 100 years ago. Can you elaborate on the "vertical walls and back, and horizontal top"? I infer this is not a good thing.
posted by falsedmitri at 6:50 AM on November 7, 2015
posted by falsedmitri at 6:50 AM on November 7, 2015
An insert/stove with an insulated flue would be the best functioning. That would be a significant investment though. Gas logs are also an option. You really need to talk to a pro since we're talking about fire here. I'd call a local chimney sweep for a cleaning and pick his/her brain about your options. Most chimney sweeps are knowledgable about what your options would be.
posted by LoveHam at 7:25 AM on November 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by LoveHam at 7:25 AM on November 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
There are chimney caps that sit on the very top if the chimney and can be operated by aa cable.
I installed two if them in a house I used to own, they worked better than I thought they would.
posted by bricksNmortar at 8:17 AM on November 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
I installed two if them in a house I used to own, they worked better than I thought they would.
posted by bricksNmortar at 8:17 AM on November 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
Some old coal burning fireplaces had a whole metal insert with decorative front, slider air flow controllers out on the front edge , the damper up top and a metal front cover that also heated up to radiate heat while closed. Some cities have salvage places where you can find the whole insert. You can burn wood in these, but get a good fireplace outfit to retrofit whatever you find. It is important to make sure the chimney is clean and free of combustible residue. Then it is important the flow of carbon monoxide goes out, rather than into your house. This includes cracks carther up the chimney that might release gasses into a second floor.
Don't let my comments worry or deter you get it done right and you will love it. One thing I did with my fireplace was to get a piece of plexiglass to fill the cront opening when I wasn't using it. Then you can have wood layed in for a fire all nice to look at, but no heat loss until you are ready to burn. Collecting wood is great fum, from orchards, cleanup piles, folks often will cut down a whole fruit tree and throw it out nicely cut up. I always had about half a cord of fruitwood on my front porch. All worries aside it is worth it do do it right.
posted by Oyéah at 9:15 AM on November 7, 2015
Don't let my comments worry or deter you get it done right and you will love it. One thing I did with my fireplace was to get a piece of plexiglass to fill the cront opening when I wasn't using it. Then you can have wood layed in for a fire all nice to look at, but no heat loss until you are ready to burn. Collecting wood is great fum, from orchards, cleanup piles, folks often will cut down a whole fruit tree and throw it out nicely cut up. I always had about half a cord of fruitwood on my front porch. All worries aside it is worth it do do it right.
posted by Oyéah at 9:15 AM on November 7, 2015
falsedmitri: "Can you elaborate on the "vertical walls and back, and horizontal top"? I infer this is not a good thing."
An open masonry fireplace is complicated in cross section in order not to be a complete heat suck.
Unless you are wanting to activate this fireplace strictly for esthetics at possibly a net loss in heat production you are going to want to install a fireplace insert and chimney liner. It'll be safe, efficient, non-drafty and won't fill your residence with smoke.
posted by Mitheral at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2015
An open masonry fireplace is complicated in cross section in order not to be a complete heat suck.
Unless you are wanting to activate this fireplace strictly for esthetics at possibly a net loss in heat production you are going to want to install a fireplace insert and chimney liner. It'll be safe, efficient, non-drafty and won't fill your residence with smoke.
posted by Mitheral at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2015
You could go with a ventless gas fireplace. I had a similar situation with a fireplace like yours, and a professional fireplace company installed a gas line with fake but realistic logs, after totally blocking the flu and painting the surrounding brick with fire proof black paint (it had been painted white latex, and had to be mostly removed, which was a pain.) I love it - very warm, not expensive, and beautiful flames. We have it on all the time in the cooler weather. I can send pics if you'd like.
posted by j810c at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2015
posted by j810c at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2015
The chimney-cap operated by a cable that bricksNmortar mentions is frequently called a Chimalator and would be the cheapest solution to allow you to use the fireplace at all, but the fireplace would likely operate as a heat-suck without an insert.
posted by DaveP at 2:55 AM on November 9, 2015
posted by DaveP at 2:55 AM on November 9, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
If you want to get meaningful heat out of it, then you'll be looking at a (presumably woodburning) insert, i.e. a stove built to fit inside an existing fireplace.
posted by jon1270 at 6:43 AM on November 7, 2015 [1 favorite]