You are here:

Chimney & Fireplaces/Marco DF 41 fresh air draft

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/30/2008


Question
QUESTION: I need to seal a Marco DF 41 fireplace. It seems that the fresh air inlet is allowing cold outside air to flow into the room and I need to find a way to seal it off. The damper is closed and in good shape. This FP has a slated vent all along the bottom front and that is where is seems the air is coming from. I can not find a way to seal it off. All suggestions would be appreciated. I never use the FP so I just need to seal it off. Thank you.   Does Marco still make FP's? I sould not find their website.

ANSWER: Drafty,

I caution against sealing over the cooling vents, even if you don't use the fireplace. I would recommend closing the combustion air intake. Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you.
I have closed the combustion air intake and still have cold air flooding the room. Any other ideas. Thanks.

Answer
Drafty,

Many manufactures require insulation of the chase and other areas that may have been omitted in the installation of your unit. I would recommend a complete NFPA-211, level II inspection. You can read more about what that will entail on my web site at www.brooks-hearth.com. Their are also links at the bottom of my home page that will assist you in finding a qualified inspector in your area. Best of luck to you.

Chimney & Fireplaces

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.