Expert: James Ball - 10/20/2009

Question
Hi,
I have a large fireplace that originally was for burning wood. When we bought the house it looked like someone had previously had an insert in it. We had a set of ventless propane logs so we put them directly in the fireplace. It doesn't have a damper so there is no way of keeping the heat from going all the way up the chimney. They do a nice job of heating after about a hour & 1/2 or so you start feeling it, but I can't help but think it would be even better if I could block the rest of the chimney off. What would or could I do this with? Is there some type of foam piece I could cut to size and fit in so many feet above the logs?

Answer
Hello Amanda, I am not a big fan of "ventless any thing" contact the manufacturer of the insert and ask them what they want used or you might be able to install a top damper, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James