Expert: James Ball - 2/6/2009

Question
Hello,
Thanks in advance for any information you can offer.
We have a 14 year old zero clearance fireplace.  There is an air grill (4 inch tall) below and above the front doors. They are part of the metal frame.  With a good fire there is high heat drifting out of the top vent.  I can remove the bottom vent and did so to measure for a couple of small fans to help push the hot air out into the room.  While measuring I realized there is a small wind tunnel in there!  Frigid air is pouring out of the bottom area.  This is a 4 inch or so open area all the way around the firebox forming a gap from outer wall and firebox.   Is there something I can do to stop the draft or is this outside air that has to come in to rise up the air gap around the flue?

Answer
Hello Garrison, hard to tell with out seeing it the out side of this fireplace may not be enclosed properly, or installed properly. 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 to see if this vent looks right, or what can be done to stop the cold air.
James