Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Fireplace
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bandtau1021
08-01-03, 12:16 PM
I have been putting off a project for a long time. I have recently had trouble with my fireplace. I really dont use it and insects are begining to come throug the house from the top of the chimney. I want to place a piece of ply wood over the opening inside th house so no insects will come in. What is the best way of securing the piece of plywood into the brick? Should i drill into the brick or the morter and then screw into it or not? What should i do? Thanks
chfite
08-01-03, 12:59 PM
If you can safely get to the top the chimney, if may be easier and more effective to make a box of screening and slip it over the top of the chimney. It would keep the bugs out and be simple to install.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
bandtau1021
08-01-03, 01:57 PM
Thanks but i am looking more into acctually putting a borad in front of the opening inside. We never use the fireplace and are just plane old sick of the opening. But thanks. If anyone else has a suggestion please post it./
twelvepole
08-02-03, 08:07 PM
If you don't want to use your fireplace any more, you will need to seal it off. Close the damper. You can install a sheet metal "pan" that fits tightly into the area below the damper. Make the pan 2" wider and deeper than the opening (at a level plane about 2" above the fireplace opening) and bend a 1" edge down. You can then use a lag or masonry nail to fasten the plate to the fireplace.
But, your chimney will remain open to insect and animal pests. It will need to be capped and sealed or screened to keep away uninvited guests. Even though you no longer plan to use the fireplace and chimney, you will still need to mind to chimney maintenance due to moisture problems. Inspect flashings, make sure no animals, birds, or insects enter the flue. Leaks around chimneys can result in a site of insect infestation, particularly wood boring insects, and leaks can do structural damage to your home. Just because you no longer use the chimney, it still needs to be on your to-do list of home maintenance chores.
But, your chimney will remain open to insect and animal pests. It will need to be capped and sealed or screened to keep away uninvited guests. Even though you no longer plan to use the fireplace and chimney, you will still need to mind to chimney maintenance due to moisture problems. Inspect flashings, make sure no animals, birds, or insects enter the flue. Leaks around chimneys can result in a site of insect infestation, particularly wood boring insects, and leaks can do structural damage to your home. Just because you no longer use the chimney, it still needs to be on your to-do list of home maintenance chores.