Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Seal off fireplace cavity in attic

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA
Terry
04-03-07, 01:45 PM
I am planning to blow cellulose into the attic but there is an open area around the fireplace . Can I lay some plywood over that hole and blow the cellulose around the chimney? I will provide a barrier around the metal chimney but can I seal that empty cavity off ? Here is an image of the space to be covered.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/gtanse/Fireplace.jpg

Thanks

Terry
04-05-07, 09:58 AM
Can anyone tell me why this fireplace has all that space around it? Here is another view,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/gtanse/fireplaceAttic.jpg

The fireplace is open into the living room on the left wall .
The house that I lived in before had a fireplace with a brick firebox and did not have this much space around the back and the metal chimney that went through the attic had drywall and insulation surrounding it . Does it need this empty space for ventilation and need the space to be opened to the attic?
twelvepole
04-06-07, 05:12 AM
What kind of fireplace is it?

Rockpro
04-06-07, 06:56 AM
Interesting pictures. It appears this was a remodel installation (note the cutoff 2x6) with a heatalator style insert. The flue appears to be double or triple wall pipe. I am confused by the insulation on the left side as it doesn't appear to be an exterior wall, but I could be interpreting the picture incorrectly. In any event, I can't see any reason why you couldn't cap the space and insualte over. Some flue pipe can be rather close to combustibles and some must maintain a minimum distance. Try to determine what type of pipe this is.
Terry
04-06-07, 11:17 AM
This is a wood burning fireplace. The wall to the right has 3/4" rigid foam with foil on the exterior.
twelvepole
04-06-07, 11:42 AM
Certain clearances are required for combustible materials around the metal chimney. Avoid placing anything combustible around vent pipe. There are fire resistant boards, insulation, and radiant barriers available. Metal chimneys should never be in direct contact with combustible materials. Your local chimney professional and building code office can inform you of the best way to remedy your problem.