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Wrap the air-sealed chimney with mineral wool insulation to prevent contact with the warm brick when attic insulation is re-installed around the chimney

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Wrong--No insulation installed behind fireplace

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High Performance Building Details - Insulation and Air Sealing II

Reference

Brochure describing insulation and air-sealing details.

Spray foam insulates and air seals the exterior wall behind the fireplace.

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The foil-faced insulation behind this fireplace provides an air barrier and thermal shield.

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Right – Insulation installed behind fireplace prior to air barrier installation

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Form an insulation dam of heat-resistant insulation with at least 3 inches of clearance around a flue pipe in the attic after air sealing around the pipe with sheet metal and fire-rated caulk or canned foam

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Pillows or batt insulation are placed into first one garbage bag and that is placed into a second bag before being installed in the fireplace flue to stop chimney drafts

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Form an insulation dam of sheet metal around a flue pipe in the attic after air sealing around the pipe with sheet metal and fire-rated caulk or canned foam

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Walls Behind Fireplaces

Guide

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to wall framing behind fireplaces.

If there are gaps larger than ¼ inch around a chimney in the attic, install sheet metal to cover the openings, secure the sheet metal to surrounding framing with screws or heavy staples, and seal all joints and seams with fire-rated caulk.

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Air Sealing Retrofits: Conducting an IR Camera Inspection of an Existing Home - Fireplaces

Video

Video showing how to use an infrared camera to check for air leakage around a fireplace during a blower door test in winter.

Air sealing at cantilevered manufactured fireplace assembly

CAD File

Air sealing at platform for manufactured fireplace assembly

CAD File

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Have Proper Ventilation

Guide

Guide describing how to provide combustion air for fireplaces and how to test fireplaces for combustion safety.

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Combustion Appliances

Information Guide

Information guide describing things to consider before attempting air sealing, insulating, and equipment retrofits in a home that has combustion appliances located within the home.