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Right – Vent and air barrier sealed

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Air sealing at cantilevered manufactured fireplace assembly

CAD File

Air sealing at platform for manufactured fireplace assembly

CAD File

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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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.

Two pillows and two garbage bags are used to make a chimney air sealing pillow

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After inserting pillows in the first garbage bag, squeeze out excess air before inserting it in the second bag and then into the fireplace to air seal the flue

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A direct-vent sealed-combustion fireplace takes its combustion air directly from outside through a dedicated air inlet and vents combustion products directly outside

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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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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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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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Wrong – Flue not sealed around opening

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Install sheet metal to cover the gaps around a flue pipe in the attic; attach with screws or heavy staples, then seal seams with fire-rated caulk or foam

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Wrong – This chimney pillow does not completely block the flue shaft; there is a lot of open space for air to continue leaking

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Furnace and chimney flues often have large gaps around them that allow air leakage from the home into the attic.

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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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Walls Behind Fireplaces

Guide

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

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.

How to Install a Chimney Pillow

Video

Video describing how to make a do-it-yourself chimney pillow to stop drafts and energy losses from a temporarily unused fireplace.

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.