Identify and Seal Chimney Drafts: A Winter-Ready Guide 

No one likes a draft any time of year, but it’s much worse when it occurs during the gray and icy winter months. Cold air coming from your fireplace not only shocks you when you feel it’s frigid touch, it also isn’t doing the fire in your hearth any favors. Not only is it unpleasant to feel a draft, but it can also drive your already high power bill even higher. What can be done? Fortunately, we have a guide for just that issue- Identify and Seal Chimney Drafts: A winter-ready guide.

Ways to Identify Chimney Drafts

Visual Inspection

Begin by visually inspecting your chimney for any signs of damage or gaps. Look for cracks in the mortar, missing bricks, or gaps where the chimney meets the roof. All are potential entry points for cold air.

The Smoke Test

Close all windows and doors to create a controlled environment. Light a candle or incense stick and hold it near the fireplace opening, damper, and any other seams or joints in the chimney structure. Watch the smoke; if it wavers or is sucked out of the room, you’ve likely found a draft.

Listen for Drafts

Listen closely to your chimney area on a windy day for any telltale whistling or howling sounds. These noises almost certainly indicate air movement through gaps or cracks.

Feel for Drafts

Feel around the fireplace with your hand, especially near the damper and the chimney throat, for any noticeable cold air flowing through.

Sealing Chimney Drafts

Once you know where the drafts originate, it’s time to have them sealed by a qualified chimney sweep service. There are several methods that a chimney sweep can use to seal a draft.

Repair Structural Damage

If there are cracks in the mortar or missing bricks, chimney sweeps will repair or replace the bricks or use tuckpointing to seal the mortar cracks.

Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap not only prevents rain and wildlife from entering your chimney but also can reduce drafts. The chimney sweeps will ensure it’s properly fitted to your chimney’s size.

Replace or Repair the Damper

A worn or malfunctioning damper can allow cold air to spill freely into your home. It should be replaced with a top-sealing damper that closes off the chimney top when not in use, providing a tighter seal than traditional throat dampers.

Preventive Measures

Regular Maintenance

The best way to prevent chimney drafts is through regular inspections and maintenance by a certified chimney sweep service, which can identify and prevent issues before they lead to drafts.

Be Mindful of Interior Pressure

Using exhaust fans and appliances simultaneously can create negative pressure inside the home, drawing in cold air through the chimney. Be aware of how you use these appliances in winter.

In Conclusion

Sealing chimney drafts is a critical step in winterizing your home. You can enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home during the long winter months by identifying where cold air is entering and hiring a chimney sweep service to take the appropriate measures to seal leaks. Stay warm and draft-free this winter!

Dubuque Fireplace and Patio Will Get Rid of Your Chimney Drafts

If you feel a draft coming from your chimney and need it repaired, we can help. Call us at 563-582-5156 or fill out our online contact form. We will gladly discuss your draft problem with you. Our chimney sweeps will then come to your home and take the necessary steps to eliminate your chimney draft problems. Don’t let a draft’s chill frost your home; get in touch today.