Fireplaces

[skyplus]

I have fireplaces in two bedrooms, and as no fire is ever lit, should I stuff the fireplace with old clothing to keep out the cold from coming down the chimney?

Any suggestions welcome, and thank you in advance

[bednobs]

you could do
Other suggestions would be:
remove chimney breast, live with it

[barry1010]

If your chimney isn't capped off the clothing well get damp and go mouldy causing all sorts of problems.

[Zacs-Master]

Removing a chimney breast is a bit drastic and costly (you have to remove the chimney itself / repair the roof, or have steelwork designed by a structural engineer installed.

One of these might be easier:
https://www.morehandles.co.uk/chimney-sheep-draught-excluder-oblong.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsv7BRCmARIsANu-CQeYsq0Ko5H3TktNXhjZLAEKmbOiOJnyJU9mzK4wVIIlXHOog8L6OIQaAl3FEALw_wcB

[bednobs]

zacs, I went to that page and was curious. it says "stops birds and debris falling in" How, I wonder? where on earth do you have to put it?

[Naheed]

Yes, you can stuff the fireplace with old clothing to protect yourself from cold coming down the chimney. The best way is to purchase masonry fireplace draft sealers or chimney balloon.

[Zacs-Master]

You just shove it up the flue, bednobs.

[bednobs]

how does that stop birds falling in the chimney?

[The Builder]

If you have a chimney pot, drop something like this into it...........

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/chimney-cowl-terracotta-Kent-Choice/174455485388?hash=item289e5b73cc:g:zRkAAOSwOb5fcdr~

Or if no pot, then bed a large piece of slate or paving slab across the stack. (Bed the four corners but leave a space on the sides for ventilation.

Take out the fire surround, fit a piece of 100mm Celotex insulation board into the opening, plasterboard & plaster.
Fit a new piece of skirting board across the wall, and let a 9x3 inch aluminium vent cover into the skirting.

I'm afraid that ventilation is essential. Using old clothes is tempting, but eventually, the smell of rotting fabric will get to you ;o(

[Zacs-Master]

Who said anything about birds?

[barry1010]

Zacs, your link says it stops birds falling down the chimney

[Zacs-Master]

Oh right.

[Cloverjo]

I have a fireplace that is never lit, in my living room. It gets really windy here and the noise can be ferocious, but I’ve never thought of stuffing old clothes up it. I just wouldn’t.
Maybe block yours off from the front with some kind of screen.