Fireplace???

[Stevedaoust]

We very recently bought a gas, ventless fireplace system (burner and logs only).
We were told that we could close off the flew to accomodate the gas system by using GREAT STUFF (that foaming insulation spray). I DO know that using it around flames when it's just applied is a fire waiting to happen but what about after it cures fully? Is what we're being told true? Is GREAT STUFF a "safe" sealer? I hate to have it start on fire and loose everything because of some kid from Home Depot.
Please respond if you KNOW for sure. Can't afford guesses here. I won't hold you legally, just need for sures. How about alternatives? Thanks!!

Steve

[Stevedaoust]

We very recently bought a gas, ventless fireplace system (burner and logs only).
We were told that we could close off the flew to accomodate the gas system by using GREAT STUFF (that foaming insulation spray). I DO know that using it around flames when it's just applied is a fire waiting to happen but what about after it cures fully? Is what we're being told true? Is GREAT STUFF a "safe" sealer? I hate to have it start on fire and loose everything because of some kid from Home Depot.
Please respond if you KNOW for sure. Can't afford guesses here. I won't hold you legally, just need for sures. How about alternatives? Thanks!!

Steve

[DeweyND]

Steve,

Why not just close the flue, and not seal it?

Dewey

[Naturist Mark]

I wouldn't recommend it.

Using expanding foam to close a flue should be considered a permanent closure of the chimney.

As such you should just cap it off at the top (unless it is shared with other flues, as might be the case in a very old house). At the bottom you can fit (removable)foam boards at the flue. This lets you keep the option to switch to a woodburner or traditional hearth in the future.

-Mark

[EricNY]

Great Stuff is NOT intended for that application!!!!! NO NO NO NO!!!

There is 100% fire proof insulation. It looks similar to regular fiberglass insulation, but is rated at EXTREMELY high temps. Higher temps than you could possibly acheive wth a stove.

You can use this to pack your fire place around the stove. I have used it around my wood burning insert, and it has worked well for years. This stuff is impossible to ignite and has a high R-Value.

If you can not find it let me know, and I will look up where I got mine.

erc

[Stevedaoust]

I should have been more descriptive. Sorry, my fault.
The house was built in 1889 and boasts 3 fireplaces, two of which share chimmenies. From what I've seen only one has a working flue while the others have nothing at all (one doesn't even have tiles). I did close off the flues in all fireplaces because it was like a vacuum in overdrive, sucking the heat out of the house. So I used that blue insulation and it seems to help. Plus even if I did have working flues, it's not a 100% closeoff and that's what I'm aiming for. Using spray foam isn't a total commitment. I understand that it could be cut out if needed. Pain in the b_tt but can be done.
I never trusted the idea of using foam spray in the first place but THEY insist that it works but then again, THEY won't be living in our house.
I WILL follow up on the recommended insulation that has been suggested here. I'm glad that I did post here and keep the info coming!!!! and a BIG nudist thanks!

Steve

[Stevedaoust]

UPDATE:

After much research and calling every place I can think of, we finally went with fiberglass insulation to close off our flue, and it works.
I ended up calling the company that made the gas burner, a friend of ours that does construction and a friend that had one installed in his house and it all came up the same. So we went with the concenious.
This morning I wake up to find the dogs planted in front of our new fireplace and it turned up on "HIGH". Sure it was warm but I see dollar bills fluttering thru the air. Now if I can just get the left side if my body to work again...kidding.
Thanks again all!!!!

Signed,
Houseisn'tonfire