Right now we have a large, heavy mirror blocking the fireplace so the air doesn't escape. Our landlord shoving newspaper up the fireplace to prevent the airflow, but this sounds like a fire hazard to me. I don't want to pay money for a damper for a home that we don't own, but I don't want cold air getting into the house, either. Is a fireplace useable without a damper?
2007-10-22 07:31:46 · 8 answers · asked by sprite 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I should clarify to say that my landlord SUGGESTED shoving newspaper in and then removing the newspaper whenever we we want to start a fire. The newspaper is not in there now, the fireplace is currently blocked by the mirror.
2007-10-22 09:15:40 · update #1
Yes the fire place is use able without a damper. The real problem is a Major heat loss UP the chimney. Without a damper in place you are getting a vacuum effect. Even if you were to pay for a new damper. You still need glass doors. I would ask him again. Or, if the mirror is secure and you think its safe , then leave it and seal the edges with foam seal to prevent any air from escaping up the chimney. Also, If the house is old enough for the damper to rust away. I would NOT use the fire place. Good Luck
2007-10-22 07:51:05 · answer #1 · answered by Homepro2007 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What kind of a cheapskate fool of a landlord do you have???? He's off his frigging rocker!!
You never shove wads of paper up a chimney for ANY reason! it could be the fuel that the creosote needs. Most fireplaces have a film of creosote in them from previous fireplace useage. If lightning or some other heat source came into contact with the creosote, the house will burn like a tinderbox!!!! The idiot!!
To use the fireplace you really do need a damper of some kind.
Or...pack the fire area just inside the chimney at the level of the mantle, with Safe And Sound insulation. it is a great insulator, and has a fire retardant in it!!
You can then get an electric faux fireplace and place it in the fire box of the original fireplace. Take it with you when you go!
But get that paper out of the chimney before something awful happens!!!
Better yet....MOVE!!!!!
2007-10-22 08:16:50 · answer #2 · answered by Rawstuff 007 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
As stated, without a damper to close when not in use, air/heat from the house will go up the chimney, wasting energy dollars. If you are not going to use the fireplace, block it off. If you are going to use it for heat, purchase a set of glass doors that you can remove when you leave. Using the fireplace without a damper is not a fire issue as the damper would be open during usage. My Franklin stove caused 1700 CFPM of air to go up the chimney while in use. This was a waste of money. I installed glass doors.
2007-10-22 08:02:22 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually cold air don't come in damper. Chimney sucks heat from house like a vacuum. do you want to use fire place? if so buy a set of glass fireplace doors and take with you when you move.
You can buy short rolls of insulation to block off damper but don't forget to remove before using fireplace
2007-10-22 07:47:10 · answer #4 · answered by James 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure it is usable, but extremely wasteful. All the warm air in your house will be carried out the chimney. Fireplaces, especially the older ones, and not very efficient.
I would buy a few batts of fiberglass insulation and stuff it up into the chimney to stop the draft.
2007-10-22 07:43:01 · answer #5 · answered by Bare B 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As long as he does the procedure according to the law and status of the county in which the property is located yes he can. He can evict you while going through foreclosure. Legally the property is his until there is a sale, after which the title would transfer to either the lender or someone that purchased the property at the foreclosure sale. The other thing is if you are on a month to month agreement and have no lease then that put him in a better position, as leases have to be honored until they expire or both parties agree that is it in the interest of both parties to break the lease. You should contact a local real estate attorney for any legal matters. He has no obligation to tell you his personal business or what financial condition he is in. Why would you expect him to? I hope this has been of some use to you, good luck. 'FIGHT ON"
2016-04-09 21:54:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do, DO NOT use fire place! If you do not use, then put some insulation in place of the newspaper and you will be fine. Look at your contract, see if there is any mention of fireplace, if so, he may be charging you for something that you can't use.
2007-10-22 09:10:32 · answer #7 · answered by Glenn B 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Paper in the chimney isn't all that much of a fire hazard.
(If you're interested, the 'fire-loading" is too low.
The paper could all burn without heating the
chimney enough to make trouble.)
To get a good seal, stuff a plastic bag with paper.
Stuff it in the chimney, and you're done.
2007-10-22 09:33:24 · answer #8 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋