ᐅ How to properly seal an unused chimney?

Created on: 26 Dec 2016 22:48
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leinad85
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leinad85
26 Dec 2016 22:48
Hello!

Last year, I had a house built. We also had a chimney installed. It is a single-wall insulated chimney system from Schreyer, lined inside with fireclay bricks. There is a rain cap installed at the top. At the bottom, there is NO condensate drain, only a layer of concrete recycling material. Now, in our living room at the connection point, there is no stove yet (and none planned so far). The “chimney connection opening” was simply left open by the construction company. Since there was a strong draft, I initially stuffed some plastic sheeting in and later added a loose closure cap in front of it. When rain occurs together with wind, I occasionally hear drops hitting the plastic... it’s driving me crazy. I don’t know how to handle this properly. Should I remove the plastic and seal the opening airtight with a proper cover? But then the chimney would have no draft, just like it doesn’t now because of the plastic. I am afraid that water might eventually run out of the bottom hatch or that moisture could cause damage to the lower part of the chimney. How should I do this correctly?
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nelly190
26 Dec 2016 23:25
Try to close off the top of the chimney, for example by placing a concrete slab or something similar. This will prevent water from entering the chimney. It is best to seal the opening with a plastic sheet and use insulation material like mineral wool or similar to keep it thermally insulated.