Holes in bottom?

[Kroman532]

I have these hole round and square on both sides in the bottom of my direct vent prefab. Do these holes serve a purpose? I can feel air coming through those and outlet? Can I seal with foil tape?

 

[DAKSY]

Yes, you can seal them, and any other penetrations with aluminum tape. They are there for gas line & thermostat or switch wire access to the gas valve.

 

[Mjnoles1]

Yes, you can seal them, and any other penetrations with aluminum tape. They are there for gas line & thermostat or switch wire access to the gas valve.

Similar question, would it be better to use the aluminum tape or "Great Stuff" Fire block foam? As I have both.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/GREAT-STUFF-Smart-Fireblock-12oz-12-oz-Spray-Foam-Insulation/1000645183?cm_mmc=shp-_-b-_-prd-_-pro-_-ggl-_-LIA_BDM_000_PRO-_-1000645183-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArLyuBhA7EiwA-qo80OZZoafWlsLlkjSTBjbZAfrffrejQn24dXUf-fm4NUQ4LJKg_nadCBoCtooQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[DAKSY]

Your call. I prefer the tape since is a lot less messy.

 

[Mjnoles1]

I took off some current tape, and I was surprised how wide and deep this hole is (photo attached).

Should some type of insulation be stuffed into it? As I cannot imagine aluminum tape will stop the cold air. When it gets cold outside, the under cavity of the fireplace is freezing cold.

This is the model fireplace I have

DV3732-B | Hearthside

 

[DAKSY]

What does the outside wall of your home look like where the fireplace is located? Is it in a bumped out “doghouse,” or is the outer wall flat?

 

[Mjnoles1]

What does the outside wall of your home look like where the fireplace is located? Is it in a bumped out “doghouse,” or is the outer wall flat?

Thank you for the continuous help.

Please see the attached photos

 

[DAKSY]

Ok. Kinda looks like that wall isn’t bumped out.
Is this a corner install? My guess is that there is minimal insulation behind & under your unit. When I used to install, we insulated, sheet rocked and sealed all seams behind, over & alongside the unit. No telling what you have without tearing into the walls.