Cold air coming from front

[akronguy]

We built a house 3 years ago and the builder installed a DESA direct-vent gas fireplace. Ever since it was installed, we have had constant problems in the winter with cold air coming from the front into our living room. The builder took the siding off the outside chase and reinsulated the outside box, as well as insulating under the box (it's on a raised hearth). That made the problem better but didn't solve it completely.

That side of the house is exposed to the west and when the winds blow the draft gets worse. We have been forced to tape a blanket up in front of the fireplace to cut down on the heat loss. Is there some kind of insulating blanket that can be custom made to cover the opening - which can be readily removed when we want to use it?

Thanks!

akronguy

 

[webbie]

I once saw a place online that made covers using the vinyl magnetic sign material (flexible) that you see used on car and truck signs.

How about this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Fireplace-Cover-Draft-Stopper/dp/B000LL0ZLC

 

[Hogwildz]

Find out exactly where the ari is coming from ans seal it. Do these type fireplaces have an AOK that could be the culprit? Does the fireplace have doors on it? Doors might help.

 

[akronguy]

Webmaster - we tried to use the vinyl magnetic strips to cover the vents on top and bottom of the front to prevent draft - did help but really need to seal entire front. The Amazon link looks like a great idea - I will try it!

Hogwildz - that's what we did when we stripped the siding off on the outside chase as well as sealing on the bottom. The fireplace is a "sealed" unit - no doors. The front is hinged to allow access to the pilot assembly.

 

[Hogwildz]

Webmaster - we tried to use the vinyl magnetic strips to cover the vents on top and bottom of the front to prevent draft - did help but really need to seal entire front. The Amazon link looks like a great idea - I will try it!

Hogwildz - that's what we did when we stripped the siding off on the outside chase as well as sealing on the bottom. The fireplace is a "sealed" unit - no doors. The front is hinged to allow access to the pilot assembly.

Ok, that rules those out. The cold air has to be coming from somewhere. Keep searching. Do you know exactly where the cold air is coming in at the front, as in a draft etc? Its got to be coming from somewhere. Is there a flue for this thing, that when not in use it could be reverse drafting? Where does it gets its air from if any, and where does it go when buring? I don't know alot about gas fireplaces, but I doubt or at least hope it shouldn't be drafty when not in use. I am assuming its when not in use that this happens?
Is there some sort of fire stop above the fireplace in the chase? could the cold air be coiming in from above? Or is that insulated also?