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?
![[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/img_4108-webp.324769/ "[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?")
![[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/img_4101-webp.324770/ "[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?")
![[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/img_4104-webp.324771/ "[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?")
Holes in bottom?
- Thread starter Kroman532
- Start date
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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.
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
![[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/pxl_20240218_173419263-webp.324853/ "[Hearth.com] Holes in bottom?")
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
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?
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.
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.