Answers

Question

John Ford asked:

Jun 10, 2014

Can anyone share insights on how to block off a chimney opening? We have wasp coming through the chimney opening of our den into the house.

We noticed this happens more in the summer months of course. I've purchased a board from my local hardware store to cover the front entrance of the chimney and have had success with taping up the opening, but I'm looking for a more elegant solution. We've called exterminators to get rid of the wasp nest, but they still find there way in.

Exterior construction & repair, Masonry - brick & stone, Repairs & upgrades, Handyman services

Answer 1

Abe Degnan of Degnan Design-Build-Remodel of Madison ^PRO answered:

Jul 1, 2014

My professional fireplace company has two options, of which we've implemented one for our clients in the past. If you want to essentially permanently block it off, there is something like an "air pillow" which will blow up inside the flue to block it.

The solution we've used is a spring-loaded chimney cap. It sits on top of your masonry chimney flue above the roof. It has a long chain which comes into your fireplace. You use the chain to release it when you want to burn a fire. You pull the chain down to seal it when you are not having a fire.

Added advantage: better energy efficiency and indoor air quality! Keeps air from blowing out the chimney or being sucked backward through the chimney into the house!

Answer 2

Hdr Remodeling of HDR Remodeling ^PRO answered:

Aug 4, 2014

John,

When you see the wasps around, look at the exterior of the chimney and possibly from a ladder.

What you may see is that they are not coming down into the chimney through the top or chimney termination but in through small cracks in the brick where the mortor has come loose. I would spray the area for the wasps, wait a resonable amount of time and seal the crack and then purchase and install a http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Chimney/Top-Sealing-Chimney-Dampers/Chimalator-Top-Sealing-Chimney-Damper lock top type chimney cap.

Thanks

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling.

Answer 3

Eric Consuegra answered:

Jul 9, 2014

Hey John,

A few questions first.

Is the chimney functional? Is the flu venting anything in the home (i.e. furnace)? Does the chimney go through the roof, or next to the roof on the eave or rake?

If the chimney is not functional and it does not vent anything in the home, you may want to address the problem at the roof by closing it off. This will make sure no bugs or water can enter into the home. If the chimney is through the roof, you will need to tear the structure down below the sheathing, install blocking around the chimney box, and install new sheathing over top the chimney. Exterminators are always the best experts to call for bug problems. If they keep coming back, it may be time to try a different company. Hope this helps!

Eric Consuegra

AROCON Roofing and Construction, LLC