Fireplace Soundproofing: Blocking Cold Drafts and Whistling Winds

During the winter months, many Wisconsinites enjoy the warm and inviting ambiance of a crackling fireplace. Unfortunately, for some, the soothing atmosphere is often rudely interrupted by cold drafts and whistling winds. With proper fireplace soundproofing, our experts can help you reclaim your tranquil space and peace of mind. As the premier chimney and fireplace service provider in the greater Milwaukee area, we’re dedicated to enhancing your comfort and satisfaction.

 

Common Causes of Cold Drafts and Noisy Fireplaces

Your chimney is a vent that opens to the outdoors, allowing smoke and fumes to be expelled from your home when the fireplace is burning. However, when air pressure inside the house drops, gravity pulls the heavier, colder air into the fireplace.

This phenomenon is influenced by several factors, including:

Negative Pressure

Often, the issue is not the fireplace itself, but the house being under negative pressure. Other appliances (like exhaust fans or furnaces) pull air out, and the home desperately pulls in “makeup air” through the path of least resistance—your chimney. It is known as the Stack Effect.

Downdrafts

External factors, such as strong winds, can create sudden, powerful downdrafts, forcing air and whistling noises straight into the firebox.

Temperature Differential

The bigger the difference between the cold air outside and the warm air inside, the stronger the force that pushes cold air down the chimney.

Now that you understand what causes the cold air and noise, let’s move toward practical solutions.

How to Stop Fireplace Drafts

If cold air is sneaking past your chimney damper, here are a few easy, immediate steps you can take to control the airflow and minimize drafts.

Close Your Damper

This may seem obvious, but many homeowners often forget to close the damper after using the fireplace. If your damper is completely shut but you can still feel cold air coming through, it may have a worn gasket or other damage. You will need to call your chimney sweep to fix it or replace it.

Install Glass Fireplace Doors

An open hearth offers a rustic campfire experience, but can also act like an open window and a loudspeaker, amplifying outdoor noises. Installing glass fireplace doors is an easy way to create a warmer, calmer experience.

Plastic Sheeting

For an immediate, albeit temporary fix, securing a layer of thick plastic sheeting over the fireplace opening can provide surprising relief from drafts and accompanying noise.

 

Soundproofing Your Fireplace

Soundproofing a fireplace is a permanent solution to blocking cold drafts and whistling winds. They are almost always a direct result of cold air leaking through small, unsealed gaps.

By implementing professional solutions that stop the drafts, you will also be soundproofing your fireplace at the same time:

Sealing Gaps

Our experts will inspect the firebox and surrounding masonry for small cracks or gaps. Repairing these areas with the appropriate sealants will stop the whistling noise at its source.

Chimney Balloon

For fireplaces that are purely decorative or rarely used, an inflatable chimney balloon (or plug) inserted into the flue can provide a temporary yet extremely effective air and sound barrier.

Call Smokestacks for Fireplace Soundproofing Solutions

Is your fireplace cold and noisy? Let Smokestacks make your living space more comfortable with our innovative fireplace soundproofing solutions. We can stop the cold drafts and whistling winds, giving back your peace of mind. At Smokestacks, we’re proud to be the leading chimney and fireplace service provider in the MKE Metro area, including West Milwaukee, New Berlin, St. Francis, and Menomonee Falls.

Stay warm and cozy all season. Call Smokestacks today to schedule an appointment with a certified chimney professional and start enjoying your fireplace again.