I have a central fireplace in my house from the 1980s that has gaps under the hearth on both sides. My two cats have taken a liking to this space and use it to hide from visitors, which isn't ideal. I want to close off these gaps (about 110" L x 3.5" W) to keep them from getting under there, but I also need to maintain some airflow just in case it's needed for the fireplace. My initial idea was to use chicken wire, as it's flexible and should allow for airflow, but the gap is too narrow for a staple gun. I'm looking for suggestions on how to seal up the gaps while still allowing some airflow. Any advice would be awesome!
3 Answers
It’s unlikely that the gap is there for airflow, as it could allow ash or sparks to escape, which could cause a fire hazard. A good idea would be to put in a trim board to block off the space, but you could leave a small gap of 1-2 inches for airflow. This way, the cats can’t sneak in, but you’re still taking precautions for heat buildup.
You might consider using furring strips to close off the leading edge and then use a right-angle drill to help secure it. Also, crumpling tinfoil balls and using superglue could be an option for a more temporary fix. Just make sure whatever you use can withstand those curious cats!
Have you considered using gutter leaf guards? They’re rigid and typically come with grooves that help them snap into place, which would make installation easier. Otherwise, you could look for some continuous strip soffit vent products like Cor-A-Vent for an easy solution. They come in various sizes and are good for airflow.