Hey everyone! I'm currently transforming my living space in Southern California and I have a gas fireplace that I don't plan to use anymore. I'm converting the area into a billiards room and want to make the fireplace area into a cozy nook. The chimney tends to leak a bit during rainy days, which I suspect is caused by water running down the flue. It's just a few drops but I'd rather not deal with it.
My approach is to completely take out the gas fireplace and build a box around it, tiling everything up nicely. I'm also going to replace the drywall and insulation because there might be some mold from previous water damage.
Now, I'm curious about the best method to seal off the flue where it exits the house. The chimney dimensions are 57 x 27.5 inches, and the flue itself is about 14 inches in diameter. Should I cap it directly with a 14-inch cap and seal it with caulk? Or would it be better to cut it even with the cap and cover it completely with sheet metal? If I go with just the cap, I'll also make sure to seal the existing holes where nails have popped out.
I've attached some pictures for reference!
2 Answers
In my experience, attaching some sheet metal and caulking around the edges works great! I did something similar for my chimney years ago in a place with a climate like yours.
You could try removing the cap, putting up some plywood on top at a slight slope, and then sealing it with roofing material or flashing. This method helps to keep things watertight.
Would I need to be concerned about condensation building up inside with that setup?
How has it held up? Have you had any issues with moisture collecting inside?