How can I stop a fireplace from working?
Question:I have rental houses with fireplaces, and I would like make it so that the fireplaces cannot be used. I have so much trouble with renters causing problems with them. What can I do?
Answers:
Most apartments I have been in with non-working fireplaces have had a piece of plywood cut to fit just inside the frame of the fireplace, then the plywood was either tiled or covered with a paneling that looked like painted faux brick. Nail the plywood in good and tight, and tenants get the message that you don't want them to use the fireplace. To be extra nice, you should line the back of the ply with rigid insulation to prevent drafts and help with the tenant's utility bill. There's probably a treatment for the chimney as well (a cap made out of sheet metal would be my guess) that will keep squirrels and birds from using the flue for nesting.
Wall off the fireplace with bricks.
Sledgehammer when you sell.
You can install a lighted log insert. They aren't too expensive and if you secure them in place with anchors, no one will be able to light a fire. You will have to have an outlet nearby to plug it in if you want your tennants to be able to use them.
Option two would be to frame up the opening and sheet rock it. It wouldn't be so great looking, but there wouldn't be fires either. I guess you could paint a picture of burning logs on it. Hehe.
Good luck. I hope this helps.
If it is a wood burning fireplace you could fix a some sort of shield around the opening. Something like an ember fence and maybe attach it to the brick with tapcons. If it is a gas fireplace you could have a plumber come out and put a cap on gas line. But renters still could put wood in it and try to use it. If there is no damper it is hard to have a fire.
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