How to a Stop Draft in Your Gas Log Fireplace
April 08, 2026
What should I do with my cold, drafty gas log fireplace?
Installing a gas log set in a fireplace is a great way to make your fireplace easier to use. You no longer have to haul wood through your home, worry about smoke entering the room or deal with all the ash that wood creates. With all the benefits that a gas log set can have there is one key negative aspect to a gas fireplace that often gets overlooked and is rarely addressed. Oftentimes, the log set will make your home cold when the fireplace isn't being used.
What causes the gas log set to make the fireplace cold?
The reason the fireplace gets cold is caused by a very small part that comes with every vented gas log set - the damper clip. A damper clip props the gas fireplace damper flapper open, preventing it from fully closing when not in use.
Why is a damper clip required with my gas log set?
A damper clip is required for several reasons. First off, it prevents the damper from being completely closed if someone turns the gas log set on while forgetting to open the damper. The damper clip will keep the damper open just enough to prevent soot and CO2 from spilling back into the living space.The other main reason for the damper clip is to prevent the gas from being trapped under the damper in the event of a gas leak. Natural gas is lighter than air and could build up under the damper if it were completely closed. The area from the top of the fireplace to the damper can trap enough gas that a spark could create a large fire. For this reason, a damper clip is extremely important for gas log sets.
Am I just stuck with a cold gas log set in my fireplace?
Luckily, not any more. The Liberty Foundry Draft Stopper mounts to the face of your fireplace, allowing the damper clip to remain in place and untouched. The Draft Stopper is equipped with a gasket seal around the back edge which fits tightly to the fireplace, preventing cold drafts from entering the home. The Draft Stopper installs quickly and just as easily removed when you are ready to have a fire. This is also a great option for pre-fab fireplaces as well. Even if you never plan on using the fireplace, the Draft Stopper is a great option for sealing off the fireplace face without permanently sealing it.
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