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Best Way to Seal Chinmey Draft

center15 · 2009-12-18 10:27:16

We have 3 chimneys in the house we want sealed. We dont use any of them, I've seen chimney balloons you put up but these look over priced. Was thinking of using a small gym ball maybe to seal it off. Anyone have any ideas best way to do it?

18-12-2009 10:27am

#1

center15

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We have 3 chimneys in the house we want sealed. We dont use any of them, I've seen chimney balloons you put up but these look over priced. Was thinking of using a small gym ball maybe to seal it off. Anyone have any ideas best way to do it?

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#2 18-12-2009 11:28am

USER X

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Theres a good thread here on cowls and balloons are mentioned. Theres a load of chimney balloons available on ebay here at a reasonable price.

Cheap option is a piece of cardboard cut to the size of the opening of the fireplace with tape around the edges to form a seal. Fibre glass insulation is a handy way to do it too, just stuff some up and the job is done. You can get plastic wool stuff instead of fibre glass now which is nicer to handle if thats a concern and B&Q sell it and lots of insulation materials.

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#3 18-12-2009 11:37am

Webbs

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We use bubble wrap in a black bin liner, works really well

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#4 18-12-2009 2:29pm

40701085

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I had a sheet of 100mm rafterloc left over & cut it to a cone-shape 8" diameter & shoved it up. Its a hole in the house after all so no harm insulating it too.
Maybe attach a string or some such hanging down to remind you its up there JUST in case you ever decide to use it again...

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#5 18-12-2009 4:59pm

cnocbui

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I got a roof slate, cut a circle out of it slightly larger than the chimney pot and stuck it on the top with silicone. It prevents drafts and stops any rain getting in as well.

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#6 23-12-2009 9:39am

center15

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thanks for all the great ideas, Ill try the insulation in a bag because have loads of odd and old pieces left from just re-insulating the attic.

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#7 23-12-2009 10:37am

Eurorunner

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center15 wrote: »

thanks for all the great ideas, Ill try the insulation in a bag because have loads of odd and old pieces left from just re-insulating the attic.

Remember, you have to leave a certain amount of air circulation - or else there will be dampness issues. A chimney balloon is designed to leave this minimum airflow. Better yet, install a solid fuel stove. Even if you never use it, it will pay for itself.
Open fires are on the way out - they are simply far too inefficient.

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