Chimney balloon or fabric draught excluder

R.O.S.S.I

R.O.S.S.I

R.O.S.S.I

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Looking at buying either a chimney balloon or one of the other draught excluder devices to plug the hole in our chimney flue in the lounge to stop it being draughty and losing heat.

Does anyone know if the balloons are a better purchase or if the fabric type are a better buy?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chimney-Bal...113144&sr=8-1&keywords=square+chimney+draught

http://www.amazon.co.uk/inch-Round-...113144&sr=8-3&keywords=square+chimney+draught

Gave the opening a quick measure and its about 10 x 10 inches square. Wasn't sure if the round fabric ones would be much cop. Anyone used either and able to offer any advice?
 
The chimney balloon I bought worked well, just don't blow it up using your mouth as it will be hot air and the balloon will deflate.

The balloon type are shaped to block the draft but let a small amount of air through to prevent moisture.

Good for the money I'd say.

I got mine direct from chimsoc on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301160696104
 
Cool will look at grabbing one of the balloons then. Not sure if this is a stupid question but What's the best way to inflate if not via your mouth?
 
The balloons aren't a perfect plug for the gap so it still allows a little bit of airflow around it.

Reviews seem to be fairly positive on Amazon for them so going to give it a go. Has to be better than having nothing in place!
 
I looked at the chimney balloons, but ended up using a bin bag stuffed with loft insulation. It stopped the draft and the wind noise and cost pence!

Dave
 
divuk83 said:
I looked at the chimney balloons, but ended up using a bin bag stuffed with loft insulation. It stopped the draft and the wind noise and cost pence!

Dave
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I don't think that's a bad idea, but not everyone has those materials lying around. I think the money saved and the reduction in annoying wind noise has to be worth £13 for a balloon.
 
Adam said:
I don't think that's a bad idea, but not everyone has those materials lying around. I think the money saved and the reduction in annoying wind noise has to be worth £13 for a balloon.
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Its a fantastic idea and would have definitely opted for that if I had any insulation lying round, alas I didnt so the balloon was worth a punt :)
 
Received the balloon and fit it last night. Its a very snug fit in the flue and I must say when I got up this morning the house was a notable 2 degrees warmer than it usually is however I don't know if that is just because it's so mild outside at the moment.! :p

Time will tell over Xmas whilst we are off if it does have an sort of meaningful effect.
 
I just stuff ours with newspaper but then it is in regular use so a balloon would be a pain!

Trifid said:
You run the risk of causing damp. Get a roofer round and install a cap on the top of the chimney.
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a cap won't stop you getting a draft as the chimney stack should be vented top and bottom if the builder just caps and seals it you run an even bigger risk of damp as there will be no air movement through the stack.
 
a1ex2001 said:
a cap won't stop you getting a draft as the chimney stack should be vented top and bottom if the builder just caps and seals it you run an even bigger risk of damp as there will be no air movement through the stack.
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You want some air circulation to avoid the damp. An open chimney provides more then you want but something like the below allows the air to circulate while not being drafty.


S23BHsQ.jpg
 
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