How do I measure my chimney flue?

1 – Measure Your Chimney Flue
Measure inside the chimney SIDE TO SIDE & FRONT TO BACK at the narrowest part of the flue (usually about 600mm above the opening).FINALLY measure to the narrowest part of the flue from the top of the fireplace opening.

Do chimney balloons really work?

The plastic Chimney Balloons can be blown up manually and are inserted into the throat of the chimney. However, while they were easy to use, these widely-used inflatables don’t actually perform well in preventing air leaks and helping you maximise your home heating and cooling!

What is the average chimney flue size?

Flue tile should be at least 5/8-inch thick. It is available in several sizes. The most commonly used sizes in residential construction are 8 by 8 inches, 8 by 13, and 13 by 13 (outside dimensions). Flue tiles are connected together with cement mortar joints, struck smooth on the inside.

How do you measure chimney pipe diameter?

The measuring definitions below are commonly used when measuring for your chimney installation. Circumference – Measurement of the distance around a circle. Divide the circumference by 3.14 to get the diameter.

Should unused chimneys be capped?

You should cap any unused chimneys with a flue ventilator. Flue ventilators can be found on our chimney pot page. The flue ventilator stops rain entry to the chimney but still allows a small amount of air passage for ventilation.

How do you stop draughts coming down the chimney?

A fireplace draft stopper is an efficient way to prevent this from happening. Whether you use a chimney balloon, a fabric draft blocker, glass doors or even create your own decorative cover, a fireplace draft stopper will keep your home warm while lowering energy costs.

How do I keep cold air from coming down my chimney?

Keep cold air out

Along with the common throat damper located just above the firebox, some homeowners add a top-sealing damper at the top of the chimney to double their protection. Another great way to block cold air is with a chimney balloon or plug.

How do I choose a chimney balloon?

Selecting your Chimney Balloon

For oblong and square chimneys, measure side to side and front to back. If there’s a fire surround, measure the chimney beyond this. If you’ve got a headtorch, it’s useful for keeping your hands free to measure. If you’ve got ski googles it will stop soot falling in your face.

What is the purpose of a chimney balloon?

The Chimney Balloon is designed to inflate and push against all four walls of the chimney, holding itself firmly in place. There is a small vent in the side of the product which allows some airflow, permitting your chimney to “breathe”.

How much heat is lost up a chimney?

What’s more, between 80 and 90 percent of the heat produced by wood burned in an open fireplace is lost up the chimney. This means that for every $100 you spend on firewood, you get only $10 to $20 worth of heat. The rest goes up the chimney.

Can you cut a Chimney Sheep to size?

If you have measured your chimney correctly and used our sizing chart to order the correct size then yes! A ‘Sheep works by being a little bit bigger than the flue so it can grip onto the sides and hold itself in place.

What is a chimney draught excluder?

First up is getting a draught excluder: a handy device fitted inside the chimney or around the fireplace, to stop the warm air going up and the cold draughts coming in. This is your cheapest option, with prices starting at around £15. And you will soon make the money back.

Can a flue be too big?

When a flue is too big, the chimney can be too cold. Cold chimneys make keeping a fire lit more difficult. They also lead to condensation and possible mold inside the chimney brickwork. They key to making and keeping a great draft in your fireplace is making sure the proper sized flue is installed.

Can you reduce a 6 inch flue to 5 inch?

Decreasing the flue size smaller than the stove’s collar (or flue flange) is almost never permitted. Doing so would restrict the flue system to less than required for proper draft, causing smoke to spill out of the air intakes.