by blogediter | Dec 5, 2018 | Gas Logs
Chimney Balloon Diagram
Q: Jason, Recently getting my chimney swept, I was given an estimate of 1k to replace my disintegrated Smoke Shelf. The guy was nice and said that is why I sometimes may get smoke in the room (I do — but only initially and it goes away in less than 20 seconds). But, on his estimate, he noted that the chimney could be brought “into” code with said Smoke Shelf. Getting back to this Smoke Shelf, it is above the damper, and if it looks like the diagram shown, how on Earth could it be disintegrated? One thing the sweep did not mention was my crusty damper that actuates open funny- NG
A: NG, 20 seconds of smoke at the start is quite normal. I wouldn’t worry about that, but if it bothers you then glass doors will work to cut that smoke escape way back. Since the damper is actuating funny you would be looking at a Chimney Balloon ($50) or a replacement damper ($500 or so installed) to fix that issue. Repairing your smoke shelf will not help this issue much at all. If the condition of the inside of the smoke shelf of the chimney is in question, then the whole interior of the chimney would be in question, so you would really be looking more at a stainless chimney liner. But that would be up to a sweep that has a camera to inspect it well. Or you could just plug it and forget it, since traditional fireplaces are such a losing heat energy option anyway. Using them makes your energy bill go up – not down. – Jason
by blogediter | Dec 3, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Plasma cutter
Q: Jason, How do I remove an old fireplace damper? I am putting in a stainless steel
chimney liner tube for protection and I need to remove the damper… – JB
A: JB, The lowest tech way would be to use a Sawzall. But, Using a Sawzall will be a certain mess on your head. All that vibration will certainly bring down an unwanted tidal wave of chimney buildup and metal chips. I don’t recommend that at all.
A plasma cutter will be a better option for tight quarters like a chimney. You make this liner insert project sound as though you are planning on doing it yourself? It is money well spent to have something like this done by a service provider that is experienced, especially if you don’t own your own plasma cutter.
After your damper is removed you may want to consider a Chimney Balloon or some type of chimney plug to serve as your damper. You don’t want that open hole to be left unclosed to release your AC in the summer and heat in the winter. – Jason
by blogediter | Jun 18, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Oval flue liner
Q: Jason – I have a cast in place poured chimney liner with a round opening of about 8 inches. Do you have a Chimney Balloon specifically for round or oval liners? – DD
A: DD, A 9X9 Chimney Balloon will work just fine with a 8″ diameter cast in place poured chimney liner. The 9×9, 12×12 and 15×15 will work well with a round or oval shape flue. Attached is a picture example of how a 9×9 Chimney Balloon collapses its corners to fit in a 8″ diameter round flue.- Jason
