by blogediter | Dec 7, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Chimney Balloon too big
Q: Jason – According to the attached picture do you think I bought a Chimney Pillow that is too big? – GJ
A: GJ, You absolutely bought a Chimney Balloon that was too big. I would say it is at least 6″ too big in 2 dimensions by the look of it. It is hard to tell the dimensions from a picture like this, but I am willing to bet that is a 9″x9″ flue passage that you stuffed a 15×15 Chimney Ballon into. You would be much better served by using a 9×9 Chimney Balloon for this particular spot. But you did do the right thing by purchasing an HEK extender to install your Chimney Balloon so high in the flue. Without the extender, you would have had a terrible time getting the Chimney Balloon that high.
Actually, you may want to consider using a larger Chimney Balloon closer down to where your damper was. I see you had your damper cut off when you had the lock top damper installed. I can tell you have a locktop Lymance chimney top damper by the cable that runs along the side of your flue. The Chimney Balloon will inflate around the cable just fine, but be sure to wrap some tape around the cable where it will come in contact with the Chimney Balloon. Cables like this often have rough frayed edges that will poke into the Chimney Balloon when you inflate it into place.
Note: This customer ended up with a 36×15 Chimney Balloon that was easier to install lower by the flue opening. Read more on this at this link on How to install a Chimney Balloon where there is a locktop damper cable in the flue.
by blogediter | Jul 11, 2018 | Chimney Problems
Q: Jason, When I went to install my 9×15 small Chimney Balloon I got it in there a little sideways. Is it OK the way it is, or should I remove it and install it again? It is sealing tight and no more air is coming through. – EC
A: Dear EC, The Chimney Balloon is in there a little sideways. The handle valve should be coming straight out the Chimney Bottom of the Chimney Balloon through the old damper opening, but if it fills the void and stops the air passage that is the most important thing. It certainly won’t hurt anything to have it in the flue that way you have it. – Jason
by blogediter | Apr 30, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Flue Walls Slant
Q: Inside my fireplace, about 29″ up from above the opening is the damper. Just below the damper and each of the four sides or slit type openings. I do not know why. Maybe for air? I just saw the picture from SH and that is what mine likes like except all 4 sides slant in. It is about 10×10 at the damper. – KT
A: Dear KT, Since the sides slant on all 4 sides we will have to do the install high or low. We can use a HEK extender and a small 12×12 Chimney Balloon to install above the damper, or we can use the ledge that is generally just on the lintel and install a larger 36×15 Chimney Balloon. The lower install is easier but the balloon may be slightly visible from the room. _ Jason
by blogediter | Apr 27, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Chimney Balloons to squirrel, raccoon, opossums and larger vermin.
Q: Jason, A couple of times in the last few years we’ve had flying squirrels come down the chimney.
How resistant are the Chimney Balloons to the claws of little critters such as this? (I would put a screen on top of the chimney but I’d have to rent a lift to do so. Tall house, taller chimney, steep roof…) Thanks, – ADH
A: Dear ADH, Have you got a friend with a bucket truck or cherry picker? No?, neither do I, but I wish I did many times.
Chimney Balloons hold up well keeping out birds, bats, insects, and wasps, but they fall short when it comes to raccoons, squirrels, mice, and opossums.
If the critter has teeth and claws, you are going to need a wire mesh cap on the chimney and I would spend the extra to get a stainless one so you don’t have to replace it soon. Don’t risk your neck on your steep roof, call a chimney sweep to put the cap on for you. And if it is opossums or raccoons you are trying to keep out of your chimney make sure you anchor it VERY well. Those critters have the strength of a Gorilla when it comes to removing chimney caps! – Jason
by blogediter | Mar 23, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Christmas Chimney Balloon
Customer Service at Chimney Balloon USA received a phone call from old Saint Nick today. He was a bit concerned about all of the Chimney Balloons he has been seeing recently in fireplaces in Europe, Australia, and North America.
You see, the jolly-old-elf bounces when he runs into a Chimney Balloon in the flue, and all that bouncing slows him down. He has a lot of deliveries to make in just one night, so although the bouncing is fun he would rather be forewarned about a Chimney Balloon being present so he can slow his decent and not bounce.
So Santa asked us, to ask our customers to make sure you put the little red Chimney Balloon reminder card (it came with your Chimney Balloon) in the firebox tonight so he can see it from the top of the chimney and know he has to take it slow.
Remember, if you decide to play a trick on old Saint Nick and not put out the card, you may just find out what a bouncing Santa looks like. (But that is also a quick way to get on the naughty list.)
Merry Christmas!
from Santa
and the staff here at Chimney Balloon!
