| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Woodstock |
How to stop cold drafts from my chimney!I know it's a bit early for this post but i am already fretting about winter being round the corner!We live in a victorian terrace and it means that in the downstairs rooms we have beautiful old victorian fireplaces. Unfortunately the fire places are no longer able to be used for fires (or we haven't the money to rectify it) but it means that in winter it can sometimes feel like a cold gale is blowing down the chimney and freezing the rooms. Does anybody have any good ideas for how to stop this/block the chimney? We tried scrunched up newspaper but it frequently gets dislodged and comes sailing out of hte fireplace and terrifies the dogs 
Any ideas gratefully recieved. Thanks |
| fishfish |
yes! large inner tube stuffed up there and inflated! 
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| Behemoth |
A balloon, a large ball of insulation and a board, taped around the edges. |
| marigold |
Chimney balloon http://www.chimney-balloon.co.uk/ ?
Old pillow? Old duvet? Sack stuffed with straw/hay/newspaper balls? Don't stop all ventilation if condensation is likely to be a problem. |
| ros |
Our "chimney balloon" is the wine-bag from inside a wine box - works great |
| Cathryn |
I am doing the opposite and am busy unblocking chimneys. Must remember this thread when it starts getting cold.
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| Shane |
We stuck a couple of metal batons on opposite sides of the chimney and have a thick wooden board, cut to the profile of the chimney, resting on them. A doddle to lift out for cleaning, and gets rid of the draft too! |
| stumbling goat |
have you capped it off at the top to prevent birds and rain coming in?
you will still probably need to provide ventilation. sg |
| Woodstock |
No it's not capped off at the top.
How do I know if i need ventilation?! It's like a whole new world this!!! |
| Woodstock |
Oooh i just looked on that chimney balloon site - looks brilliant! |
| vegplot |
Blocking a chimney can cause problem in the flue itself over time. I suggest partial blockage with enough air flow to stop damp problems but reduce draughts. You could also consider feed external air in at the base of the chimney so internal warm air loss is reduced. It doesn't do any harm having an air vent near the base of the stack anyway as this helps stops air being drawn in through window gaps, under doors etc which is where you feel draughts the most. |
| stumbling goat |
http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/diyelem/roof/chimney/chimrestor.htm
have a look at the link above. hth sg |
| Mutton |
You can get rain water running down inside a chimney even with the sort of open guard on it - as in little roof and grille that looks a bit like a chinese lantern.
Old houses were built to be draughty - or rather because they were draughty all the components used were durable with the draughts keeping down the condensation - chimneys were part of the system. Have seen a house - that we didn't buy - with damp crumbling plaster work on a chimney breast in the middle of the house next to a party wall. MMmm. That was a Victorian terrace with double glazing and sealed fire places. |
| Woodstock |
Thanks again guys for all your advice, much appreciated and very helpful. |