How do I stop chimney Draughts?

Draught proofing chimneys with chimney balloons You can use a chimney balloon. A chimney balloon is essentially a balloon that you inflate in your chimney that creates a snug fit, thereby preventing hot air escaping up out of the chimney or cold air dropping down it, helping to prevent draughts in your home.

What causes a draft in a chimney?

The pressure in the chimney is typically less than that inside the house. Thus, the draft effect is caused by air inside the chimney being pushed up the chimney by the house air. The air outside the house in the winter is colder and heavier than the warmer air in the house.

How do I stop cold air coming down my chimney?

Another great way to block cold air is with a chimney balloon or plug. These devices are placed above the throat damper and inflated to completely block air from coming down into your fireplace. Balloons are designed to be used only when a fire isn’t burning.

Why is cold air coming down my chimney?

The most common cause of a drafty fireplace is a downdraft. A downdraft occurs when cold air blows across your chimney and eventually down your chimney and through your fireplace. Counteract the downdraft by replacing your chimney cap and damper and make sure it is installed properly.

Why is smoke coming back down chimney?

When the air inside your flue is too cold, it forces smoke back down into your home because colder air is more dense. Many times, this is the case when you haven’t started a fire in a while and it’s been very cold during that period.

What is a crown on a chimney?

The chimney crown is a slab of concrete that tops the masonry chimney. It’s sole design is to prevent water from running into the chimney. It reaches from the liner to the outside of the chimney with a slight taper to allow water to run off the chimney.

Can you put insulation in a chimney?

Fiberglass insulation is naturally fire-resistant. As such, it can be used to insulate a chimney. It is often installed in gaps around the chimney and flue to prevent airflow that can siphon the heat away from the interior of the building.

Do chimney balloons 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!

How do I stop the smoke from blowing down my chimney?

However, if the smoke from your incense blows down and back into the room, that means your chimney has a downdraft. To solve this problem, you’ll need to find a way to neutralize the downdraft. You can do this by opening a window or door low in the house, turning off a fan or your furnace or closing upstairs windows.

Do all chimneys need a crown?

Your chimney crown protects your chimney from water damage entering through small cracks. Some experts believe that less than one percent of all chimneys are properly crowned. Most bricklayers simply finish off the chimney with brick mortar – this is probably due to expediency or lack of education.

Should I cap my unused chimney?

Do Unused Chimneys Need Ventilation? A retired chimney should be sealed only at the top or bottom. This will allow air to pass through the chimney and help prevent problems caused by moisture. If your damper is near the firebox, you can use insulation to seal the chimney.