Domestic Heating Problem

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Tue 8 Mar 2016 20:59
Domestic Heating Problem - Henry the 9th

Not exactly a heating problem but I was a little lost for two or three words to sum-up the problem.....no suggestions please :o)

My wife complains that there is a draft coming down the lounge chimney and asks me to find a solution for it!

There is no way we want to stuff something up the chimney.

Is there a device which could be fitted to the top of the chimney to do the trick?

I have occasionally seen this sort of thing on other people's chimneys but for all I know they serve a different purpose.

Many thanks in anticipation of your help.

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Tue 8 Mar 2016 21:16
Domestic Heating Problem - Bromptonaut

Do you ever use the fireplace?

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Tue 8 Mar 2016 21:27
Domestic Heating Problem - Henry the 9th

Good question.....I should have said something about that.

The fireplace has a gas fired imitation coal appliance. We have not used it for a very long time but my wife (a real worrier) does not like the idea of stuffing something up the chimney!

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Tue 8 Mar 2016 22:12
Domestic Heating Problem - galileo

Here's a link to an article which refers to your problem and a solution. (This solution, by the way, has been suggested in the Telegraph property section by Jeff Howell, expert in all matters to do with building, a very knowledgable chap.)

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Wed 9 Mar 2016 20:48
Domestic Heating Problem - focussed

Didn't see the link Mr G!

I had the exact same problem - same sort of gas fire etc in the last house we had in the UK.

I made a panel out of plywood shaped to be a push fit in the opening and fancied it up a bit with some mouldings around the edge and pasted an offcut of tasteful wallpaper to the front face to disguise it a bit.

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Wed 9 Mar 2016 21:03
Domestic Heating Problem - Henry the 9th

Here's a link to an article which refers to your problem and a solution. (This solution, by the way, has been suggested in the Telegraph property section by Jeff Howell, expert in all matters to do with building, a very knowledgable chap.)

I would very much like to read that article but sadly you did not provide the link to it.

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Wed 9 Mar 2016 22:16
Domestic Heating Problem - galileo

Humble apologies, everyone, I've only just got into the forum and noticed the link didn't show - here is another attempt, note that the gadgets referred to are also on Amazon/EBay/Screwfix etc. Google "chimney balloons" to find!

tinyurl.com/jc4ecnp

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Fri 11 Mar 2016 20:48
Domestic Heating Problem - Henry the 9th

Many thanks.....that seems to be the way to solve our problem.

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Fri 25 Mar 2016 17:10
Domestic Heating Problem - concrete

Henry, if the fire gas fire is installed correctly there should be a cowl fitted at the top of the chimney pot. This is designed to prevent downdraught, which is probably the cause of your problem. This could be dangerous if you use the fire as it will force carbon monoxide back into the room. This could be FATAL.

If you wish to use the chimney flue at all either for the fire you have or another appliance (wood burner etc) in future then the chimney needs proper attention. It should be lined and sealed top and bottom so any flue gases can only go directly up the chimney from the appliance. If you intend to make the chimnay redundant then you can seal it at the bottom leaving a small air vent to allow air to go up the chimney, and sealed at the top with a small air vent to allow air through also.

Good luck. Concrete

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