How do I size my fireplace chimney flue for a Chimney Balloon?

How to make accurate measurements of your chimney flue before purchasing a Chimney Balloon fireplace draft stopper.

How do I choose the correct size Chimney Balloon fireplace chimney pillow if there is a damper (metal flap closer) in my chimney?

1. Before sizing your chimney make sure your fireplace and chimney is cold and you have no hot embers in your fireplace that can be a danger to you. If you sweep and vacuum your fireplace ash first, you will find this whole process much cleaner. Never vacuum hot ash!
2. Look into your chimney and identify the damper (a metal flap with lever that closes the chimney) if you have one, and the most narrow section of your chimney within arms reach. Often dampers get warped with repeated heating and cooling and function poorly. That is a common reason for a draft to come down your chimney into your house.
3. Select an area to install the Chimney Balloon. Make sure the area you select is not interfered with by the damper flap or any damper hardware. The area must have parallel or slightly sloping walls with significant texture for the balloon to grab and lodge in during inflation. Often just above the damper is an ideal location to install a Chimney Balloon. The damper ledge acts as a ledge to grant a little extra support to the weight of the balloon. A Chimney Balloon can also be installed well above the damper, so it is possible to close the damper below it.
4. Measure the length and depth of the chimney in the location you have selected to install a Chimney Balloon. A very useful tool to measure the inside of your chimney is a foldable carpenters ruler . You can unfold a carpenters ruler in an L-shape and use it as a ruler on a stick. If you dont have a folding ruler, you can also use a tape measure to measure your flue.
   
   Write down the dimensions, and also note if your chimney is round, circular or rectangular in the location you are measuring.
5. Click here to select the Chimney Balloon size that would like to purchase. It is OK to buy a Chimney Balloon that is larger than your measured opening since you will be inflating it into place. However, DO NOT by a Chimney Balloon that is too small for the measured opening.

Here is a good rule of thumb on buying a Chimney Balloon that is bigger than you need:

On any measured flue opening smaller than 12"X12" you should order a Chimney Balloon within 3" in either dimension.

On any measured flue opening larger than 12"X12" you should order a Chimney Balloon within 6" in either dimension.

How do I choose the correct size Chimney Balloon fireplace chimney pillow if there is NO damper (straight chimney with no closing mechanism) in my chimney?

Note: An open chimney is the most inefficient chimney and is constantly letting heated air and air conditioned air escape your home. You are very wise to get a Chimney Balloon fireplace chimney pillow installed ASAP. You will notice a savings on your energy bill as soon as you get it installed.

1. Before sizing your chimney make sure your fireplace and chimney is cold and you have no hot embers in your fireplace that can be a danger to you. If you sweep and vacuum your fireplace ash first, you will find this whole process much cleaner. Never vacuum hot ash!
2. Look into your chimney and identify the narrowest section of your chimney within arms reach.
3. Select an area to install the Chimney Balloon. Make sure the area you select is not interfered with by any hardware or sharp edges in the chimney. The area must have parallel or slightly sloping walls with significant texture for the balloon to grab and lodge in during inflation.
4. Measure the length and depth of the chimney in the location you have selected to install a Chimney Balloon. A very useful tool to measure the inside of your chimney is a foldable carpenters ruler . You can unfold a carpenters ruler in an L-shape and use it as a ruler on a stick. If you dont have a folding ruler, you can also use a tape measure to measure your flue.
   
   Write down the dimensions, and also note if your chimney is round, circular or rectangular in the location you are measuring.
5. It is OK to buy a Chimney Balloon that is larger than your measured opening since you will be inflating it into place. However, DO NOT by a Chimney Balloon that is too small for the measured opening.

Here is a good rule of thumb on buying a Chimney Balloon that is bigger than you need:

On any measured flue opening smaller than 12"X12" you should order a Chimney Balloon within 3" in either dimension.

On any measured flue opening larger than 12"X12" you should order a Chimney Balloon within 6" in either dimension.

How do I choose the correct size Chimney Balloon fireplace chimney pillow if there is a smoke shelf or smoke chamber in my chimney?

1. Before sizing your chimney make sure your fireplace and chimney is cold and you have no hot embers in your fireplace that can be a danger to you. If you sweep and vacuum your fireplace ash first, you will find this whole process much cleaner. Never vacuum hot ash!
2. Look into your chimney and identify the damper (a metal flap with lever that closes the chimney) if you have one, and the most narrow section of your chimney within arms reach. Often dampers get warped with repeated heating and cooling and function poorly. That is a common reason for a draft to come down your chimney into your house.
3. Select an area to install the Chimney Balloon. Make sure the area you select is not interfered with by the damper flap or any damper hardware. The area must have parallel or slightly sloping walls with significant texture for the balloon to grab and lodge in during inflation. Often, just above the damper is an ideal location to install a Chimney Balloon. The damper or smoke shelf (smoke chamber) acts as a ledge to grant a little extra support to the weight of the balloon. A Chimney Balloon can also be installed well above the damper, so it is possible to close the damper below it
4. Measure the length and depth of the chimney in the location you have selected to install a Chimney Balloon. A very useful tool to measure the inside of your chimney is a foldable carpenters ruler . You can unfold a carpenters ruler in an L-shape and use it as a ruler on a stick. If you dont have a folding ruler, you can also use a tape measure to measure your flue.
   
   Write down the dimensions, and also note if your chimney is round, circular or rectangular in the location you are measuring.
5. Click here to select the Chimney Balloon size that would like to purchase. It is OK to buy a Chimney Balloon that is larger than your measured opening since you will be inflating it into place. However, DO NOT by a Chimney Balloon that is too small for the measured opening.

Here is a good rule of thumb on buying a Chimney Balloon that is bigger than you need:

On any measured flue opening smaller than 12"X12" you should order a Chimney Balloon the exact size or no more than 3" too large in length or width.

On any measured flue opening larger than 12"X12" you should order a Chimney Balloon the exact size or no more than 6" too large in length or width.

Disclaimer

The instructions on this page reflect professional suggestions on how to install this system or product. Installation must be done by a qualified professional. K's Chimney / Fresh Air, Inc. is not responsible nor will be held liable for damage or loss to property, building, or body due to improper installation based on instructions or of products purchased on KsChimney.com or related entities.

A MAJOR CAUSE OF CHIMNEY RELATED FIRES IS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN REQUIRED CLEARANCES (AIR SPACES) TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT THIS CHIMNEY BE INSTALLED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Read through all manufacturer installation instructions before beginning your installation. Failure to install the chimney as described in these instructions will void the manufacturer’s warranty and may have an effect on your homeowner insurance and UL listing status.