What Is a Chimney Balloon?

Description

• Chimney balloons are made of a specially designed poly membrane material that is acid-resistant and strong enough to withstand the abrasive interior of your chimney. The balloon is flexible so that it can seal each crack or crevice in your chimney flue. Chimney balloons are designed to stop foul odors and debris from coming through your chimney as well. In unused chimneys, the balloons work to stop cold drafts from entering your home and prevent warm air from escaping.

Precautions

• The chimney balloon should not be installed in the chimney when it is in use. However, if you forget to remove the balloon, it is made of a material that will deflate within seconds of heat or flame exposure, allowing the smoke and gas to leave safely. Remove the balloon as soon as you can if this happens.

Installation

• Installing a chimney balloon is fairly simple. Roll out the balloon and attach the inflation tube provided to the hand grip on the balloon. This grip also acts as an air valve. Check that the lever on this valve is set so that it is parallel to the tube, in the open position. Blow into the tube until the balloon resembles a limp pillow. Locate the area you want the balloon to fill inside your chimney. Reach up with the balloon to that spot, but take care not to hit the sides or catch the balloon on any sharp edges. It is durable, but not puncture-proof. Hold the balloon in place, and blow into the inflation tube or use a foot pump to inflate it slowly. When the balloon is fully inflated, turn the valve so that it sits perpendicular to the tube, in the off position. If the balloon is properly inflated, it will be firm, but not taut. Push slightly on the tube. It should feel slightly springy. Make sure the valve is hanging freely--not touching or propped on anything--so that if you light a fire without removing the balloon, it can drop easily from the chimney.

Remove and Reuse

• The chimney balloon is easily removed and re-installed. By turning the valve lever to the open position, you can deflate it quickly to remove it from your chimney. Store it away during the cold months and insert it back into the chimney and re-inflate each year when the chimney is not in use.