How to choose the correct size and shape
Chimney Balloons come in three basic shapes, Square, Rectangular and Round. They are available in four sizes, Small, Medium, Large and Non-Standard. Non-standard sizes are those sizes that do not fall within the standard sizes or shapes. In this case a chimney balloon is made-to-order to fit specific measurements and shape if necessary.
Where does the Chimney Balloon go?
There are two options where to fit the chimney balloon. The first is somewhere between one and two feet up inside the chimney as shown in the three diagrams below. For these types of chimneys use a square or rectangular balloon. The second option is to use a circular balloon. These go directly into the flue and can be used when the flue is within easy reach. The flue is the circular hole at the top of the chimney.
It is important to get the correct size chimney balloon from the outset as if you get one that is too small, it will never fill the chimney opening, no matter how much you inflate it. On the other hand, if you get one that is a little too big, it just means that you under inflate the balloon in order for it to fill the opening properly. So measuring up is important.
Please note that both options will work equally well but just depend on the design/shape of your chimney.
How to Measure
The first thing you need to do is to get a torch and look between one and two feet up into the chimney opening itself. What you want to establish is the shape of balloon you will need, the best place to install the chimney balloon and the measurement of the place where you will install the balloon.
For Square or Rectangular chimney balloons you need to locate two straight or relatively parallel walls where the chimney balloon will rest once inflated. Then measure the width and depth of the opening.
For a Round/Circular chimney balloon, ensure that you can reach the chimney flue relatively easily and take a measurement of the diameter.
Once you have your measurement compare it to the sizes set out here to see what size is nearest your measurements.
Square/Rectangular Balloons
Small size fits openings up to 15” x 9” (38cm x 23cm)
Small Square Chimney Balloon fits opening up to 9” x 9” (23cm x 23cm)
Medium size fits openings up to 24” x 12” (61cm x 31cm)
Large size fits openings up to 36” x 15” (92cm x 38cm)
If you find that your measurement are non-standard and don’t come within the sizes shown above, don’t worry, we can make you a balloon in any size that you might need in increments of one inch.
Round/Circular Balloons
Three most common sizes are 7” (18cm), 8” (20cm) and 9” (23cm).
If your flue measures anything larger or smaller, don’t worry we can make a round balloons in any size that you might need in increments of one inch. Simply contact us with your measurements and we’ll take it from there.
Accessories
Once you have established the size and shape of chimney balloon you want, you then need to decide what accessory you need to go with the chimney balloon. The available accessories are, an inflation tube, an extended handgrip and a spare tap.
The inflation tube is highly recommended. It fits onto the end of the chimney balloon handle and makes inflating and installing the balloon even easier.
The extended handgrip is a long handgrip that fits onto the chimney balloon handle to increase reach for installing balloons high into a chimney or where the flue etc is out of normal reach.
The spare tap fits onto the end of the inflation tube and makes installing and inflating balloons that are placed high up in the chimney much easier. It also makes it easier for deflating the chimney balloons for removal when you want to light a fire.
If you have any queries or would like any advice or help with measuring or selecting the correct size/shape of chimney balloon, please feel free to call us on (01) 2542194 or 086.8284038. We’re here to help.