Chimney Balloon / Chimney Sheep?

Jo4

Does anyone use either a chimney balloon or chimney sheep in their open fire and if so would you recommend it? Where is the best place to purchase these because I want to make sure it is safe to use, hence looking for a personal recommendation?

arbrighton

Presumably you mean when it isn't burning?

bob_a_builder

As pointed out none of them are safe if you light the fire.

A black plastic bin bag filled with a bit of loft insulation is just as good - leave something dangling to remind you its there - worked for me for 20 odd years

marlot

I used a chimney sheep - it works well, and stops the draughts. I also put a big warning sign near the burner of the gas fire below it.

OCD gas service tech wasn't happy though - I guess there is always a risk, however well you signpost it!

Loft insulation or bubble wrap can be a good alternative.

Jo4

Thank you for the responses.

Gordon_Hose

We use a chimney balloon, it was a nightmare to fit and get into place due to the small gap we had to get it in. Now it's fitted it seems to do the job pretty well. We backed it up with a bag full of loft insulation too.

Sagz_2

I used a black bag stuffed with newspaper..... first windy day it was suckered up the chimney and never seen again! Even when the chimney was swept it wasn't found.
I've now got an old pillow stuffed up there and am draught free.

Jo4

Sagz wrote: »

I used a black bag stuffed with newspaper..... first windy day it was suckered up the chimney and never seen again! Even when the chimney was swept it wasn't found.

:eek: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :T

Gordon_Hose

Sagz wrote: »

I used a black bag stuffed with newspaper..... first windy day it was suckered up the chimney and never seen again! Even when the chimney was swept it wasn't found.
I've now got an old pillow stuffed up there and am draught free.

That's amazing, good effort! :rotfl:

There's a neighbour somewhere close by wondering why someone dumped an old bag of newspaper in their garden!

jimbo_the_jetset

Not had very good experience with a chimney balloon (ChimneySoc).

First 2 kept leaking, replacements sent by manufacturer. Recently fitted one of the replacements and again it is losing air each day. Either a puncture or a faulty valve.

I think a stuffed bag / pillowcase may be better.