Old Coal Fireplace

zelda 1 post Oct 18, 2008 2:26 PM

I have an old coal fireplace, with a cast iron insert. The chimney itself has no damper but the insert does have a narrow flap that I suppose is used as a damper (though a very inefficient one when it the fireplace is not in use). I had to slide the insert out to see what the chimney looks like from the inside, as there was no way to see through the damper slot (which measure about 20"x2"). The highest and narrowest part of the chimney is 9"x9". Then it looks like it's relatively straight/slightly sloping at about 9"x15". And then slopes again over about 20" to it's largest point of 9"x20", just above that damper slot in the insert. From what I've read, you don't recommend positioning the balloon on the slope. I'm almost positive I wouldn't be able to get the balloon up to the 9x9 spot (certainly not without removing the insert everytime, which I want to avoid). So, a bunch of questions: 1. What's the likelihood of me being able to maneuver the balloon through the damper slot in the insert? 2. What's my best position? 3. Related to #2, what's my best sizing? 4. Oh, and I think the 9" is really more like 9.25... how exact are you balloon sizes? Thanks for your help!

jasonr 30 posts Oct 20, 2008 8:01 AM

Dear Zelda, We spoke on the phone briefly about how your coal insert slides into the fireplace. Considering there is significant clearance between the top of the insert and the 9x9 fireplace flue area, you will find the 9x15 area to be the best location to install the Chimney Balloon. I understand the walls of this area taper upward on two sides and are vertical on two sides in this area. The Chimney Balloon will grab and hold firm on the two parallel and vertical walls, and it will seal the two slanted walls as well. Once in place it is possible to uninstall the Chimney Balloon through the very small 2" damper opening, but honestly it is not easy to do. You will have to reach the Chimney Balloon through the damper so you can open the air valve. Once the air valve is open you will have to give the Balloon 5 minutes or more to release its air. Then you slowly and carefully thread it down through the damper little by little. Fortunately, a 9x15 is a relatively small Chimney Balloon, so there is not a lot of balloon material. If I can be of further assistance to you in this coal fireplace insert application please let me know. ---------- Jasonr Moderator

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