Blocking/boarding up chimneys?

[devsdev]

Hi all,

We have 3 chimney breasts/fireplaces on our ground floor, one of which has been boarded up professionally by the previous owners (the fireplace area is still open, it's just the opening to the actual chimney that's boarded). The other two are non functional fireplaces and a lot of soot still falls down the chimney. We've had a chimney sweep in but it didn't really help with the soot. Can anyone recommend who we can contact to get them boarded up? Could any builder do it? Has anyone had it done? Currently have to "fence off" one of the fireplaces with a table so the kids don't play with the soot!

Thank you!

[nunheadmum]

Would a chimney balloon work? http://www.chimneyballoon.co.uk/

It probably depends on how much soot you get down but we've got one and it works quite well to block the hole and stop the heat escaping.

[devsdev]

Thanks nunheadmum - did you just use the guidance on the website to figure out what size you needed? Seems like a very messy proposition!

[goldilocks]

We've used a chimney balloon too in a previous flat. It worked well - just went with what was on the website and it was easy and effective. Would give it a go as a first option.

[nunheadmum]

Afraid I can't say as my husband ordered and installed it but I think he just followed the instructions.