Soundproofing a chimney flue or breast is actually surprisingly easy, and chances are you will only have to spend around $50 or under when doing it yourself.
The advice below gives you 3 methods which you can use, all of which I have successfully used myself in various homes.
Read on now to find out how you can go about soundproofing a chimney flue on a budget, in just 3 simple steps.
Soundproofing a Chimney Flue on a Budget
My advice is that you start with steps 1 and 2, to see if that works first. If you are still experiencing wind noises and banging coming down the chimney then move onto step 3 which is a more advanced, and more expensive route.
Step 1: The Chimney Balloon Method
I love this product. It’s called a chimney balloon and is great for stopping noisy cold air and wind coming down the flue, as well as the heat escaping from your house – so it has a double benefit.
The science behind it is very simple, and it’s just like fitting double-glazing, but into the chimney and far cheaper!
All you do is push it into the chimney and then inflate it inside of the flue.
When inside of the chimney it in will push against the walls on the inside of the chimney breast where it will then stick in place.
Now how the magic happens is simple, yet ingenious.
It soundproofs the chimney breast by trapping air inside, but doesn’t let warm up rise up. This prevents noisy wind coming down the chimney breast and keeps the room warmer.
There is a very tiny vent in the balloon which lets some airflow so the chimney can breathe, but other than that it stops heated air leaving the home, and draughts coming down the flue.
The video below highlights just how easy it is if you want to know how to install a chimney balloon once you have purchased the product.
Step 2: Add a Chimney Flueblocker
To really makes your chimney breast better soundproofed I also recommend the installation of a flue blocker.
Obviously though, you cannot use this product whilst your fire is on, only during periods when it is inactive.
Again, you can buy these for under $50 on Amazon and they work like a dream. You will need to buy the correct dimensions to fit your fireplace – but you can view the range on Amazon and read the reviews which are outstanding.
They come as round models, or as square models. Go take a look to see the latest prices before they go out of stock – they are very popular.
Step 3: Fit a Chimney Cowl
The more expensive and tricky option, probably requiring someone good with ladders!
Chimney cowls sit on the top of the chimney stack, keeping it ventilated, whilst stopping loud wind noises coming down the flue.
It’s a very effective way for people wanting to know how to soundproof a chimney breast, and you can pick them up for anything between $30 all the way up to $300.
I’ve got a few I like, but the one you buy depends on the width of your chimney stack on the roof. You can go take a look at Amazon at the best rated chimney cowls and choose one for yourself.
One Last Solution to Consider
If you are still hearing banging noises in your chimney breast then it could be that the metal layers inside it have become warped. This is a common issue with air-cooled chimneys, as they have two layers of metal inside.
This can be fixed with small dividers, as they might have become bent inside.
It’s a more advanced fix though, and will require professional help.
Final Thought
Soundproofing a chimney breast needn’t be difficult. Chances are that you can complete the job yourself with some of the tips above.
The only aspect that I would not recommend you do yourself is the fitting of a chimney cowl. Unless you are a trained ladder operator, or have experience on rooftops, then it might be something that you pay a professional to do once you have purchased the right cowl to fit your chimney stack.
I have also previously blogged about how you can stop wind noises from coming own a chimney. You can read that here.
