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Chimney Sheep® Chimney Draught Excluder – Oblong 12″ x 20″ (30cm x 51cm)
FREE delivery on all UK orders over £25!
Chimney Sheep® Chimney Draught Excluder – Oblong 12″ x 20″ (30cm x 51cm)
£36.00
A Chimney Sheep® is a highly efficient, removable chimney draught excluder made from felted Herdwick sheep’s wool. Our original and best-selling product ensures your home is heated efficiently by keeping the heat in and the cold draughts out.
We think a Chimney Sheep® is a no brainer! Why? Here are a few reasons:
- Reduces your energy bills by up to £60 per year on average
- Reduces your carbon output by about 250kg of CO2 per year
- Stops wind noise coming down through the chimney
- Stops wildlife and debris falling into the hearth
- Works in the summer to keep your house cool
- Reduces air pollution entering the home
- Has industry reassurance as the only chimney draught excluder to hold a BBA certificate
- Made in the UK at our factory here in Maryport using Herdwick wool collected during our Operation Wool project
- About 20% of the profit goes towards planting trees through our Community Interest Company, Buy Land Plant Trees
This size is suitable for chimneys that are 8″ – 11″ deep (200 – 280mm) by 13″ – 19″ wide (330 – 480mm). Make sure the Chimney Sheep is an inch or two bigger on each dimension than the chimney you are fitting it into. It comes with a 6″ handle and 6″ extension rod, giving 12″ of reach altogether. This is a popular and versatile size, but if you’re not sure what to get have a look at our sizing chart.
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Description
How does a Chimney Sheep® draught excluder work?
A Chimney Sheep® draught excluder is made from highly durable and naturally breathable Herdwick wool, from a Herdwick sheep. The wool is treated with a unique ionic protect plasma which makes it 100% moth proof and aids with the longevity of the Chimney Sheep® (we have customers that have had the same ones for nearly 10 years!). It is then felted to create a unique flexible yet sturdy material. This makes the Chimney Sheep® perfect to plug the gap just above a fireplace.
The woollen pad of the Chimney Sheep® compresses to fit perfectly flues of all shapes and sizes making it far more efficient than any other chimney draught excluder on the market. Inflatable chimney blockers and chimney umbrellas require a small gap to be left in your flue to allow ventilation but because wool is naturally breathable, a Chimney Sheep® doesn’t require that gap. Instead, once inserted into your chimney flue the 4.43 tog rated Chimney Sheep® acts like a duvet, blocking 95% airflow into and out of your chimney, whilst naturally permitting sufficient ventilation. It works to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney and stopping cold air from coming in via the chimney when not in use, reducing the ‘stack effect’ phenomenon.
It is as simple as that! Read more about the stack effect and how a Chimney Sheep® works here.
What are the benefits of using a Chimney Sheep® draught excluder?
The list is endless but here are a few of the main benefits:
- Reduces your energy bills – a Chimney Sheep® stops about 5% of your household heat from escaping, reducing your heating bill by about £60 per year on average. You can estimate how much your home might save in energy costs by using our savings calculator.
- Reduces your carbon footprint – a Chimney Sheep® makes your heating more efficient, reducing your CO2 output by up to 250kg per year.
- No more wind noise – say goodbye to those horrendous howling winds coming through your chimney by plugging it with a Chimney Sheep® (you can turn your TV volume back down now…).
- Stops wildlife and debris falling in – no more surprises in the hearth, a Chimney Sheep® will catch it all and stop your curious cat getting stuck up the chimney too!
- Works in the summer – a Chimney Sheep® prevents hot air from entering your home and retains air-conditioned air, keeping your house cool in the summer.
- Reduces air pollution in the home – a Chimney Sheep® reduces the number of air changes in a property so considerably reduces the amount of air pollution that enters the home.
Does a Chimney Sheep® REALLY work?
It really does! Don’t take our word for it, here is all the evidence:
- We are the only chimney draught excluder to have a BBA Agrément Certificate. The achieve this the Chimney Sheep® had to go through numerous laboratory tests, on-site evaluations, quality management checks and product inspections, over several years, passing all the assessments to gain the award. The BBA is a worldwide credible industry body and the certificate means that Chimney Sheep® are recognised by building control, government departments, specifiers, and insurers as meeting the BBA’s standards of quality, safety and reliability. It provides you and them with reassurance of the product’s fitness for purpose.
- Rigorously tested by BSRIA and University of Liverpool which showed that a Chimney Sheep® will stop around 5% of household heat from escaping and therefore save users around £60 off the heating bill per year, per chimney and up to 250kg of CO2 per year chimney, working to reduce energy bills going into winter.
- Hailed as one of Grand Designs host, Kevin McCloud’s ‘Green Heroes’.
- DIY Doctor 5* review – read the full review, here.
- Chimney Sheep® has been featured in the press quite a bit too, from the likes of The Guardian, The Times, Good Housekeeping and Ideal Home. You can have a look at some of the latest articles we’ve been featured in here.
Are Chimney Sheep® sustainably made?
Absolutely. We are really passionate about the environment and sustainability. Everything from our sourcing of wool to our packaging is chosen with the environment in mind and the aim of our reducing our carbon footprint as much as we can.
All Chimney Sheep® are made here in our factory in Maryport, Cumbria, using Herdwick wool sustainably sourced from farmers around Cumbria. We collect the wool once a year which we call our ‘Operation Wool’ project. We pay the local farmers a fair price for this which is usually more than the market price and helps to support them.
The felt head of a Chimney Sheep® usually lasts about 10 years and is 100% wool which means it is completely biodegradable and compostable. The handles are made with recyclable plastic therefore are extremely durable and designed to last for decades. We have designed them so that when the felt head does wear out, you can just replace it with a new felt head and keep the same handle to reduce waste and the use of excess plastic. When the time comes and you have to say goodbye to your felt head, get in touch with us.
By using a Chimney Sheep® you are doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint and we are really passionate about helping you to reduce your CO2 output even further. That is why we have set up our very own Community Interest Company, Buy Land Plant Trees, so that with each purchase a proportion of the profits will go towards planting trees on agriculturally poor land. Fancy reading some more about Buy Land Plant Trees? Click here!
How do I work out what size of Chimney Sheep® I need?
All you need to do is measure your chimney. We promise, it sounds more complicated than it really is! Head over to our simple instructions which walk you through it. If you do have any trouble though, just get in touch and we can help.
Our standard Chimney Sheep sizes will fit the majority of chimney flues. However, each and every chimney (like us!) is unique so if your chimney doesn’t look like it will fit one of our standard sizes, contact us with the measurements and we will give you a quote for a made-to-measure Chimney Sheep® that will fit your chimney perfectly.
Jo Allen –
We bought our chimney sheep in Oct before the weather had turned cold, but immediately noticed a difference to the warmth in the room.
Now that the heating is on the room is so much warmer than it’s ever been before. Chimney Sheep really do work :D
Should have bought one years ago!
Pete –
This is a simple but great product. Working out the sizing required before purchase was probably the hardest bit and it’s obviously advisable to go for a larger size if in doubt. The chimney above our open gas fire in the living room was the biggest source of heat loss in our house but no longer thanks to Chimney Sheep. Looks to have made over a 1°C temperature increase in the house. Brilliant
Mrs S Birri –
Our order came quickly and was easy to install. Why didn’t I find you before! Much warmer in our Living Room. Thank you Chimney Sheep you come highly recommended!
Michael Forbes –
I bought one of these after having an air source heat pump fitted. I looked at the baloons but just didn’t like them. Also, I have a strange shaped chimney hole, that starts at 30cm x 15 with a lip, bends to the left and rear while it narrows as it rises then opens up to about 70 x 30 very after about 75cm. It changes from rectangle to oval , a combination of both and then back to rectangle. I figure that the builder must have been bored. I had an idea where my sheep would fit, but wasn’t sure, so I bought a 30 x 50. My thought process was to buy oversize because as it was wool, it would bend and fit to where I needed it. It arrived quickly, the handle (great idea) went together simply and it took just a few minutes to fit it in the right spot. It’s a very robust item, flexible enough to go where you want it but strong enough to stay there. Great design because it does what it says it’s going to do with no fuss or bother.
Yasmin Yazdani –
This has made a real improvement in my bedroom and it was super easy to use – you literally just stick it up the flue and you’re done. Delivery was quick and easy too.
SueD –
Messy to install in stepped chimney, but certainly worth the minor inconvenience, and has already reduced soot fall down chimney too! Lovely and toasty!
Elizabeth Banks –
Put together and fitted in the chimney within minutes of its arrival through the post. No more draughts or bits falling down. Delighted
FrankFran –
A bit messy measuring our oddly shaped flue and slight anxiety that I’d order the wrong size, along with a sooty head and the odd expletive during fitting …..However all that paled into insignificance when I experienced my warmer, draught -free and quieter lounge. My only regret is that I didn’t buy one sooner! Would not hesitate to recommend.
Karin Chrobok –
Took a while to measure the chimney, but was easy peasy to install. Works a treat
Matt Crowder –
My third house and my third Chimney Sheep – very simple and easy to install. Like the ethos of the company too.
Peter Watson –
The instructions on measuring the chimney dimensions are clear but I found the process difficult. Having three chimneys, all different sizes, I ordered a Chimney Sheep that I was confident would fit one of them and tried it in all three chimneys before ordering the other two Sheep. The Sheep are easy to fit and have good reminders that they are there. The draughts seem less but it remains to be seen whether I use less gas
Alison Ball –
I love the chimney sheep not only for its ease and effectiveness, but also because of the ethos of the company. I would certainly recommend this to others.
Tristan Broadhead –
After a few years of trying every trick in the book to stop the freezing cold gale force blowing under my living room door that made the room very cold a friend suggested a Chimney Sheep. I literally could drop a sheet of paper in front of the door and it would fly across the room with the force of the draught. After following the very simple fitting instructions the draft has all but disappeared, I couldn’t believe how good the chimney sheep was. It really is the best money I’ve spent in a long while! I’d certainly recommend them to anyone with an open fire!
Tom O’Donovan –
Really happy with the chimney sheep. It didn’t take long to measure or fit. So far our dining room has remained a more consistent temperature and there’s no draught coming down the chimney. There’s never a fire lit in there and we never intend to, so this seemed like an excellent solution. So far we’ve not been disappointed.
Tracey Torley –
Makes an amazing difference. Fabulous product.
Amanda J –
This is a fantastic product and I wish I had found it sooner. We use our fire a lot in the Winter, however the Chimney Sheep is really easy to put in place and remove, and it has made such a difference . One very happy cat and Chihuahua!!
Catherine –
Much better than a chimney balloon. Really clear website with helpful guidance on how to measure and fit. Efficient ordering and delivery. Strongly recommend swimming goggles when fitting to avoid soot in the eyes!
Judith –
I was very sceptical – especially when this rather small, flat package arrived. I’d already had a cowl fitted at a cost of over £100 , but was still getting awful noise which caused my electrician to ask “do you have a pride of lions up your chimney?” We’ve fitted the chimney sheep and now I have no noise at all!
Jules Hardman –
My cast iron fireplace is decorative rather than a working fireplace and previously I had one of those inflatable balloons up the chimney. Instantly no draft obviously can’t comment on heating bills yet but optimistic. Easy online instructions how to measure and how to install. (Be prepared for a little bit of soot to fall when fitting the pad in place) Definitely recommend.
John Hammond –
It was great to have an opportunity to use a locally sourced, natural product and support a good environmental cause too. Measuring up is a bit tricky as others have said but it’s worth making the effort to get it right. Otherwise it was very easy to fit and the safety tag is clearly visible hanging in the fireplace. I haven’t been through a winter yet with my Chimney Sheep in place so I don’t know how effective it is at keeping out draughts. But it’s already keeping the fireplace clean. I have gifted the wool insoles to a fisherman who spends a lot of time in wellies on chilly river banks. I’ll let you know what he thinks.
Gimleteye –
It was really fiddly measuring for this, my Georgian hob grate fireplace is tiny but the aperture was then surprisingly large in comparison, so correct measuring is vital! The Chimney Sheep arrived very quickly and was installed in less time than it took me to measure in the first place. No more bits falling down the chimney now and no draughts. Very pleased, it’s a neat solution.
Brad Wilkins –
Does the job exactly, almost no draft down the chimney now
SFS –
It is not a cheap item and we were a bit anxious before buying it due to reviews which said it was hard to install. Not our experience, I think due to good planning by my husband. We have a 17th century inglenook fireplace into which previous owners had installed a lightweight fireproof lining resulting in an irregular opening. OH measured it very carefully and allowed good extra allowance. He had to stand on a short stepladder in the fireplace but it went up first go in a matter of minutes. It looks very secure – unlike the chimney balloons we have tried in the past. Very thick and should provide great insulation. We do not have open fires any more so it can stay there permanently. So glad we opted for it.
Mrs. C. Davies –
This is brilliant the difference in temperature in the bedroom after the easy insulation is amazing
monica –
Very happy with the product, it really improved the draught problem we had.
NE –
Not yet been able to use the product as extensions required.
Tudor –
At last a chimney block that actually works. I purchased this in hope that it would stop the draught coming down the chimney, having tried useless balloons, and it works. It fits well in to the chimney void and stays there and it doesn’t deflate. Wonderful purchase
Emma C –
Great product, I have two this size & the largest. They stop draughts coming down the chimney and warm air from being lost. The rooms are warmer and my bills are down on last year when I didn’t have them. They also allow the chimney to breath, which is important as you don’t want condensation forming. Might seem expensive, but the plastic ones don’t last very long and still let cold air down/warm air up at the corners. These will last a long time and can be washed. They also stop a lot of dust and crud coming down the chimney, so less dusting too.
Jennifer White –
Used to stop draught from chimney. Very pleased. My lounge is now draught free and much warmer
Amazon Customer –
Screw handle to head – Fits snuggly into place. Draft has been excluded!! A five second job!!!
Happy, and warmer customer definitely recommends
Ali –
This is almost invisible and completely excludes draughts. It is easy to fit.
As we cannot use the fire for real, we removed the handle to make it even neater, but you should not do that if there is ever a possibility of lighting the fire.
Mrs J Brown –
Brilliant product!! Easy to install & definitely stops the draught. Highly recommend
Kev lane –
Instantly the roomMuch warmer no cold draft coming down the chimney and no warmer going up should’ve got one ages ago Cheers
David Hughes –
This Chimney Sheep is great! Fits nice and looks ok too. I am using it for my gas insert fire on my old traditional Victorian fire with an open chimney which is quite wide. It doesn’t cover the whole width of the breast as I bought it to cover the opening at the top of the fire.
It has made such a BIG difference to the heat loss in my dining room, I really cannot believe how much warmer that room is. I would highly recommend gerting one of these if you are losing heat when not using your fire. 5*s from me.
M. Allum –
After eventually getting the size right (through no fault but my own) found the product of excellent quality. It blocks the chimney well while keeping breathability so not to cause damp issues. Room doesn’t feel miraculously warmer but draft has reduced. Would recommend but not sure that a stuffed blanket couldn’t do the same..
Dos –
These chimney sheep are great, they are well made and have stopped the drafts in our home. One thing I would say is, measure your chimney openings carefully and be prepared for some soot and dirt to come down on you, as I found fitting these up the chimney a little tricky, within the openings we have. However, they were and are well worth, that little bit of hassle.
Kindle Customer –
This product family can be costly; knowing your chimney dimensions is therefore essential. In my chimney it was impossible to get a reliable measure beyond the fire-clay surround. Opted for the 12 by 20 (£38.99) so that I could pull it snug (convex down, concave up). Living on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District the winds in Autumn/Winter are frequently a problem creating an updraft that then creates drafts in the room. Thought the felt pad of product would be thicker. IMPORTANT TO KNOW: I have given 3 stars based on cost, and will edit the review once I have had the opportunity to judge its effectiveness. I am optimistic.
Joe –
Since installing chimney sheep in my chimneys I have noticed less draft and wind noise, as well as taking less time for rooms to heat up. I live in a Victorian house so with cast iron fireplaces it is hard to insulate and keep cold air out. With these it keeps the aesthetic of the cast iron fireplace, without the cold drafts.
AbiC –
Bought the wrong size initially but ended up using it elsewhere. This really made a difference to our front room temperature.
We got the chimney swept for the first time (just moved in) and the sweep rated it as well because it’s breathable rather than just entirely blocking airflow.
Lorna F –
Very easy to install. Much better than the old pillows I had put up the chimney previously
Akin Savage –
The chimney sheep has made a noticeable difference. Our lounge feels a lot less cold than it used to.
Natalie –
As others have said this may be a little pricey but it’s certainly effective.
Measuring took a little effort and soot mess but was otherwise manageable.
The chimney sheep arrived quickly and was easy to assemble. Installation was a little messy but we were fitting it in spring when the fire had had a fair amount of winter use and a few months since it was swept.
The area around our fireplace is noticeably warmer and no more rogue bits of sooty hail have made their way to our floor.
We chose this over a chimney pillow because of the advice that it still allows air flow and we were given the impression it will be warmer than the plastic inflatable alternative.
UK Reviewer –
We recently moved into an old flat with two open chimneys, having no idea about the massive draughts. Did a bit of research into different options, and discovered the ‘chimney sheep’. Was a little messy measuring the chimney to find out the right size. But once that’s done, it takes 30 seconds to install (or remove) and effectively blocks all the draught. A flawless solution for those weeks/months when you’re not using the fireplace!
S Gibson –
We have one room that is always a bit chilly, so I tried a smoke test and one of the culprits was the chimney taking warm air up it, so after some investigation I thought this was the best answer, it fits and does its job, no more warm air going up it! But it is not sealed as air can move up or down but very slowly through the wool, lets hope it helps as it should do.
Lulu –
This item arrived quickly and does the job expertly. It was easy to install and has cut the draught from my chimney as well as reducing noise from my neighbour. The fact that it is washable is great too.
cherokee40 –
Took longer to measure the chimney than it did to fit item. Lack of draughts was immediately apparent. Why did I not buy one earlier!!!!