Bob Davis is a home remodeling contractor and fireplace enthusiast from eastern Ohio. Specializing in restoring older homes, he gets a lot of questions about chimneys. He decided to start this site after noticing the lack of information about chimney liners on the internet in the hopes of helping homeowners improve the safety and efficiency of their chimneys. His hobbies are golf and bird watching.What Is a Chimney Damper?
A chimney damper goes inside or at the top of your chimney and is designed to serve two purposes. When you are using the fireplace, it can be adjusted to increase or decrease the air flow. It is basically like a lid that you place on your chimney so you have the option of opening it or closing it off. It also serves to prevent the heated air in your house from getting out through the chimney when you’re not using the fireplace. This can help you make significant reductions in your heating expenses. Remember that heat rises and could be escaping through your chimney, so using a fireplace damper is vital.
There are different types of chimney dampers available. The older styles were made of cast iron and sat further down the chimney. These are called throat-mount dampers. These days, the type that sit at the top of the chimney (top-mount dampers) are increasing in popularity. This type can usually be controlled by a cable that extends into the fireplace.. Some have rubber around the perimeter to ensure a tight fit and prevent air from escaping. Many of the top-mount chimney dampers also function as chimney caps. These have the added benefit of stopping birds and other critters from entering your house or building a nest or getting stuck in the chimney.
Dampers can be purchased in most of the standard chimney sizes. If your chimney is an unusual size, it may be necessary to have a custom damper made. If standard chimney sweep brushes don’t fit your chimney, chances are that a standard chimney cap damper won’t either. A perfect fit is absolutely essential for reaping all of the benefits of using a damper. If there are any gaps, it will not be able to do its job. Likewise, it is crucial to replace your chimney damper once it begins to show signs of wear or reduced efficiency. They can warp over time, rendering them useless. If you suspect this is the case, have a chimney inspector or other professional take a look to determine what the problem is.
There are a few precautions that need to be taken when using a fireplace damper. Be warned that if your flue is used for something else besides the fireplace, it could be dangerous to install a chimney damper (for example, if another active heating source in your home shares the same flue). If you are unsure, it is best to have a professional look at it before doing anything.
Remember, the damper should always be open when using the fireplace. If it is closed, the house will fill with smoke quickly and create very dangerous conditions. Always be sure the fire is out completely before closing the damper. And never use a chimney with a damaged or leaking chimney liner.
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