Why Do I Need A Damper?

Every chimney should be equipped with a damper, which is designed to close off the flue opening when a fire isn’t burning in the fireplace. It’s important to have a functioning, intact damper, because the damper is working to:

  • Protect the chimney system against water intrusion
  • Improve the chimney’s (and your home’s) energy efficiency

Without a properly functioning damper to close off the flue, you’ll end up wasting money and energy to heat and cool the air inside of your home. A damaged damper can also allow water into your chimney system, and can trap dangerous gases and smoke inside of your home.

Why Would My Damper Need To Be Replaced Or Repaired?

Dampers fail for a variety of reasons. Throat dampers, in particular, are known to get stuck in place because of debris or creosote; to get jostled off the track they’re seated on; or to corrode or rust into place as a result of a leak or unprotected system. A damaged, stuck or decaying damper is something that should be addressed and repaired as soon as possible, particularly if the damper is stuck in the closed position. A damper that cannot properly open creates a fireplace and chimney system that is unsafe for use.

If your damper is damaged, give Coopertown Services a call — we can assess the damage and suggest the best way to repair it, whether that means repairing your throat damper or replacing it with a top-sealing damper.

The Different Kinds Of Dampers You’ll Commonly See

There are two main types of dampers that you’ll find in a chimney system:

Throat Dampers
Many older homes and chimneys have throat dampers installed low in the chimney, just above the firebox. These dampers have a metal plate that blocks off the flue when the fireplace or stove isn’t in use. The metal plate has a couple of drawbacks: it closes the flue, but doesn’t seal it; and over time, if water gets into the system, it can rust, corrode or break. When we repair chimney dampers, they are most often throat dampers. Many homeowners opt to replace a damaged throat damper with a top-sealing damper, which actually seals the flue off completely and is much easier and faster to install.

Top-Sealing Damper
A top-sealing damper is installed at the top of the flue, and uses a silicone gasket to completely seal off the flue. These offer a marked increase in energy efficiency, since air transfer between the inside and outside of your home is drastically minimized. Top-sealing dampers also provide far better protection against water and are the preferred choice with most homeowners today.

If you need a chimney damper repaired or replaced, call Coopertown Services at 901-358-7777 or click here to schedule an appointment!

 

There are many other chimney repairs we can provide as part of our complete chimney services, so don’t hesitate to ask us about them.