How to make your own fireplace damper?
- Rigid foam insulation
- 4′ x 4′ Pegboard or masonite
- Tape measure
- Edge Cushion edge bumpers (in the baby proofing aisle)
- Ear muffs (or ear plugs)
- Eye protection
- Caulk gun
- Construction adhesive
- Utility knife
- Pencil
How do you open a fireplace damper?
There are three main types of dampers:
- Fireplace dampers are a type of damper usually located at the base of the chimney and around its throat just above the firebox
- Flue dampers, which you can find at the base of a flue
- Chimney cap dampers, which are typically located at the top of a chimney
How far to open damper in fireplace?
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it's not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat.
Does my fireplace need a damper?
Yes, a fireplace needs a damper. A flue will still work without one, but smoke and carbon monoxide can be an issue if you don’t use a chimney with the right kind of dampers. Fireplaces should always have a functional, working flue system that includes both vents or dampers – generally at least two per flue pipe size.
Where are fireplace dampers located?
Fireplace dampers are a type of damper usually located at the base of the chimney and around its throat just above the firebox. Flue dampers, which you can find at the base of a flue. Chimney cap dampers, which are typically located at the top of a chimney.
Do all fireplaces have a damper?
Not all chimneys or flues have a damper. Open fireplaces can usually be found with damper located within the upper part of the firebox. It's common to find a damper as part of an open fireplace, but in some cases there may be no damper at all.
What does a damper look like on a fireplace?
0:302:10Basic Home Improvements : How to Work a Fireplace Damper - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you like your fire and you start getting some smoke or if it happens to be gas logs if you startMoreIf you like your fire and you start getting some smoke or if it happens to be gas logs if you start smell some fumes in there it's probably a pretty good indication. That your damper is is closed.
How do I close my fireplace damper?
To open or close the damper, lift the handle and push or pull to move the damper to the desired position. Replace the handle when the damper is in place. Rotary dampers. As the name implies, rotary damper work on a rotating system, with long, screw-like rods that move the damper.
What if my chimney doesn't have a damper?
And while older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without a damper (gas fireplaces cannot), a chimney without a damper is just a gaping hole in the roof of your house. It's a gateway for frigid air to enter and for heated air to escape in the winter.
Is a damper and flue the same thing?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.
How do I know if my damper is open or closed?
Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. If you don't feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed.
How do I know if my duct damper is open or closed?
If you are looking at a duct that is coming off the furnace and going straight up like it is going to the upstairs, and the wing is in the same direction as the duct, it is open. If the wing is in the opposite or vertical position to the ductwork, then the damper is closed.
What are the 2 levers on my fireplace?
in your home are turned off when burning your fire. Also, some wood burning fireplaces have a lever to open or close the outside air vent to the fireplace. If your fireplace has this lever (usually located on the left inside panel) make sure the outside air vent is in the open (or up) position.
How do I stop the cold air coming in my fireplace?
Keep cold air out Along with the common throat damper located just above the firebox, some homeowners add a top-sealing damper at the top of the chimney to double their protection. Another great way to block cold air is with a chimney balloon or plug.
How much should the fireplace damper be open?
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it's not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home.
Can you leave damper open overnight?
Leave the damper open overnight. Yes, you will lose some heat up the flue, but you will save the occupants of the home from poisoning by colorless, odorless carbon monoxide. Only when they are completely cold to the touch is it safe to shut the fireplace damper.
Do all gas fireplaces have dampers?
Gas fireplaces don't have their own integrated dampers. Natural vent gas fireplace inserts or logs that are located within existing masonry fireplaces that utilize the chimney for venting will require any dampers located within the chimney to be open at all times.
Is a damper necessary?
Modern stoves are unlikely to need a damper in order to improve performance of a stove. Older models of stove may already have a damper installed within the stove pipe, or may require a damper installed if the efficiency of the stove has reduced over time.
How do you add a damper to an existing fireplace?
3:455:04How to Install a Chimney Liner and Damper | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to install it and seat it down with a bead of high temp silicone all right so just slideMoreWe're going to install it and seat it down with a bead of high temp silicone all right so just slide this over our liner. Exactly got it there i do all right i'm just going to tighten the clamp.
How much does it cost to install a damper in a fireplace?
Chimney Damper Price Chimney damper prices range from $65 to $450. It costs $180 to $450 to have a repair pro replace the damper and frame.
What Is A Fireplace Damper And How Does It Work?
A fireplace damper is a metal or wood plate that sits in your chimney. It’s located between the firebox and the flue. The damper works with your vents to control airflow in and out of your home, which helps you regulate heat in different parts of your living space.
How Do You Use A Fireplace Damper?
Depending on the style of your damper, you can use it in two different ways: manually and automatically. The exact process will depend on which type of dampers you’re using. Manual dampers lie flat across both sides of a fireplace opening, so they need to be lifted by hand when open and lowered back into place with the help of gravity when closed.
What Is The Definition Of A Fireplace Dampener?
A fireplace damper is a metal plate that can be closed to prevent heat from escaping your home, and cold air from entering. They are an important part of any fireplace. They can also be door-like in shape and open and close like a trapdoor.
Types of Fireplace Dampers
The damper is an important part of your fireplace; this is because it can stop heat from escaping through the chimney when not in use (which will save you money) but also let enough air flow for a good fire to burn inside.
Why Is It Called A Fireplace Damper?
A damper is a metal plate that closes the chimney flue when it’s not in use. Before electricity, this was an important safety feature because it limited airflow and allowed you to safely close your fireplace for extended periods of time without worrying about carbon monoxide poisoning or other dangers.
Where Is A Fireplace Damper Located?
A fireplace damper is located in your chimney. It prevents heat from leaving the house through the chimney, which makes it crucial for energy efficiency. Chimneys are also an important safety feature of a home because they help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by venting dangerous gases outside where you can breathe them safely.
What Is A Chimney Damper Used For?
A chimney damper is a piece of metal that opens and closes to control the draft going up into your home’s chimney. A balanced flue system requires a fireplace damper at every opening, including on the top of vents and stovepipes as well as inside each room with an open fireplace.
Where is the damper located on a fireplace?
You can find your fireplace damper at the base of the chimney. Know that there are three main types of damper styles: Traditional dampers are located at the “throat” of the chimney, which is positioned inside the chimney’s base.
What does it mean when a fireplace damper is open?
If it’s hooked to the side of the fireplace wall, then this probably means that the damper is closed. A chain that’s dangling freely and unsecured is a telltale sign that the damper is open.
How to tell if damper is open or closed?
You can also tell if your damper is open or closed just by listening. You’d be surprised how amplified outside noises become when the damper is open. You’ll hear a whoosh of air, the passing traffic outside, and echoing from within the chimney itself.
Why does my house fill with smoke?
Your home will fill with smoke, too, because as the fire lives and breathes, there’s no place for ...
Should you check damper before starting fire?
Always Check Before You Light. Never start a fire before checking to see if the damper is open or closed. There are many ways to check to see if the damper is open or closed and after getting into the habit, it should become quite obvious. Put your safety first by taking a few moments to see the position of the damper before starting a fire ...
Is the damper on a chimney open?
If you can see up through the damper and past to your chimney’s interior, then the damper is open. If you only see the metal plate that’s blocking your line of sight, then the damper is closed.
Can you light a fireplace just yet?
Wait, don’t light your fireplace just yet . In order to be a responsible fireplace owner, the first task you must do before enjoying a fire is checking to see if the fireplace damper is open or closed.
What is the damper on a fireplace?
The damper is one of the most important components on your fireplace. It is the vent at the top of the firebox that opens to allow oxygen from outside to feed the fire and smoke to vent outside. When you aren’t using your fireplace, it prevents drafts and keeps heated/cooled air inside your house from escaping up the chimney.
Why do you need to open the damper on a fireplace?
When you are burning hardwoods or damp firewood, it is a good idea to open the damper as much as possible because these woods produce more smoke. If you are using your fireplace on a windy day, you may want to have the damper partially closed so that less air can come down the chimney.
How do you know if a damper is in a good position?
You will know that the damper is in a good position if all of the smoke is rising upward, there is not a significant draft and the fire is burning comfortably. If a lot of smoke it staying in the room, it is a sign that you need to open the damper more. Make sure to close the damper whenever your fireplace is not in use!
How much air can escape from a fireplace when not in use?
Make sure to close the damper whenever your fireplace is not in use! Every minute that the damper is open, when the fireplace is not being used, up to 600 feet of heated air can escape. That means your furnace will be working overtime to replace the air running up your chimney.
Where is the damper on a fireplace?
Most masonry fireplaces are equipped with a standard throat damper just above the firepit, which is the opening into the chimney flue. You may, on the other hand, have a top-mount damper, which is located at the very top of the chimney flue.
How to close a damper?
Typically, you will close the damper by turning it counterclockwise all the way, which causes the rod to hang down low. To open the damper, turn the knob clockwise as far as it can go, which pushes the rod upward.
How do dampers work?
Read on to learn details about the important functions of dampers: 1 Dampers must be opened before getting fires started so that combustion gases can escape through the chimney. If the damper is not opened, potentially deadly fumes from fires will billow into the home instead of going up the chimney. 2 When a fireplace is not in use, the damper should be closed to operate as a “seal.” Otherwise, cold air will enter the home. Although heat rises, cold air sinks in the direction of the gravity pull. With an unsealed chimney, utility costs will typically spike because air warmed by central heating in winter will go up the chimney instead of staying inside the home. 3 It is important that a damper is in good operating condition so that air cannot freely pass through the damper doors when they are closed. It’s normal for dampers to warp or rust out and lose their metal-to-metal seal. Contact Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps if you are unsure about the effectiveness of your damper or conduct the following simple test with your standard throat damper: 4 Place a dollar bill between the two doors of the damper as it closes. If the damper grips the dollar bill all the way across, your damper has a sufficient seal. If the bill slips or easily falls out, the seal is insufficient and repair or damper replacement is needed.
Why is it important to have a damper?
It is important that a damper is in good operating condition so that air cannot freely pass through the damper doors when they are closed. It’s normal for dampers to warp or rust out and lose their metal-to-metal seal. Contact Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps if you are unsure about the effectiveness of your damper or conduct ...
What is a chain damper?
A chain or cable is used for top-mount chimney dampers. Typically, you will release the chain or cable, which should result in the damper springing up to an open position. Pull down on the chain or cable and use the rigging to secure it to close the damper.
Why do you need to open a damper before a fire?
Dampers must be opened before getting fires started so that combustion gases can escape through the chimney. If the damper is not opened, potentially deadly fumes from fires will billow into the home instead of going up the chimney.
How to open a throat damper?
Your damper may have a ratcheting lift or push rod that you push up or pull down. Typically, to open the damper, push up or lift the rod all the way. Pull it down to close the damper.
How to adjust damper on fire?
If you want to adjust the damper, start with the damper fully open and light your fire. After the fire has burned for a little while, slowly adjust the damper so that it is partly closed. Do this in small increments. The flames may die down, but watch to make sure that the fire is not getting too smoky.
Where is a top mount damper mounted?
Top mount dampers are mounted either outside on the top of the chimney or just inside the top of the chimney. You also may come across names in the industry like poker damper, rotary damper, and pivot damper. These refer to the different types of controls by which the damper is opened and closed.
What is a rotary damper?
A rotary damper uses a rotating worm gear to push open or close the damper. These usually operate with a "key" component on the outside of the fireplace that you can rotate to open or shut the damper. Vestal rotary-style damper control. Pivot dampers are similar to a poker damper, but the handle is jointed.
What is a Vestal 42 inch damper?
Vestal 42-inch cast-iron throat style fireplace damper. The downside of these throat dampers is that they do not create a good air seal when the damper is closed. (This makes your home less heat efficient since it doesn't seal off cold drafts and lets warm air leak up the chimney.)
What is a chimney without a damper?
Without a damper, the chimney is a gaping hole sucking warm air (and heating dollars) out into the cold. The closed damper also protects from water and debris. Open dampers regulate oxygen to the fire and provide an exit for the smoke and exhaust from the fire.
What is a damper on a cast iron stove?
US Stove cast iron stove damper. If the damper sits right above the fireplace, it is a traditional throat damper. These are usually operated with a push/lift rod (poker damper) or some type of rotary control. If the damper sits on or near the top of the flue/chimney, then it is a top mount.
How to inspect a throat damper?
To inspect a throat damper, wait until the fireplace is completely cool and then use a flashlight to look at the damper. Check for rust or warping. Test the handle or other components and make sure the damper responds properly. Use a similar process to test the operation of top mount dampers. Summary.
