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Chimney Dampers

Do you have a damaged or stuck damper? If so, it’s important that you have it fixed or replaced. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, your damper should be all the way open whenever your chimney is in use. Conversely, keeping your damper closed when your chimney is not in use is important to preventing water damage and keeping heat in your home. If you need to have your damper replaced, call Guaranteed Chimney Services. The experts at Guaranteed Chimney Services can recommend the best damper for your chimney and home as well as install it for you.

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Dampers are important for a few different reasons. When your chimney is not in use, your damper should be closed. A closed damper prevents water from entering your chimney which can cause water damage to your chimney and home. Such water damage can cost you a lot of money in repairs and destroy your chimney. This fact alone stresses the importance of having a stuck damper replaced! A closed damper also prevents airflow in and out of your chimney. When your damper is closed when your chimney is not in use, then, warm air is kept in your home, increasing the efficiency of your home’s heating system and preventing superfluous heating costs. Whenever your fireplace is in use, on the other hand, your damper should be all the way open in order to allow dangerous fumes and smoke from your fire to exit your home. If your damper is stuck and not all the way open, dangerous fumes can get stuck in your home, posing a hazard to anyone inside the house. If your damper is working, remember to keep in mind that you should not close your damper until the fire is completely out!

There are two types of dampers to consider when choosing a damper: a throat damper and a top damper. Throat dampers are installed in the “throat” of the chimney and are common in older chimneys. When properly maintained, throat dampers work fairly well. However, these dampers are typically made of metal, making them vulnerable to water damage which can cause them to stop working properly. Even if they are not affected by water damage, throat dampers do not provide an airtight seal for your chimney. A better option for any chimney is a top damper, which is placed at the top of the flue rather than in the chimney’s “throat.” Instead of metal flaps, these dampers work with a gasket, providing an airtight seal and better water protection.

If you think your damper is broken or if you aren’t sure, schedule an appointment with Guaranteed Chimney Services. The experts at Guaranteed Chimney Services will be able to easily replace your damper as well as help you to choose the best model for your home.