When You Need Damper or Flue Repairs, Look No Further Than Northeastern Masonry & Chimney
You spend a lot of money and expend a lot of energy keeping the air in your home just right. Therefore, allowing all that temperate air to fly right out of the chimney – or allowing cold air to pour right into your home through the flue – is not ideal. That’s why your chimney was designed with a damper that closes off the flue when it’s not in use. It keeps temperate air in and unwanted air out. It also has other benefits as it keeps rain and debris from entering your firebox and flue.
If your damper isn’t working properly, your chimney’s efficiency will be significantly affected. But Northeastern Masonry & Chimney can bring it back to proper function, whether you need repairs or a replacement. Schedule an appointment with us now by clicking here or calling us at 518-767-9315.
What Is a Chimney Damper? How Does It Work?
A chimney damper is a metal plate located inside the chimney, typically near the base of the flue. It acts as a seal that opens and closes the passageway between your home and the outside air. When your fireplace is not in use, the damper should be closed to prevent cold air from entering your home or warm air from escaping. When you want to light a fire, you simply open the damper to allow smoke, gases, and heat to escape safely through the chimney.
Dampers are vital because they act as protection, ensuring that your fireplace operates efficiently while also helping to regulate airflow and temperature in your home. If the damper is broken, rusted, or stuck, it can cause major issues. A malfunctioning damper can let cold drafts seep in, or worse, it can prevent dangerous combustion gases from escaping properly, leading to a potential health hazard. Our team at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney can repair or replace faulty dampers to restore proper function and help improve the overall performance of your fireplace.
What Are the Different Types of Chimney Dampers?
There are two common types of chimney dampers – throat dampers and top-sealing dampers. Although both serve the same purpose, each one works a little differently with varying levels of effectiveness.
Throat Dampers
Many chimneys are built with a throat damper, which is installed above the firebox. These can work and last for many years, but they have some definite shortcomings. Since they use a metal plate to close off the flue, a complete seal isn’t provided which can allow a significant amount of air leakage. Over time, that metal plate can rust or corrode, and get stuck or come off of the track it’s seated on. In some cases, these issues can be repaired, but not always. Northeastern Masonry & Chimney technicians can inspect your damper issues, recommend the best approach, and complete repairs or replacements.
Top-sealing Dampers
In other situations, it makes the most sense to replace a damaged throat damper with a superior top-sealing damper. Top-sealing dampers are installed at the top of the flue, and they close it off using a rubber gasket that provides a far more complete seal. That complete seal saves energy and money by keeping your flue blocked off tight when you’re not using it – they’ve been shown to be as much as 90 percent more efficient than throat dampers. Top-sealing dampers also provide much better protection against water and animal intrusion, and unlike traditional throat dampers, they’re not susceptible to rust and corrosion. Even if your throat damper is currently functioning, top-sealing dampers can pay for themselves in a few years, just in energy savings.
Should a Chimney Damper Be Open or Closed?
The general rule of thumb is that the chimney damper should be open when the fireplace is in use and closed when it is not. Leaving the damper open when you’re not using the fireplace allows heated or cooled air to escape your home, causing inefficiency in your heating or cooling system and leading to higher energy bills. In the winter, it could mean that the warmth generated by your furnace is escaping right up the chimney, and in the summer, it can allow hot air to flood into your cooled home.
However, leaving the damper closed while using your fireplace is dangerous because it prevents smoke and harmful gases like carbon monoxide from venting outside. If you’re unsure whether your damper is functioning properly, our experienced chimney technicians can assess its condition and perform the necessary repairs or adjustments to keep your home safe and energy-efficient.
What Is a Chimney Flue, and Why Is It Important?
The chimney flue is the interior passageway through which smoke, gases, and heat exit your home. It is usually lined with a material like clay tiles or stainless steel that helps protect the chimney’s structure from the intense heat of a fire and corrosive combustion byproducts. The flue also plays a vital role in directing gases out of your home while keeping the interior air safe and breathable.
A properly functioning flue is important for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring that your fireplace operates safely. If the flue is damaged, cracked, or obstructed, dangerous fumes could leak into your living spaces. This can lead to health risks, including respiratory problems or carbon monoxide poisoning. That’s why regular chimney inspections and strategic repairs of your chimney flue are essential for the safety and comfort of your home.
What Are Common Signs of Chimney Flue Damage?
Chimney flue damage can manifest in several ways, and recognizing the signs early on can prevent costly repairs or dangerous situations. Some common indicators of flue damage include:
- Smoke entering the home. If you notice smoke lingering in your living space when using the fireplace, it could be a sign that the flue is blocked or damaged. A cracked or obstructed flue can hinder proper airflow, causing smoke to back up into your home.
- Visible cracks or gaps. If you can see visible cracks or gaps in the flue lining, it’s a clear sign that the flue needs immediate attention. These openings can allow dangerous gases to seep into your home and can also increase the risk of a chimney fire.
- Water damage. Moisture entering your chimney can cause the flue lining to deteriorate over time. Water stains, rust, or a musty smell near your chimney can signal water infiltration, which can lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly.
- Efflorescence. A white, powdery substance on the exterior of your chimney is known as efflorescence. It’s caused by moisture moving through the masonry and can be a sign of water damage in your chimney or flue.
- Creosote buildup. A thick, tar-like substance called creosote accumulates in the flue as a byproduct of burning wood. If not removed, this buildup can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and create a fire hazard.
Keep Your Chimney Safe With Professional Damper and Flue Repairs
Your chimney damper and flue play a critical role in ensuring your home is energy-efficient, safe, and comfortable. If you suspect that your damper or flue is damaged or malfunctioning, it’s important to address the issue sooner rather than later. Northeastern Masonry & Chimney offers expert chimney damper and flue repair services in Albany, NY, to keep your home protected from the elements and reduce the risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection or repair by calling 518-767-9315 or clicking here.
Firebox repairs are a critical part of chimney & masonry repairs that can extend the lifespan of your hearth appliance.