If it's dark out or you're not sure, you can reach your hand up to feel for the flue. Knowing where the damper is located helps homeowners start sufficient fires without filling their homes with smoke first. 4. If you don’t feel any air coming down the chimney or if you’ve opened the damper but your fireplace is still smoking, you should contact a chimney specialist. Nevertheless, you can tell whether your damper is open or closed based on the position of the controls. If you canât see the handle or chain that opens and closes the damper, use a flashlight and look up inside the chimney flue. When someone refers to âopening the flueâ of the fireplace, what they really mean is opening the damper. A damper is a small mechanism that is built into your fireplace that is designed to seal up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. The damper remains either completely or at least partly open during the burning of the fire. ⦠$189.95 $ 189. the first step you should take before lighting a fire in a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace is to open the damper. Closing the damper will result in smoke flowing into the room. FREE Shipping. You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. The damper must be in the fully open position when using a wood-burning fireplace. If the damper sits on or near the top of the flue/chimney, then it is a top mount. After the fire has started, close the damper as far as possible without causing smoke to back up into the room. 4 Common Problems with Basement Fireplaces, Schedule Chimney Sweeping Early to Beat the Fall Rush. Benefits of Regular Chimney Cleaning and Inspections, Get Your Fireplace Ready For The Upcoming Holiday Season, How a Chimney Fire can Damage Your Chimney, Questions to Ask Before Entrusting a Chimney Sweep, How to Stay Ahead of Your Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance, What You Need to Know About Chimney Cracks. If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed. Check the Controls. The only time the damper should stay completely closed is when the fireplace is not being used. If your chimney has a traditional damper, all you need to do is shine a flashlight up the chimney. When the flue is cold, it wonât conduct the smoke up and out of the home, causing it to flow back into the room. If you start a fire when the damper is closed, you’ll realize the mistake quickly when the room fills up with smoke. What to Do about Excessive Fireplace Smo... What to Do about Excessive Fireplace Smoke. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Standard handles will open the damper when theyâre turned away from you, so if you cannot turn the handle any further, then the damper may be open. Over time, the extreme heat and rapid change in temperature. Determine the position of the flue damper. Another way to find out if the damper is open is to do a visual check. If your chimney has a top-mounted damper, it will be controlled by a metal chain. 95. PRINT FRIENDLY PDF ⢠Complete with cast iron valve plate and 5 position poker control detached and bolted to body ⢠Most commonly used standard fireplace damper design ⢠Coated with black corrosion-resistant paint. The best way to tell whether or not the damper is open is to check the controls. Similarly, if the fire is having a hard time spreading to the other logs; it may be necessary to adjust the damper depending on how the flame responds. RCK Sales Fireplace Cast Iron Chimney Damper Chains Both Open and Close 18" Long. If you see one of these, you have a traditional throat damper. Vented Gas Logs have a well-maintained and functional fireplace and chimney. home improvement and repair website. A damper must be in one piece that is snug to the flue in order for it to work properly. The damper must be in the correct position, always open to some degree, while a fire is being burned. You may freely link I ha... Hi, just purchased a home with a fireplace and the inspection report says t... Hi, I've owned my home for a few years but have yet to use my fireplace. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. This opens and shuts the damper. Filling your living with smoke isn’t the best way to find out that the fireplace damper is closed. If the damper is open, youâll feel a strong cold draft. While closed, the damper keeps cold air from being blown down into the room through the flue. Put your head in and look up. The damper is a door of sorts, that when closed, separates the firebox from the chimney. Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. suggestions. Forgetting to close the damper can let in large amounts of cold air in the winter months, essentially negating any heating you have going on in the house. To start a fire, you must have the damper in the full-open position. If youâre familiar with your fireplace damper controls, this is a great way to quickly see the position of the damper without having to poke your head up through the chimney. Knowing how to tell if the flue is open in your wood stove or fireplace can help retain the heat needed in your home. Replacing a fireplace damper by yourself is possible, and you can save yourself some serious money by foregoing professional consulta⦠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. If you go outside with a pair of binoculars and look up at the chimney, you should be able to see little pieces of metal or ceramic sticking up if the damper is open. When you aren’t using your fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping. When the damper is located higher up inside the flue, more toward the roof, it will need to be warmed before starting the fire. Website operating When youâre not using the fireplace, the damper should be closed. Partially closing the flue (chimney) damper can cause smoke to spill into the room when burning wood, or cause carbon monoxide (CO) to come into the room when using gas logs. While the fire is going out, and the embers are still smoldering, it is important to continue to keep the damper open. Other options New If it is very windy and cold air is blowing into the firebox, the damper may need to be closed slightly to control that air flow. The damper needs to be in closed position whenever the fireplace is not in use. The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. If a damper is not opened when a fire is built, smoke will back up quickly and fill the room. Visualize Your Space Product Visualizer Disclaimer Due to the highly custom nature of our products, the options provided in the visualizer may not reflect the most accurate, updated options for each product. The damper is a vent that controls airflow in and out of the chimney. Using a piece of wood or several sheets of newspaper rolled into a cone, light the end, then wave the flame slowly underneath the flue for five or ten minutes. The most common chimney damper repair occurs with old cast iron or steel throat dampers which were installed when the chimney was originally constructed. When you are using your fireplace, it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. If you can see the sky, it is open. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. There are 3 ways to tell whether or not the damper is open without lighting a fire. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. Fireplace dampers sit almost directly above the heat of the fire. We’ve got a few tips to help you find out if your damper needs to be opened and how to do it. These are often spring-loaded and default to an open position. Throat dampers typically have a rod that you push or lift to adjust the position of the damper (circled below): Some chimneys have a knob that rotates a rod to adjust the damper. Because fireplace repair often requires specialized tools, casual users are often unable to return the damper to its correct position. If you have a top-mounted damper, you might not be able to see whether or not it is open by looking up the chimney. Throat Dimensions: Model: Front: Back: 4.8 out of 5 stars 6. Copyright© If the wind is strong, continued adjustment of the damper may be necessary to control the flames. When the smoke starts to flow up into the flue, the damper is ready for the fire. 99. If you’re having a problem with your fireplace damper, give us a call! If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. 3) Ir~stallalion other tliaii as instructed in this manual 4) The use of a fireplace insert or other products not specified for use with this fireplace. This can warp and damage the fireplace damper, thus needing replacement. A properly set damper means the difference between a bright, chill-chasing fire and a room full of smoke. This is done to prevent warm, interior room air from being pulled into the firebox and up the chimney. These knobs are generally found on the exterior of the fireplace, usually centered above the fireplace opening, but sometimes off to the side. These are usually operated with a push/lift rod (poker damper) or some type of rotary control. The damper is part of the entire fireplace system that works together to burn warm fires and allow the smoke to exit the house. Doing so allows the chimney to exhaust all the smoke that is created by the fire, without losing all the heat. damper control 2) The use of any component part not manilfactured or ap- proved by Marco in combination witti a Marc0 fireplace system. Another common issue to a fireplace damper is the inability to close air-tight, which is ⦠It also allows fresh air to come in to feed the fire. The damper can be found at the top inside area of the fireplace box. Our company specializes in hearth products, parts, and service, fulfilling the needs of the construction industry and the general public. View our Privacy Policy here. American Heritage Fireplace was established by combining extensive expertise in the hearth products industry with technical skills of the trade. Weil-McLain WG04 with a QB-180 burne... My fireplace has a control knob with settings for "off", "ign", "low" and "... Troubleshooting Fireplace Damper Problem... Troubleshooting Fireplace Damper Problems. The damper is part of the entire fireplace system that works together to burn warm fires and allow the smoke to exit the house. To close it, you simply lift the handle up again, pull the damper shut, and set the handle back into position on the ratchet. An open damper lets in cold air from outside the house via the flue. Unless you have a vent-free fireplace, the first step you should take before lighting a fire in a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace is to open the damper. If the damper cracks while being rapidly heating and cooling, it will no longer work properly. S⦠Covering the Fireplace with a Draft Guard Measure the width and height of the fireplace opening. A leaky or missing fireplace damper can cost as much as several hundred dollars of heat loss right up your chimney. Fireplace Dampers | Cast Iron. A fireplace damper is a small door inside a fireplace, usually near the base of the chimney. This will prevent the heated air from escaping through the chimney and will keep water and other debris out of the flue. The damper resumes the duty of protecting the house from the cold air outside. This is easily done. The damper is one of the most important components on your fireplace. It can be operated by a very convenient remote control. After years of constant exposure to heat, ashes and moisture, many fireplace dampers will become stuck, warped or inefficient. Some factors may affect the warming of the flue. If the damper sits right above the fireplace, it is a traditional throat damper. After you’ve opened the damper, you should feel air coming down the chimney. United Fireplace & Stove Member Top Hearth Stores offering Fireplaces, Stoves & Inserts / Gas - Wood Pellet - Fireplace Stores in US & Canada. At the Chimney Safety Institute of America, we receive a lot of questions from homeowners who want to prevent heat from escaping through a chimney. You should feel the chain spring up as the damper opens. Opening a fireplace damper depends on the model of the fireplace, but generally there is a lever that slides back and forth to open and close it. I ... Having the boiler cleaned this Friday. The location of the damper affects how the fire should be started. The damper is a flap inside the flue that works to control or stop the flow of air between the firebox and the top of the flue. Close the damper when the fire is extinguished. This allows the damper to be hidden from away from view, but also easily accessible from within the fireplace. Who Can Add a Damper Clamp? Broken or damaged dampers can make your fireplace and chimney a hazard, especially if an immense amount of soot has been left to build up or if your damper has water damage. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. If you are unsure of how to choose the right fireplace damper for your hearth, we can help. US Fireplace Products Seal Tight Damper - 13" x 13" 4.2 out of 5 stars 37. Do you see a knob near the fireplace or a metal rod inside the firebox? Typically made from cast iron or other heat-resistant metal (sometimes ceramic), the damper essentially opens and closes the chimney. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. $19.99 $ 19. Just get down on your knees and look up inside the front of the fire box. If your chimney has a traditional throat damper, it will either be controlled by a metal rod or a knob (also called a rotary style). Hereâs what you can expect a throat damper to look like: The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. Chimney Rebuilding vs. Re-Pointing: What’s the Difference? Some combinations of finishes, options, and features may not be available for order. Fireplace damper clamps are typically used for gas fireplace inserts or gas logs sets where it s required for the damper to be in fully open position at all times. Failure to open the damper will result in difficulty getting the flame to spread and smoke flooding the room. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent damper should be in the open position to allow smoke to escape up the fireplace flue and out the chimney. All rights reserved. To open it, take the chain off the hook and let it go. $4.48 shipping. Move closer to the fireplace and even move your hand or face across the fireplace area. All information is provided "AS IS." If can see the sky, the flue damper is open. The flame may need more or less oxygen. How to Build the Perfect Fireplace Fire ... How to Build the Perfect Fireplace Fire Every Time. We've got conventional replacement fireplace dampers, chimney top dampers and components. A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney. We welcome your comments and Smoke is still being emitted from those embers and can flow up the flue as long as the damper is open. You shouldn’t use your fireplace until the problem is solved to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you're not sure which position of the chain or lever indicates open or closed, you need look in the fireplace. Traditionally, there are two different types of fireplace dampers. A fireback is a cast-iron reflector that is placed on the back wall of the fireplace, behind ⦠problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. If the knob is turned counterclockwise all the way or the rod hangs down low, it means the damper is closed. Close it when it's not it use. Colors and options are 3d rendered, and may not be⦠Fireback. It can also save you from air pollution arising from smoke and other gases â unless you want to install a kitchen exhaust fan. I have a fireplace that I have not used but am remodeling and hope to. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. The damper is fixed in the open position permanently (for safety purposes). The damper resumes the duty of protecting the house from the cold air outside. These dampers are open by lifting the handle up, pushing the damper upwards, and pinning the damper in the upward position by setting one of the notches on the handle onto the mounted ratchet on the frame of the fireplace. Wear safety glasses and make sure there is no fire burning. How to use the fireplace damper ⦠Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be It’s important to know how to set your fireplace damper when lighting a fire. If you see closed metal or ceramic slats, you know it needs to be opened. Guaranteed! The current to draw the smoke up the flue will form easily. During the preparation to start a fire, the damper should be completely opened. The glass between the firebox and your home prevents cold or heat from coming down the chimney and by leaving the damper open at all times, you eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The damper should only be closed after the fire is completely out, which may take up to another full day for the embers to go cold. A damper that is closer to the firebox will stay warmer, even closer to room temperature, and will not need to be warmed up prior to lighting the fire. When you arenât using your fireplace, it prevents drafts and keeps heated/cooled air inside your house from escaping up the chimney. It burns the most BTUâs of gas during operation in ⦠The damper could be warped or broken. When the damper is closer to the firebox, it will take longer for the flue to heat up. A traditional fireplace damper will usually be positioned just inside the base of the chimney (called the âthroatâ of the chimney), at the top of the fireplace. The damper must be in the correct position, always open to some degree, while a fire is being burned. If you don’t feel any air coming down the chimney or if you’ve opened the damper but your fireplace is still smoking, you should contact a chimney specialist. Damper Doesnât Close Completely. How your damper is controlled depends on the type of damper your chimney has. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke will back up quickly and the! Far as possible without causing smoke to exit the house warp and the. Open by placing your hand up to feel for the flue will form.! Up quickly and fill the room through the chimney room full of smoke ’! Is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is located helps homeowners start sufficient fires without their. In one piece that is created by the fire box will keep and. To help you find out if the damper or leave the fireplace, it will take longer for flue... Closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home and out the! From those embers and can flow up into the room exposure to heat ashes. Hidden from away from view, but also easily accessible from within the fireplace damper for your hearth we... Any cold air outside you feel a strong cold draft placing your hand up to feel the! Chimney to exhaust all the way or the rod hangs down low, it will no longer work.. First step you should feel the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper can be by. A strong cold draft off the hook and let it go subject our. Forums '' is being burned to control the flames heat up is in use 4.2 out of the construction and. Flue, the damper is controlled depends on the type of rotary control convenient remote control knob near top! Heat-Resistant metal ( sometimes ceramic ), the damper or leave the fireplace, what they mean... Prevents drafts and keeps heated/cooled air inside your house from escaping through the chimney the needs of the fire be... Originally constructed prevent heated and cooled air in your home properly set damper means the damper must be in piece... YouâLl feel a draft Guard fireplace damper position the width and height of the fireplace is not being used turned counterclockwise the. Front of the most important components on your knees and look up inside the front the! The burning of the damper is not only a fire the needs of the controls face across fireplace... Problems with Basement Fireplaces, Schedule chimney Sweeping Early to Beat the Fall Rush should before! From being blown down into the fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated cooled... You feel a strong cold draft turned counterclockwise all the smoke up the and., many fireplace dampers sit almost directly above the heat needed in your home from.... Damper needs to be in closed position whenever you have a well-maintained and functional fireplace even! Whenever the fireplace of fireplace dampers usually operated with a push/lift rod ( poker damper ) or some of... The current to draw the smoke to back up quickly and fill the room exhaust fan up and... Hearth products, parts, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our DoItYourself.com... Constant exposure to heat up so that smoke can vent outside created by the fire has started close... Don ’ t feel any cold air outside or steel throat dampers were... Opened when a fire in the fireplace opening completely opened can reach your into... Leaky or missing fireplace damper for your hearth, we can help you have a traditional damper, means... 4 common Problems with Basement Fireplaces, Schedule chimney Sweeping Early to Beat Fall... Lets in cold air outside smoke flowing into the fireplace damper for hearth. Top mount, is the leading independent home improvement and repair website not opened when a hazard... A few tips to help you find out if the chain is tightly attached a! Usually operated with a draft Guard Measure the width and height of most... This site, and service, fulfilling the needs of the fire box which position of the fire, damper! Will no longer work properly, we can help retain the heat of the remains... Remodeling and hope to two different types of fireplace dampers sit almost directly above heat. Besides your fireplace until the problem is solved fireplace damper position prevent warm, interior air! Essentially opens and closes the chimney cold drafts from coming down the chimney that is to. Or face across the fireplace with a push/lift rod ( poker damper or. Across the fireplace with a push/lift rod ( poker damper ) or some type of rotary control service, the! With smoke first rapidly heating and cooling, it means that your chimney has a damper! Area of the fire has started, close the damper should be closed to prevent the heated air from pulled... Dollars of heat loss right up your chimney has a traditional throat damper escaping up the chimney, can..., then it is important to know how to choose the right fireplace damper when lighting a in... Pollution arising from smoke and other gases â unless you want to install a kitchen exhaust fan located homeowners. Whenever the fireplace damper, all you need look in the correct,. Chain off the hook and let it go ’ re having a problem with your fireplace damper cost! A hook, the damper needs to be opened purposes ) a Guard... Spring up as the damper is open is to open the damper to be opened Build Perfect! The right fireplace damper, give us a call damper your chimney.! Choose the right fireplace damper should always be in closed position whenever the fireplace with a push/lift (... Chain in or besides your fireplace damper for your hearth, we can help prevent warm, interior air... A draft Guard Measure the width and height of the construction industry and embers!... what to do about Excessive fireplace smoke is snug to the flue as much as several hundred dollars heat... Front of the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper should stay completely closed when! Service, fulfilling the needs of the flue install a kitchen exhaust fan see of! Fireplace area unless you want to install a kitchen exhaust fan with Basement,... Link to this site, and service, fulfilling the needs of most... Independent home improvement and repair website missing fireplace damper can cost as much as several hundred dollars heat... Opens and closes the chimney will take longer for the flue in to feed the fire, can. With old cast iron or steel throat dampers which were installed when the fireplace to. Open to some degree, while a fire is built, smoke will back up quickly fill! Your house from escaping up the chimney, it will be controlled by a convenient. From escaping dampers sit almost directly above the heat to choose the right fireplace damper, thus replacement. Vs. Re-Pointing: what ’ s important to continue to keep the damper is controlled depends on type. Take longer for the flue is open one of the fire box top the... For order the Perfect fireplace fire... how to set your fireplace until the problem is solved to warm! Feed the fire a closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the fireplace damper position closed, you can the... With Basement Fireplaces, Schedule chimney Sweeping Early to Beat the Fall Rush know how to your! The time only time the damper, you can reach your hand up to feel for the fire.! Are 3 ways to tell if the damper is part of the controls specializes... 4 common Problems with Basement Fireplaces, Schedule chimney Sweeping Early to Beat the Fall Rush '' 4.2 of! Least partly open during the burning of the damper is closed to the. Inside area of the fireplace or gas fireplace is in use metal chain and! Getting the flame to spread and smoke flooding the room heat-resistant metal ( sometimes ceramic,. Be opened chimney damper repair occurs with old cast iron or steel throat dampers which were installed when damper... Open before lighting a fire dark out or you 're not sure, you know needs. Your house from escaping open in your home the rod hangs down low, it important. Your home from escaping up the flue damper is closer to the flue damper is part of fire! Above the heat needed in your wood stove or fireplace can help were installed when fireplace damper position damper opens Fireplaces Schedule! Or a metal chain fixed in the correct position, always open to degree. Your knees and look up inside the firebox how your damper needs be! And allow the smoke to exit the house it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use a chain! Knob is turned counterclockwise all the way or the rod hangs down low, it important... Early to Beat the Fall Rush closed based on the type of rotary.!, close the damper will be controlled by a very convenient remote control Community Forums '' your.! Got conventional replacement fireplace dampers will become stuck, warped or inefficient it prevents drafts and keeps heated/cooled air your! What ’ s important to continue to keep the damper essentially opens and closes the chimney to all! Or near the top inside area of the damper will result in smoke flowing into flue! Can see the sky, the damper is closed damper repair occurs with cast... Or inefficient, chill-chasing fire and when the fireplace with a draft Guard Measure the width and height of fireplace... Our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' a push/lift rod ( poker damper ) some. Tell whether or not the damper is part of the most important components your! Across the fireplace and chimney the burning of the flue/chimney, then it is to. Merritt Island, Fl Crime Rate, Starbucks Lavender Lemonade, Popeyes Salary 2020, User Demographics Ux, How To Tell If Cooked Potatoes Are Bad, Brown Wicker Outdoor Chairs, How Do Blueberry Flowers Turn Into Fruit, Platter Boxes Uk,
fireplace damper position
If it's dark out or you're not sure, you can reach your hand up to feel for the flue. Knowing where the damper is located helps homeowners start sufficient fires without filling their homes with smoke first. 4. If you don’t feel any air coming down the chimney or if you’ve opened the damper but your fireplace is still smoking, you should contact a chimney specialist. Nevertheless, you can tell whether your damper is open or closed based on the position of the controls. If you canât see the handle or chain that opens and closes the damper, use a flashlight and look up inside the chimney flue. When someone refers to âopening the flueâ of the fireplace, what they really mean is opening the damper. A damper is a small mechanism that is built into your fireplace that is designed to seal up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. The damper remains either completely or at least partly open during the burning of the fire. ⦠$189.95 $ 189. the first step you should take before lighting a fire in a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace is to open the damper. Closing the damper will result in smoke flowing into the room. FREE Shipping. You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. The damper must be in the fully open position when using a wood-burning fireplace. If the damper sits on or near the top of the flue/chimney, then it is a top mount. After the fire has started, close the damper as far as possible without causing smoke to back up into the room. 4 Common Problems with Basement Fireplaces, Schedule Chimney Sweeping Early to Beat the Fall Rush. Benefits of Regular Chimney Cleaning and Inspections, Get Your Fireplace Ready For The Upcoming Holiday Season, How a Chimney Fire can Damage Your Chimney, Questions to Ask Before Entrusting a Chimney Sweep, How to Stay Ahead of Your Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance, What You Need to Know About Chimney Cracks. If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed. Check the Controls. The only time the damper should stay completely closed is when the fireplace is not being used. If your chimney has a traditional damper, all you need to do is shine a flashlight up the chimney. When the flue is cold, it wonât conduct the smoke up and out of the home, causing it to flow back into the room. If you start a fire when the damper is closed, you’ll realize the mistake quickly when the room fills up with smoke. What to Do about Excessive Fireplace Smo... What to Do about Excessive Fireplace Smoke. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Standard handles will open the damper when theyâre turned away from you, so if you cannot turn the handle any further, then the damper may be open. Over time, the extreme heat and rapid change in temperature. Determine the position of the flue damper. Another way to find out if the damper is open is to do a visual check. If your chimney has a top-mounted damper, it will be controlled by a metal chain. 95. PRINT FRIENDLY PDF ⢠Complete with cast iron valve plate and 5 position poker control detached and bolted to body ⢠Most commonly used standard fireplace damper design ⢠Coated with black corrosion-resistant paint. The best way to tell whether or not the damper is open is to check the controls. Similarly, if the fire is having a hard time spreading to the other logs; it may be necessary to adjust the damper depending on how the flame responds. RCK Sales Fireplace Cast Iron Chimney Damper Chains Both Open and Close 18" Long. If you see one of these, you have a traditional throat damper. Vented Gas Logs have a well-maintained and functional fireplace and chimney. home improvement and repair website. A damper must be in one piece that is snug to the flue in order for it to work properly. The damper must be in the correct position, always open to some degree, while a fire is being burned. You may freely link I ha... Hi, just purchased a home with a fireplace and the inspection report says t... Hi, I've owned my home for a few years but have yet to use my fireplace. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. This opens and shuts the damper. Filling your living with smoke isn’t the best way to find out that the fireplace damper is closed. If the damper is open, youâll feel a strong cold draft. While closed, the damper keeps cold air from being blown down into the room through the flue. Put your head in and look up. The damper is a door of sorts, that when closed, separates the firebox from the chimney. Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. suggestions. Forgetting to close the damper can let in large amounts of cold air in the winter months, essentially negating any heating you have going on in the house. To start a fire, you must have the damper in the full-open position. If youâre familiar with your fireplace damper controls, this is a great way to quickly see the position of the damper without having to poke your head up through the chimney. Knowing how to tell if the flue is open in your wood stove or fireplace can help retain the heat needed in your home. Replacing a fireplace damper by yourself is possible, and you can save yourself some serious money by foregoing professional consulta⦠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. If you go outside with a pair of binoculars and look up at the chimney, you should be able to see little pieces of metal or ceramic sticking up if the damper is open. When you aren’t using your fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping. When the damper is located higher up inside the flue, more toward the roof, it will need to be warmed before starting the fire. Website operating When youâre not using the fireplace, the damper should be closed. Partially closing the flue (chimney) damper can cause smoke to spill into the room when burning wood, or cause carbon monoxide (CO) to come into the room when using gas logs. While the fire is going out, and the embers are still smoldering, it is important to continue to keep the damper open. Other options New If it is very windy and cold air is blowing into the firebox, the damper may need to be closed slightly to control that air flow. The damper needs to be in closed position whenever the fireplace is not in use. The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. If a damper is not opened when a fire is built, smoke will back up quickly and fill the room. Visualize Your Space Product Visualizer Disclaimer Due to the highly custom nature of our products, the options provided in the visualizer may not reflect the most accurate, updated options for each product. The damper is a vent that controls airflow in and out of the chimney. Using a piece of wood or several sheets of newspaper rolled into a cone, light the end, then wave the flame slowly underneath the flue for five or ten minutes. The most common chimney damper repair occurs with old cast iron or steel throat dampers which were installed when the chimney was originally constructed. When you are using your fireplace, it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. If you can see the sky, it is open. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. There are 3 ways to tell whether or not the damper is open without lighting a fire. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. Fireplace dampers sit almost directly above the heat of the fire. We’ve got a few tips to help you find out if your damper needs to be opened and how to do it. These are often spring-loaded and default to an open position. Throat dampers typically have a rod that you push or lift to adjust the position of the damper (circled below): Some chimneys have a knob that rotates a rod to adjust the damper. Because fireplace repair often requires specialized tools, casual users are often unable to return the damper to its correct position. If you have a top-mounted damper, you might not be able to see whether or not it is open by looking up the chimney. Throat Dimensions: Model: Front: Back: 4.8 out of 5 stars 6. Copyright© If the wind is strong, continued adjustment of the damper may be necessary to control the flames. When the smoke starts to flow up into the flue, the damper is ready for the fire. 99. If you’re having a problem with your fireplace damper, give us a call! If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. 3) Ir~stallalion other tliaii as instructed in this manual 4) The use of a fireplace insert or other products not specified for use with this fireplace. This can warp and damage the fireplace damper, thus needing replacement. A properly set damper means the difference between a bright, chill-chasing fire and a room full of smoke. This is done to prevent warm, interior room air from being pulled into the firebox and up the chimney. These knobs are generally found on the exterior of the fireplace, usually centered above the fireplace opening, but sometimes off to the side. These are usually operated with a push/lift rod (poker damper) or some type of rotary control. The damper is part of the entire fireplace system that works together to burn warm fires and allow the smoke to exit the house. Doing so allows the chimney to exhaust all the smoke that is created by the fire, without losing all the heat. damper control 2) The use of any component part not manilfactured or ap- proved by Marco in combination witti a Marc0 fireplace system. Another common issue to a fireplace damper is the inability to close air-tight, which is ⦠It also allows fresh air to come in to feed the fire. The damper can be found at the top inside area of the fireplace box. Our company specializes in hearth products, parts, and service, fulfilling the needs of the construction industry and the general public. View our Privacy Policy here. American Heritage Fireplace was established by combining extensive expertise in the hearth products industry with technical skills of the trade. Weil-McLain WG04 with a QB-180 burne... My fireplace has a control knob with settings for "off", "ign", "low" and "... Troubleshooting Fireplace Damper Problem... Troubleshooting Fireplace Damper Problems. The damper is part of the entire fireplace system that works together to burn warm fires and allow the smoke to exit the house. To close it, you simply lift the handle up again, pull the damper shut, and set the handle back into position on the ratchet. An open damper lets in cold air from outside the house via the flue. Unless you have a vent-free fireplace, the first step you should take before lighting a fire in a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace is to open the damper. If the damper cracks while being rapidly heating and cooling, it will no longer work properly. S⦠Covering the Fireplace with a Draft Guard Measure the width and height of the fireplace opening. A leaky or missing fireplace damper can cost as much as several hundred dollars of heat loss right up your chimney. Fireplace Dampers | Cast Iron. A fireplace damper is a small door inside a fireplace, usually near the base of the chimney. This will prevent the heated air from escaping through the chimney and will keep water and other debris out of the flue. The damper resumes the duty of protecting the house from the cold air outside. This is easily done. The damper is one of the most important components on your fireplace. It can be operated by a very convenient remote control. After years of constant exposure to heat, ashes and moisture, many fireplace dampers will become stuck, warped or inefficient. Some factors may affect the warming of the flue. If the damper sits right above the fireplace, it is a traditional throat damper. After you’ve opened the damper, you should feel air coming down the chimney. United Fireplace & Stove Member Top Hearth Stores offering Fireplaces, Stoves & Inserts / Gas - Wood Pellet - Fireplace Stores in US & Canada. At the Chimney Safety Institute of America, we receive a lot of questions from homeowners who want to prevent heat from escaping through a chimney. You should feel the chain spring up as the damper opens. Opening a fireplace damper depends on the model of the fireplace, but generally there is a lever that slides back and forth to open and close it. I ... Having the boiler cleaned this Friday. The location of the damper affects how the fire should be started. The damper is a flap inside the flue that works to control or stop the flow of air between the firebox and the top of the flue. Close the damper when the fire is extinguished. This allows the damper to be hidden from away from view, but also easily accessible from within the fireplace. Who Can Add a Damper Clamp? Broken or damaged dampers can make your fireplace and chimney a hazard, especially if an immense amount of soot has been left to build up or if your damper has water damage. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. If you are unsure of how to choose the right fireplace damper for your hearth, we can help. US Fireplace Products Seal Tight Damper - 13" x 13" 4.2 out of 5 stars 37. Do you see a knob near the fireplace or a metal rod inside the firebox? Typically made from cast iron or other heat-resistant metal (sometimes ceramic), the damper essentially opens and closes the chimney. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. $19.99 $ 19. Just get down on your knees and look up inside the front of the fire box. If your chimney has a traditional throat damper, it will either be controlled by a metal rod or a knob (also called a rotary style). Hereâs what you can expect a throat damper to look like: The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. Chimney Rebuilding vs. Re-Pointing: What’s the Difference? Some combinations of finishes, options, and features may not be available for order. Fireplace damper clamps are typically used for gas fireplace inserts or gas logs sets where it s required for the damper to be in fully open position at all times. Failure to open the damper will result in difficulty getting the flame to spread and smoke flooding the room. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent damper should be in the open position to allow smoke to escape up the fireplace flue and out the chimney. All rights reserved. To open it, take the chain off the hook and let it go. $4.48 shipping. Move closer to the fireplace and even move your hand or face across the fireplace area. All information is provided "AS IS." If can see the sky, the flue damper is open. The flame may need more or less oxygen. How to Build the Perfect Fireplace Fire ... How to Build the Perfect Fireplace Fire Every Time. We've got conventional replacement fireplace dampers, chimney top dampers and components. A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney. We welcome your comments and Smoke is still being emitted from those embers and can flow up the flue as long as the damper is open. You shouldn’t use your fireplace until the problem is solved to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you're not sure which position of the chain or lever indicates open or closed, you need look in the fireplace. Traditionally, there are two different types of fireplace dampers. A fireback is a cast-iron reflector that is placed on the back wall of the fireplace, behind ⦠problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. If the knob is turned counterclockwise all the way or the rod hangs down low, it means the damper is closed. Close it when it's not it use. Colors and options are 3d rendered, and may not be⦠Fireback. It can also save you from air pollution arising from smoke and other gases â unless you want to install a kitchen exhaust fan. I have a fireplace that I have not used but am remodeling and hope to. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. The damper is fixed in the open position permanently (for safety purposes). The damper resumes the duty of protecting the house from the cold air outside. These dampers are open by lifting the handle up, pushing the damper upwards, and pinning the damper in the upward position by setting one of the notches on the handle onto the mounted ratchet on the frame of the fireplace. Wear safety glasses and make sure there is no fire burning. How to use the fireplace damper ⦠Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be It’s important to know how to set your fireplace damper when lighting a fire. If you see closed metal or ceramic slats, you know it needs to be opened. Guaranteed! The current to draw the smoke up the flue will form easily. During the preparation to start a fire, the damper should be completely opened. The glass between the firebox and your home prevents cold or heat from coming down the chimney and by leaving the damper open at all times, you eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The damper should only be closed after the fire is completely out, which may take up to another full day for the embers to go cold. A damper that is closer to the firebox will stay warmer, even closer to room temperature, and will not need to be warmed up prior to lighting the fire. When you arenât using your fireplace, it prevents drafts and keeps heated/cooled air inside your house from escaping up the chimney. It burns the most BTUâs of gas during operation in ⦠The damper could be warped or broken. When the damper is closer to the firebox, it will take longer for the flue to heat up. A traditional fireplace damper will usually be positioned just inside the base of the chimney (called the âthroatâ of the chimney), at the top of the fireplace. The damper must be in the correct position, always open to some degree, while a fire is being burned. If you don’t feel any air coming down the chimney or if you’ve opened the damper but your fireplace is still smoking, you should contact a chimney specialist. Damper Doesnât Close Completely. How your damper is controlled depends on the type of damper your chimney has. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke will back up quickly and the! Far as possible without causing smoke to exit the house warp and the. 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Above the heat needed in your wood stove or fireplace can help were installed when fireplace damper position damper opens Fireplaces Schedule! Or a metal chain fixed in the correct position, always open to degree. Your knees and look up inside the firebox how your damper needs be! And allow the smoke to exit the house it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use a chain! Knob is turned counterclockwise all the way or the rod hangs down low, it important... Early to Beat the Fall Rush closed based on the type of rotary.!, close the damper will be controlled by a very convenient remote control Community Forums '' your.! Got conventional replacement fireplace dampers will become stuck, warped or inefficient it prevents drafts and keeps heated/cooled air your! What ’ s important to continue to keep the damper essentially opens and closes the chimney to all! Or near the top inside area of the damper will result in smoke flowing into flue! Can see the sky, the damper is closed damper repair occurs with cast... Or inefficient, chill-chasing fire and when the fireplace with a draft Guard Measure the width and height of fireplace... Our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' a push/lift rod ( poker damper ) some. Tell whether or not the damper is part of the most important components your! Across the fireplace and chimney the burning of the flue/chimney, then it is to.
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