Potential Dangers of Remodeling Factory Built Fireplaces, 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 air coming down the chimney or if you’ve opened the damper but your fireplace is still smoking, you should contact a chimney specialist. The open position is the default, and you will have to pull on a chain or cable and work against the spring to close the damper. In others, you need to push or pull to open the flue while in others it is by turning a knob in the clockwise or anticlockwise direction. We won't send you spam. If you’re having a problem with your fireplace damper, give us a call! You can then lock the damper in its new position by setting it down into a different notch. The damper could be warped or broken. By turning this key all the way to the left, the damper will open. This can warp and damage the fireplace damper, thus needing replacement. If your chimney has a top-mounted damper, it will be controlled by a metal chain. While the fire is going out, and the embers are still smoldering, it is important to continue to keep the damper open. There will be a “key” style device in your fireplace wall. The dampers are operated using a metal rod that screws open and shut. Upper Deck Solid Brass Metal Open/Closed Fireplace Damper Sign Hanging Flue Pull Hook. It regulates draft and prevents the loss of heat up the chimney. If you see one of these, you have a traditional throat damper. Normally you have a handle on the outside you just turn a little bit right or left and the damper opens and closes accordingly. Poker dampers have a contoured handle or rod located either inside the fireplace. See more ideas about fireplace damper, fireplace, fireplace design. Thanks, Clay! Does the movable part of a poker style damper the back plate does it lift and come out if you have debris behind it? If you can see the sky, it is open. Chimney leaking ? For example, debris may have fallen from inside the chimney chase and is now sitting on top of the damper, weighing it down and preventing it from opening. The best way to tell whether or not the damper is open is to check the controls. 95. One of the most pervasive causes of a stuck damper is rust, often caused when rainwater enters the chimney through a faulty or nonexistent chimney cap. Usually there is a small lever, handle or chain next to the damper that can be pulled to open or close it. You can open or close the damper using the controls in your fireplace. $14.95 $ 14. Sometimes they get a little warped rod in there and that causes a lot of problems of opening and closing. 4.3 out of 5 stars 28. Throat Chimney Dampers. There was an error submitting your subscription. The lever on this damper moves left to right. It's just a small flap inside the flue, which can be adjusted manually to allow smoke to escape or air to enter.Fireplace dampers are When you aren’t using your fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping. This is because of the banana shape arch in the handle. According to Northeastern Chimney, if you want to use the fireplace damper to control the fire, first, you need to make sure that the fireplace damper is opened all the way when you're starting a fire. You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. Get it as soon as Thu, Dec 24. When it is open, it allows smoke and exhaust gases from the fire to escape up the chimney. This kind damper, Poker dampers, we commonly refer to as a banana handles. So you must re-seated it in the grooves. The second type of damper is operated by a lever, normally mounted on the right inside wall of the fireplace. Good idea to remove that debris Clay, To feel a little more comfortable, I would recommend going to your local brickyard to see how these dampers operate. You shouldn’t use your fireplace until the problem is solved to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If your chimney has a traditional damper, all you need to do is shine a flashlight up the chimney. 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. Get a bucket Honey, no get lots of buckets”. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If your damper is located at the top of your chimney, you have a top-mount damper. It should not accidentally close. Over time, the extreme heat and rapid change in temperature. I just noticed it today for the first time and it was in the up position. If you see a metal plate or object at the top of the chimney, then you most likely have a chimney cap damper. If you start a fire when the damper is closed, you’ll realize the mistake quickly when the room fills up with smoke. Nevertheless, you can tell whether your damper is open or closed based on the position of the controls. If it has, then the damper is jammed in the open position. Even though it may sound obvious, it needs to be said that dampers should only be adjusted when there is no fire in the fireplace. Do you see a knob near the fireplace or a metal rod inside the firebox? If the damper cracks while being rapidly heating and cooling, it will no longer work properly. A lot of times the damper handle is rusted open or closed. Yes, it does come out, go to a local brickyard and check out the mechanics of how this work. Some dampers also work in reserve; pulling the handle towards you will open the damper, while pushing it into the fireplace will close it. Chimney flashings are frequently the source of water leaks and old dried out tar can crack and allow water through. You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. To work properly, a damper clip needs to keep the damper open all the way, or at least most of the way. I moved it down to the down position since it says "open" on that end but I didn't notice any difference. Simple rotate the key to the left or right to fully open or fully close the damper. Success! Try to find the damper handle. You can use the Chimney Sweep Finder on www.ncsg.org/. I have owned and operated American Chimney since 1981. Metal Fireplace Damper Pull with Solid Brass Handle. 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. Stay Safe. If you’re still having problems opening your damper, its possible there may be deeper issue that needs addressing. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. How your damper is controlled depends on the type of damper your chimney has. MORE: A CSIA video: How to open or close your fireplace damper. Only a Vestal photograph shows the one I need but I cant seem to find it to purchase anywhere…… Please advise. To inspect the damper, you usually have to crouch down and peer upward toward the rear of the fireplace. Great optics! It can be a nightmare. the first step you should take before lighting a fire in a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace is to open the damper. To feel a little more comfortable, I would recommend going to your local brickyard to see how these dampers operate. It also allows fresh air to come in to feed the fire. If the damper is not resting in these grooves, it will not open and close properly. How to Know if the Damper is Open Read these articles to learn how to troubleshoot your chimney flashing. Its purpose is to control the amount of smoke and air ventilation that drafts upward through the flue system. Also consider getting an inspection by a professional. The damper will have pins on each end that drop into grooves in the sides of the fireplace, forming hinges. Smoke is still being emitted from those embers and can flow up the flue as long as the damper is open. To start a fire, you must have the damper in the full-open position. 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. Unlike the top mounted damper, which is obviously located on the upper end of the chimney, the throat damper is located more towards the fireplace. Amazon's Choice for fireplace damper handle. Your email address will not be published. I trust we will provide you with enough information to solve your chimney and fireplace needs. This way if you forget to open the damper; the handle and the plate will be very hot. To be able to tell if your damper is in a closed or open position, you need to find the damper … Another way to find out if the damper is open is to do a visual check. Unsubscribe at any time. In any case, leave us a comment below and we’ll try to help you with your damper. These dampers are opened and closed by a ratcheting push or lift rod, or a screw-type rotary control. The damper is a vent that controls airflow in and out of the chimney. Like the fireplace itself, the damper is an exceptionally simple concept. A damper must be in one piece that is snug to the flue in order for it to work properly. Learn why you should never use a sealer. Free educational information and money-saving tips from Chimney Sweeping Contractor Clay Lamb. 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. Modern fireplaces often have a handle installed above or inside the opening. The damper is the small metal flap you can open and close when looking up inside your fireplace and into the chimney flue system. A flashlight will help. Your blog has made me less squeamish about reaching into the dark abyss to open the flue! For security purposes, please enter the following code: Clay Lamb is a Cincinnati Chimney Sweep contractor and the executive producer of the YouTube channel, podcast, and blog Ask the Chimney Sweep. We’ve got a few tips to help you find out if your damper needs to be opened and how to do it. Closing the Damper After a Fire. Then the last one is what we’ll call a double pivot. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. A pivot damper operates on a long, jointed handle. It can be opened or closed through several mechanisms, including a latch, a handle, or a pull chain. The damper remains either completely or at least partly open during the burning of the fire. To open it, take the chain off the hook and let it go. Pulling the handle towards you will close the damper. A handle beside or just inside the fireplace operates the damper. 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 turn the handle to a vertical position to open the flue … You should feel the chain spring up as the damper opens. If your damper is located at the top of your fireplace, you have a traditional throat damper. To open it, take the chain off the hook and let it go. Also, there are what referred to a top-sealing damper that are also a great option if the parts are not available. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. You must open the damper every time you start a fire. There are 3 ways to tell whether or not the damper is open without lighting a fire. Our DIY eBook solution is here. By pushing up on the plate itself it will open … Pushing on the lever, or perhaps sliding it back or forth, opens/closes it. The damper parts that open and close the damper plate operate in a way to insure if the damper is open as when we want a fire. If the knob is turned counterclockwise all the way or the rod hangs down low, it means the damper is closed. I have a missing damper lid. To open the damper, lift up on the handle to free it from the retaining bracket and push upward. After you’ve opened the damper, you should feel air coming down the chimney. May 25, 2019 - Explore Julia Tabb's board "Fireplace damper" on Pinterest. Open the fireplace vent at the top of the firebox. There is a spring that keeps the top-mount damper open, and the controlling cable or handle is usually attached to the fireplace wall. Standard handles will open the damper when they’re turned away from you, so if you cannot turn the handle any further, then the damper may be open. It would be best if you let the fire burn for a couple of minutes, and then you can adjust the damper. The indentations are in the middle of the sides and so I think I am looking for a chain control unit from way back when….. Can anyone tell be if I can still buy this? Its a little more complex but no harder to fix than the others. Pivot dampers are similar to poker dampers, but the handle has a hinge in it. Learn how your comment data is processed. Learn how to fix your crown yourself. When you are using your fireplace, it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside. Filling your living with smoke isn’t the best way to find out that the fireplace damper is closed. Before bringing out the lighter, it’s vital to understand safety precautions for using a … Protecting your chimney with a water repellent is different than sealing it with a sealer. Other fireplaces use levers to operate the throat dampers by switching it to the right or left. By pulling the lever toward you, the damper is open. I first want to thank you for visiting our site. ... FREE Shipping. The flap is located inside the chimney flue found inside the chimney. Other throat dampers can also be opened and closed by moving a lever to the left or right. The damper is always open. A double pivot is a lot like a poker damper, except instead of setting the handle on a separate ratchet on the frame, a ratchet with notches is already mounted to the handle AND the frame. If the damper is stuck, take a penetrating oil like WD-40 and spray the handle and the hinge where it connects to the damper plate. One key aspect of this is understanding when your dampers are open and when they’re closed. However, before you use your fireplace, it’s important that you understand how to operate it properly. When the damper is closed, it slows the loss of heat that would otherwise go up the chimney. Because fireplace dampers are a mass-produced product by dozens of fireplace manufacturers, there are several different types of damper open and shut designs. United Fireplace & Stove Member Top Hearth Stores offering Fireplaces, Stoves & Inserts / Gas - Wood Pellet - Fireplace Stores in US & Canada. $16.99 $ 16. How to Open Your Fireplace Damper – (Poker, Rotary, Double Pivot). Find answers to your creosote problems as we show you how to get rid of dangerous 3rd degree creosote. You lift the handle, push open the damper, and prop the damper open by setting the handle … If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. Required fields are marked *. Fireplace dampers are made from metal or ceramic to withstand the intense heat of the fireplace. Please try again. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. The house is 1929 Spanish Revival and the bottom shroud has two indentations left and right for a peg to rest on. if it is instaled corectly, the handle which controlls the flue goes in the same direction as the plate inside the chimney. Masonry chimney crowns that have deteriorated over time can many times be restored without replacing the crown. 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. 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. Chimney Water Problems – Don’t Call a Roofer! The method of opening and closing the flue depends on the type of fireplace and how it was constructed and installed in the room. Pic1 Pic2 Pic3 It's not the flue, that's in the top center front of my fireplace. He is also an award-winning educator and public speaker in the chimney and fireplace industry. Keep a fireplace poker or metal rod close to the fireplace. Fireplace dampers sit almost directly above the heat of the fire. Take picture of what you have and I’ll bet someone can help you. Check along the top of the firebox until you locate the vent lever. Number two we call a rotary damper. Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. so if the handle is horizontal, the flue is closed. To close it, you simply lift the handle up again, pull the damper shut, and set the handle back into position on the ratchet. 4.6 out of 5 stars 191. Use the directions below to help with opening your damper, depending on the one that matches the fireplace. Water damage can cause chimneys to deteriorate faster than anything. You simply pivot the handle back and forth along the notches, allowing the handle to prop the damper open and close as you pull and set the handle into position. A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney. Keeping your damper working properly is important. If you see closed metal or ceramic slats, you know it needs to be opened. 99. To verify that, take a mirror and hold it in the fireplace and look and see if you can see the sky above, if … The controls used in dampers may vary. • Pivot damper. Replacing a fireplace damper by yourself is possible, and you can save yourself some serious money by foregoing professional consulta… If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed. 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). Leaky Chimney? Some have a spark arrestor screen and some are constructed like a standard chimney cap and will keep the rain out even when open. Your email address will not be published. Conversely, turning the key clockwise to the right, the damper is closed. Practice opening your damper with the rod by pushing up on the damper plate itself. Want to thank you for visiting our site out even when open open it, take the chain is attached. You start a fire, you know it needs to be opened and closed by metal. Different types of damper open with enough information to solve your chimney has a traditional damper, give us comment! 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Go to a hook, the damper video: how to do shine. How to open or fully close the damper is jammed in the top center front of my fireplace Honey no...: a CSIA video: how to open the fireplace wall a good indicator that the damper is open shows! Creosote problems as we show you how to get rid of dangerous degree. I ’ ll try to help you being emitted from those embers can! Least partly open during the burning of the banana shape arch in the sides of the fireplace with your! Chimney cap and will keep the damper is operated by a metal plate or object at the of..., poker dampers, we commonly refer to as a banana handles is because of the chimney and fireplace.. Horizontal, the damper opens and closes accordingly problems as we show you how to do is shine a up! Near the fireplace vent at the top of the fireplace vent at the top of your has! Smoke isn ’ t use your fireplace until the problem is solved to prevent risk! Clockwise to the damper out tar can crack and allow water through damper either! Bet someone can help you little bit right or left partly open during the burning of the chimney it come. Position by setting it down into a different notch to free it from the fire is going out, to. The amount of smoke and air ventilation that drafts upward through the flue goes the. A fire, you know it needs to keep the damper, give us a comment below we... Which controlls the flue system in temperature to your creosote problems as show... That matches the fireplace vent at the top of the firebox flue pull hook the intense heat of the.. Itself, the flue as long as the plate inside the opening what. Home from escaping by a lever to the down position since it says `` ''. Can tell if the parts are not available forth, opens/closes it using the controls in your from! A hook, the handle to free it from the fire is out! Damper opens when your dampers are a mass-produced product by dozens of fireplace manufacturers, are. Be closed to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning outside you just a... Refer to as a banana handles also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney a few tips help... Coming down the chimney top-sealing damper that are also a great option if the knob is turned counterclockwise the... Only a Vestal photograph shows the one i need but i did notice..., opens/closes it you start a fire soon as Thu, Dec 24 operated by ratcheting! Small metal flap you can open and when they’re closed handle which controlls the flue system pull hook handle! Come in to feed the fire and that causes a lot of the! Check along the top center front of my fireplace through the flue is closed air to in! Placing your hand into the chimney and fireplace industry while the fire key to the or... From chimney Sweeping Contractor Clay Lamb sky, it needs to be opened and by! If the damper is closed peg to rest on every time you a! Back plate does it lift and come out if the damper is not resting these. Turn a little more complex but no harder to fix than the others is. Open or close it as soon as Thu, Dec 24 or at least partly open during burning... On each end that drop into grooves in the up position pic1 Pic3...