fireplace damper won't close

. Placing a bit of fire underneath the flue and the damper when they're open will create an air current that feeds smoke up into the chimney when the fire is fully going. Gas fireplaces do not come with their own integrated dampers. One of the best ways to close off drafty airflow from your fireplace, especially when it won't be used for a while, is to create a decorative and removable cover that you can pop in and out. If the fire is burning too intensely, you can close the damper a little more. Like the damper, the doors work as another layer from protection for . The Fireplace Screen Damper is your brake peddle. This is a brief step-by-step guide on how to repair your chimney damper yourself. This is the best penetrate oil I know of. • Rotary dampers. No. Like Reply. Much better than WD-40. Even if such a unit is inserted in an existing masonry fireplace with a damper, the damper would not need to be open. The damper should be kept closed when there is no fire or coals burning. There is a spring that keeps the top-mount damper open, and the controlling cable or handle is usually attached to the fireplace wall. To open it, take the chain off the hook and let it go. For instance, you won't have to worry about sparks shooting out from your fireplace. See if the damper blade's stuck, or if the handle mechanism seems to be the culprit. There will be a rod that is fixed inside the chimney by nuts. against the damper blade. Put on old clothes or a disposable paper suit, and a hat. There will be a "key" style device in your fireplace wall. 1. Even if you have a chimney cap, it is a good idea to keep the damper closed in the summer. Push the lever up slightly to disengage it from its support tab and then pull it away from the tab horizontally as the damper lowers into a closed position. Most don't have one either. The damper must be in the fully open position when using a wood-burning fireplace. Fireplace Damper Cost and Installation A cast-iron damper with opening mechanism costs an average of $150 to $250, depending on the size. Give us a call today at 513-248-9600 or click here to schedule an appointment online! This cost estimate deals with the replacement of a fireplace throat damper door and frame if needed. This helps to remove waste through the chimney and out of the house. A flue damper is a manual device that allows you to close off the flow of combustion air from your fireplace. Call us at 240-802-8414 or just click to make a chimney damper appointment here. Aug 15, 2014 1 Knik, AK Aug 15, 2014 #1 We have a metal box fireplace and the damper won't stay closed. Clean any debris from the firebox and the area where the damper sits. Can I partially close the damper on my wood-burning fireplace so less air goes up the chimney? Typically, this requires laying inside the fireplace, which isn't comfortable. Replace the damper plate opener. Protect yourself with safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection. A strictly manual fireplace damper won't have that feature. Another common problem with dampers is that they become stuck or frozen into position. Every minute that the damper is open, when the fireplace is not being used, up to 600 feet of heated air can escape. If you're having issues with your fireplace damper, the fireplace and chimney experts at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio of Dubuque, Iowa, are here to help. Corrosion and debris are the most common causes of stuck fireplace dampers. If you don't feel any air coming down the chimney or if you've opened the damper but . Keep the damper open until all open flames are gone. Yours might also be a variation on these basic types. The damper parts that open and close, are on the side of the fireplace firebox. Fully open the damper before your start a fire and keep it fully open until all embers and coals have burned out. A chimney balloon is an allowable substitute for a damper since it is not a permanent fixture in the fireplace and it will release if introduced to heat. The damper itself will now be able to be twisted off. When there's no fire, keeping the damper shut tight prevents cold outside air from entering the house. But for now, while the improperly closing damper on the lower level won't close fully, it would help to have some kind of flow going up the chimney, and a fire is one way to do that. This is to allow smoke and other combustion by-products to safely . Cut two-inch foam to the shape of the opening; subtract about an 1/8- to 1/4-inch around all sides to leave room for wrapping with material. For homes with throat dampers, the damper is just a few inches up and will block your vision if it's closed. DIY Removable Cover. The fireplace flame does not turn on and off at the exact desired temperature. So you can tell if your damper is open or closed without sticking your head in the fireplace. Cut two-inch foam to the shape of the opening; subtract about an 1/8- to 1/4-inch around all sides to leave room for wrapping with material. Stick your head inside the fireplace and look up the flue. Give us a call at (563) 582-5156. (563) 582-5156. Call 913-642-6171 today for assistance. $10 - $80. Check Visually. Step 2 - Cleaning The Damper Take a steel brush or a handheld whisk broom and clean the damper and the area around it. As you push or pull the handle, the counter-weight moves, helping to open or close the damper. An inspection from our chimney and fireplace professionals can determine if your chase cover is providing the necessary protection from water, animals and debris. Step 3: Monitor the Fire. A chain that's dangling freely and unsecured is a telltale sign that the damper is open. The damper is a steel or cast-iron door that opens and closes the throat of the firebox into the flue. Vestal 36 Inch . An open . Ventless gas fireplaces, which vent waste air back . If your fireplace has pull chains . In summary, the fireplace flue and the fireplace damper are not the same things - these terms should not be used interchangeably, as they often are. Alternatively, the damper handle can be removed for use with a tea light instead of using it as a fireplace. Buy on Amazon. If you live in the Highland, WI, region, call Chimney Specialists at (608) 929-4887. You'd be surprised how amplified outside noises become when the damper is open. Most fireplace dampers come standard with a lever opener, meaning you push a lever inside the fireplace with a fire iron to open the damper. Listening You can also tell if your damper is open or closed just by listening. You'll likely need to lay on your back to do this, which means it's so important to wear a mask, protective glasses, and other protective materials. Answer (1 of 2): I would get some Liquid Wrench. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. For ventless gas fireplaces, a damper may not be needed. You may also use it as a planter or display a bottle of wine in this attractive model. The dampe. 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. Be sure to never close the damper completely while a fire is burning. Remove Debris Start by cleaning debris and creosote from the damper before removing it. Most indoor fireplaces have one, and there are pretty much no models or new . If you'd like to learn more about top-sealing dampers and how they can save you money or you need to have your throat damper repaired, call The Chimney Doctor at 901-388-8097. Keep a fireplace poker or metal rod close to the fireplace. Open dampers or if you can see the sky indicate that it is open. First, brush the damper, giving special attention to the hinges. 4.6 out of 5 stars 85. Closing the damper will ensure that they can't get into your . If you only need to replace the damper plate, these cost . Even if such a unit is inserted in an existing masonry fireplace with a damper, the damper would not need to be open. We're certified, licensed, and insured full-service chimney professionals serving the greater Memphis, TN area with excellence. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states within Code 211 Standards For Fireplaces, item 9.9.1: ' Manually operated dampers shall not be placed in chimneys, vents or connectors of gas-burning appliances .'. Move the lever to open or close the damper. Stuck or Non-Working Fireplace Dampers. Test out the damper when the fireplace is not in use to get a feel for how it works. UD Hanging Fireplace Damper Open Closed Sign. The Takeaway. This film can etch into the glass if not regularly cleaned. #4. Put your hand inside the fireplace and determine how the air flows. The other method is to feel the breeze. You'll get a good and complete long-burn and not a "roaring" fire that goes through wood or synthetic logs very quickly and inefficiently. A good first step is to have the fireplace professionally cleaned. A drafty room is a good indication that the damper isn't closing into the proper position. You should feel the chain spring up as the damper opens. The damper is the part that allows and prevents access to the flue, while the flue itself is a passageway that allows gas and smoke to escape the home. If you've tried cleaning and adjusting the plate but the damper still won't open, head over to your local hardware store with your old opener and get a new one. That means your furnace will be working overtime to replace the air running up your chimney. The temperature reading on my hand-held transmitter does not match my house wall thermostat. To open or close the damper, lift the handle and push or pull to move the damper to the desired position. When the fireplace is in use, an open damper prevents smoke from filling up your home by giving it a way out through the flue. Step 1 - Cleaning Out The Fireplace: Clean out the entire fireplace before you begin. Fireplace glass doors even help your home when the fireplace isn't being used. Warm air from your home will not be lost up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. Outdoor fireplaces don't require a damper. 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. Vestal 24 Inch Cast Iron Throat-Style Firep . Before removing a fireplace damper, clear the area of any debris that might be preventing it from opening or closing. By pushing up on the plate itself it will open the damper and the poker control should just catch by itself. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should always be closed. This, in turn, insulates the entire chimney flue.The advantage of a top-mount damper over its throat-mounted cousin is that it prevents animals, birds, insects and debris from falling into the flue. Adjusting the fireplace damper on windy days helps prevent big chimney fires from flaring.. Unfortunately, a warped, rusted, or otherwise-damaged damper that leaves a gap in the seal isn't something most homeowners will normally . It also helps to rap the rusted pivots with a hammer while they are soaking. Keep a close eye on the fire as it continues to burn. I am sure this will be a messy job. One of the best ways to close off drafty airflow from your fireplace, especially when it won't be used for a while, is to create a decorative and removable cover that you can pop in and out. The damper should be kept closed when there is no fire or coals burning. You can even reach up and touch it to determine whether it's . I believe I have this one: If a flue damper is something else, the I do not know. If it's flowing down the chimney, the flue is open. Dampers make a lot of sense for indoor fireplaces. This type lets you adjust how far open the damper is. 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 . Remove and toss out ashes in the firebox . It's got a simple shaft with a handle on the front of it. Just another non member vendor folks. A chimney damper is a manual mechanism that controls airflow and smoke through the chimney flue. Repairing your damper with Sweep Your Chimney is easy! Is it ok to add 'just enough' weight to one side of the damper? This helps to remove waste through the chimney and out of the house. Can I partially close the damper on my wood-burning fireplace so less air goes up the chimney? However, a damper has its benefits; it can project the heat towards you and make sure that the rain won't wash your ashes on your patio. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts and remove the metal rod. No. The glass on my fireplace is unusually hot. I have mine set to fully open all the time, and adjust the airflow in the door of the fireplace. Then, clean out the damper, which is located up near the top of the fireplace. The controls vary. . http://www.chimneyballoon.us/chimneyballoon.html The damper itself goes a long way toward closing off the fireplace, which is why every wood-burning fireplace needs one. If it's hooked to the side of the fireplace wall, then this probably means that the damper is closed. Reduce Sulfur - Leaving your pilot light on can allow a small sulfur build-up over time on the glass doors of your fireplace. but it won't completely close. Plus, it could leave you a bit uncomfortable if it happens during the coldest or hottest time of the year. A Chimney Care Company professional will be happy to check your damper, and replace it if necessary. Often, a damper becomes difficult to operate or sticks in one position. DIY Removable Cover. The damper must be in the fully open position when using a wood-burning fireplace. Contact. TG,LLC Treasure Gurus Solid Brass Hanging Open Closed Damper Sign Vintage Metal Fireplace Home Decor. I tried to close it but the lever won't budge. First Repair Steps Lay 4-mil plastic sheeting on the floor in front of the fireplace and tape some to the sides of the fireplace. In contrast, an open one sends carbon-monoxide-rich exhaust through the flue and also assists in starting and controlling a fire. The fireplace damper is a metal component in the throat of the chimney/fireplace that has a single function: to open and close the flue. The first, and perhaps easiest, way to close off a fireplace is with the damper. 3. For ventless gas fireplaces, a damper may not be needed. CyanoticWasp (20077) . If the gas line is capped off and no log lighter is installed, then is permitted to be functional. If the chimney damper is stuck, spray its handle and hinge with penetrating oil like WD-40 to loosen it. If a flue damper is some sort of valve in the pipe/chimney near you fireplace, then I do not think it should close all the way. Per uniform building code requirements, when there is gas plumbed to a fireplace a damper clamp must be installed to keep your damper from closing. If your fireplace has a knob, you'll twist the knob to open the damper. This type of control uses a catch piece and control arm to regulate the width of the damper opening. Best No. The mantel on my fireplace is unusually hot. NFPA. Please Note: This damper control is designed for use on Vestal dampers. Keeping your damper closed when your fireplace is cold will help you keep down your heating costs. Chimney caps can become damaged creating a pathway for rainwater or pests to get into your chimney. "If you have a bottom/standard masonry damper you can close it and seal it closed with silicone to stop the airflow," says Blaken. Afterwards, locate the chimney damper and clean it and the surrounding area using a handheld whisk broom or a steel brush. Lastly, if you use your damper properly, you can control the intensity of your . Such gas fireplaces utilize the damper on the existing masonry and should be used wisely. A third type incorporates a handle and a counter-weight. I did a bit of Google investigating and found that it may be code to have the damper locked in the open position on a gas fireplace. This is to allow smoke and other combustion by-products to safely . When there are coals and embers . Conditioned air from your heating or cooling system will escape through your fireplace chimney when the damper is unable to close, making it quite difficult for your heater or air conditioner to do its job. The Damper won't Close Tightly An open damper is the equivalent of an open window in the house, allowing all the cold inside and the heat to escape outside. More Buying Choices $12.50 (3 new offers) Treasure Gurus New Solid Brass Open/Closed Fireplace Damper Sign. This is really simple and one of the surest ways to check whether the damper is open or closed. Let everyone know the status of your chimney flue with this hanging fireplace damper sign. Dimensions: 14" diameter x 7.5" tall and 6 lbs. First, clean out the fireplace as completely as possible. So the homeowner can still close their flue off and not allow outside air to rush in and heat to rush out. After you've opened the damper, you should feel air coming down the chimney. Another benefit to the chimney top dampers is the ease of the damper handle to operate. A closed damper acts as a seal that keeps the exterior air out and the interior air in. The damper should be kept open until all embers are finished burning to prevent smoke from escaping into the home. Soak the pivots and heat with a propane torch if you have one. (A fan or blower placed where it can blow upward into the flue - while . Fully open the damper before your start a fire and keep it fully open until all embers and coals have burned out. However, if you're unable to see the sky, the flue is probably closed and needs some unclogging. Turning off the pilot light prevents this from happening. Unnecessary Heat - A pilot light generates heat, even if only a little. Just close your fireplace glass door when a fire is lit and everything inside your home is safe and sound. It's fairly clean, moves easily, but when closed all the way it then swings back open a bit. Solid metal home decor reads, "DAMPER OPEN" on one side and "DAMPER CLOSED" on the other. A top-mount damper seals the chimney cap. Why? This is the best penetrate oil I know of. Replace the handle when the damper is in place. This helps create energy efficiency. The damper is the small door inside of your fireplace chimney that opens to allow smoke to exit the chimney. Step 1: Clean Debris Around the Area. Fuel: burns 1 gel fuel can Second, remember to open the fireplace damper because the damper prevents smoke from entering the house. 925 Century Dr. Dubuque, IA 52002. Practice opening your damper with the rod by pushing up on the damper plate itself. A flue damper can be used to turn on and off your fire without opening windows or doors, but it also means venting heat up the chimney when not in use. At the same time, he/she can lubricate . You'll need safety goggles, a disposable dust mask or respirator and a wire brush. We also include a comparison to remove the throat door and install a chimney top damper. Very basic. Another tip on effective use of a fireplace damper involves the end stages of a fire. 2. If the damper is closed when a fireplace is in use, smoke and gases will enter into the room, which can be a potentially serious health hazard if not dealt with quickly. If the damper can be opened using other means, then the broken handle is the problem. You might find that debris was blocking hinges and preventing it from closing or opening (if that was one of your primary concerns). If the damper appears to be stuck, all you have to do is . 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 . Hi all, I was cleaning the 10+ years of dust that the previous owner let accumulate on my fireplace and noticed that the damper was open. This way if you forget to open the damper; the handle and the plate will be very hot. It may not work on other brands. Then perhaps it's time to invest in a new Vestal Poker-Style Damper Control. Such gas fireplaces utilize the damper on the existing masonry and should be used wisely. Maybe you just have a question and are not sure if you have a chimney damper problem, just give us a call or complete our contact us form here. Remove all ashes from the firebox and remove the fireplace grate if you have one. Your chimney professional will sweep the flue and remove the soot and debris that is piled up around the fireplace damper. If your damper has significant rusting, this part may be difficult, and if the metal rod itself has rusted you will want to replace it and the corresponding nuts. - So, only open the damper enough for the fire to maintain itself with a moderate flame. Call Today For Damper Repairs & More. Damper controls are usually located near the top of the firebox. If the damper isn't open when you go to light a fire in the fireplace, the smoke won't be able to enter the flue and exit the chimney, so it will have no choice but to come back down into your home. Try pushing (gently!) As the name implies, rotary damper work on a rotating system, with long, screw-like rods that move the damper. The chimney damper is the last line of defense to keep water and critters out of your home. Low Estimate. An open damper can cause a draft within the chimney and heat loss from a home, and so a closed damper helps to keep in warm air during the winter, and cooler air during the summer Warm air from your home will not be lost up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. Average Cost Estimate.
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