Chimney top damper open or closed. flue, vent, or chimney) has two jobs: (1) Allow the combustion gases, heat, and smoke to escape, and (2) pull oxygen in through the intake damper. The damper must be fully opened before any fire is lit in the fireplace. A note on chimney caps: Chimney caps cover the flue opening at the top of the chimney and keep rain, animals, and tree debris out of the flue while reducing the effect of downdrafts. Sep 4, 2021 · Fireplace dampers are a necessary component to proper fireplace operation. May 10, 2020 · Remember, the damper opens and closes the chimney flue to create the draft that’s necessary for the smoke to be pulled up and out of the firebox. If you notice any of these issues, call Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney to schedule a chimney inspection! Chimney dampers are small fireplace components, but they play a pivotal role in fireplace May 21, 2021 · A chimney damper is a crucial fireplace component. The four main types are throat, top-sealing, cast iron, and butterfly dampers. Then, partially close the damper about one-third of the way. In addition to preventing animals and water from entering your chimney, a cap or cover can also reduce downdrafts and make your fireplace more efficient. Which Damper Is Best While throat dampers are standard in older homes, top-mount dampers are generally considered the superior choice for most fireplaces. Its primary purpose is to control the flow of air and smoke in and out of the chimney and fireplace. There will also be another lever (sometimes hidden just inside and under the top front of the firebox) that opens and closes the flue. A closed damper prevents the resulting mess. Signs of damper trouble include strange noises, smoke backing into the room, higher energy bills, and cold drafts when the damper is closed. Both types of dampers also feature rubber gaskets that form a tight seal between the chimney flue and the outside. The chimney’s simple yet efficient design uses a compact cylinder to maximise the amount of contact between the briquettes, while an open lower rack makes it easy to insert lighter cubes for fire starting. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. Controlling or Throttling the Damper After you open the damper and light the fireplace, wait a few minutes for the fire to build into a productive fire. If the damper is not functioning correctly or you are noticing an increase in energy bills, schedule a chimney inspection with a Certified Chimney Sweep. Wear and Tear: Prolonged exposure to fluctuating temperatures, poor maintenance, or rust from humidity can lead to damaged components. They vent hot air and smoke out of the top of the grill, which then pulls fresh air through the bottom grill vents. By understanding the types of dampers, when to open and close them, and how to maintain them, you can enjoy a warm, cozy fire without the worry of smoke or heat loss. Dampers help regulate the pressure within a pipeline or duct, and this can be manually adjusted to benefit your comfort. Professional Chimney Damper Repair in Upland, CA When it comes to chimney damper repair in Upland, CA, you can trust the experts at Chimcare. They create an airtight seal, provide superior protection, are easy to operate, and offer lower energy costs that a throat damper simply cannot match. k. These dampers are not the best for high snow fall areas Common Issues: Lyemance dampers are known for freezing shut. What is the best position for a fireplace damper? Feb 21, 2025 · A chimney damper is an essential component for managing airflow and smoke in your fireplace. Inspectors identify damper issues that, when corrected, can reduce heating/cooling costs by 5-15% for rooms adjacent to the fireplace. These dampers usually use a rubber or silicone gasket that creates an airtight seal when closed. Aug 12, 2014 · In this photo the grill is set between quarter open and full closed which is the area where most of my four hour cook occurred while trying to maintain 225 to 235°F. The air control determines the burn rate. What is the easiest way to light a charcoal barbecue? Ignite your fuel quickly and easily with the Rapidfire Chimney Starter. Damper-The damper closes the fireplace opening to exterior air infiltration and can be used to control the burning rate of the fireplace. So yes, you should keep your damper closed in the summer. A metal damper may be placed in the throat, extending the full width of the throat opening, or at the top of the chimney. Nov 22, 2023 · Problem: In freezing conditions, moisture can cause the damper to freeze shut or open. A properly functioning chimney damper is crucial for managing airflow, improving energy efficiency, and protecting your home from outside elements. Throat dampers close the chimney flue at the base, which keeps cold air that may gather in the chimney, from accessing the home. 'Top-sealing dampers are installed at the top of the chimney and can be closed when the fireplace is not in use, providing a tight seal and effectively blocking drafts when the fireplace is not in use. Feb 4, 2010 · Second, the handle could be disconnected or broken. A great upgrade for any homeowner is a top-sealing damper. Top Mount Chimney Dampers act as a chimney cap while also providing an energy-efficient way to seal off a drafty traditional fireplace. Mar 26, 2016 · The damper is a steel or cast-iron door that opens and closes the throat of the firebox into the flue. ” Everything you need to know about your fireplace damper, ensuring a warm and safe season. On the venting gas log set, the chimney inspector highlighted a few issues, one of which was the damper, saying: The top mounting damper is inoperable and locked in the open position, which allows for heat loss up the flue and can allow for animals and rain to enter the flue. If this occurs, it will be impossible to close the damper from within your home. Why Chimney Dampers Matter in Citrus Heights Homes Citrus Heights boasts a mild climate with warm summers and cooler winters, making fireplaces a desirable feature for homeowners. May 21, 2021 · A chimney damper is a crucial fireplace component. During active furnace operation, the chimney or vent damper should be open as designed. . The damper should be open when you have a fire going to allow the smoke and carbon monoxide to flow up the chimney and out of your living space. Aug 8, 2025 · As soon as guests start arriving, a whoosh of air sweeps down the chimney and blows ash and combustion particles all over the room. This modern solution acts as both a chimney cap and a damper, providing superior protection against outdoor elements while improving energy efficiency. How to Open or Close a Top Sealing Damper? The seal of a top-sealing damper is connected to a cable (made from stainless steel) that runs down your chimney and can be easily accessed from your firebox. Solution: Apply anti-freeze agents or install a top-sealing damper with a gasket seal to prevent freezing issues. Jun 5, 2017 · A stainless steel cable attaches the damper to a lever within the firebox that is used to open and close the damper, similar to the operation of a traditional throat damper. Location Fireplaces are constructed fairly simply. Jun 8, 2021 · How to operate a Top Mounted damper. throat damper should have an open area of approximately twice the area of the flue. Has a top damper that when I look at it on the roof when it's supposed to be 'closed' has about 2-3 inches of opening. Closing it too soon can cause lingering smoke and gases to be trapped in the house. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Sep 26, 2019 · 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 What Is The Definition Of A Fireplace Damper? Dictionary. If you start a fire when the damper is closed, you’ll realize the mistake quickly when the room fills up with smoke. You want a damper that shuts completely and opens completely, and your inspector will quickly determine if yours does. Next, close the damper, insert insulation into the flue and secure it. Dec 26, 2025 · Top-sealing dampers generally provide a much tighter, more energy-efficient seal than their throat-mounted counterparts. This helps prevent heat loss, keeps cold drafts out, and improves overall energy efficiency. Another benefit is that top-mounted dampers help protect the chimney itself. If your damper isn’t fully open, smoke has nowhere to go but inside. However, this type of damper can be adjusted to open or close via a control from inside your home. Jan 23, 2026 · Top Vents Think of the dampers on the lid like you would a chimney. Releasing the chain from the hook allows the damper to open. Often, a damper becomes difficult to operate or sticks in one position. It’s best to fully open the damper when using your fireplace or heating appliance to ensure proper ventilation and combustion, and then close it when not in use to prevent heat loss and drafts. A closed or partially closed damper can cause hazardous conditions, including fire hazards, carbon monoxide buildup, and inefficient burning. Need Professional Assistance? If you’re unsure about the condition of your chimney or need help ensuring your flue is functioning correctly, contact the experts at Best Chimney Services today. a. When the chimney is not in use, we close the damper to prevent cold air from coming down the chimney. In order to be a responsible fireplace owner, the first task you must do before enjoying a fire is checking to see if the fireplace damper is open or closed. The damper can be opened and closed through a few different mechanisms, including a latch, a pull chain, or a handle. 2 days ago · The damper controls how much air flows through your chimney. Jul 19, 2023 · Unlike the traditional throat damper, a chimney top damper is installed at the top of the chimney. Ways to block your chimney Install dampers at the top or throat of your chimney Dampers can be closed when you are not using your fireplace, to prevent air from moving in and out of your home. Its main purpose is to control the airflow and smoke coming from the fireplace, ensuring both If a fire occurs in your chimney which creates intense heat near the Lock-Top damper, the Chimney Fire Safety Device will keep the damper open to allow the smoke and combustion gases of the chimney fire to exit. A partially closed damper restricts the draft and traps smoke in the firebox, pushing it into your room. This is important because it ensures that the smoke and gases from the fire are vented from your home. Stuck Dampers: Over time, soot, creosote accumulation, or moisture can cause a chimney damper to become stuck, making it difficult to open or close properly. Today, we’ll dive into what you need to know about your top mount damper and how to operate it. DAMPER OPEN DAMPER CLOSED Fire prevention warning: Remember to have your fl ue checked annually for creosote buildup by your local CSIA certifi ed chimney sweep. A top-mounting damper/cap combo should be installed. Consider a fireplace insert. When you’re lighting a fire, it needs to be fully open, no exceptions. Feb 23, 2022 · A fireplace damper, or a top-sealing damper, also sits on top of your chimney. Feb 24, 2025 · HVAC Damper Open Or Closed In Summer/Winter In most homes, dampers going to the upstairs are open in the summer and closed in the winter. Is there a vent cover outside the house on that side of the fireplace? If so, that lever would be to open and close a small vent that allows for air exchange. A closed chimney damper limits outside air from entering the home when the fireplace is not in use. Energy saving note: Closing the damper when fi replace is not in use will prevent heated or air-conditioned air from escaping out the chimney. We suggest leaving the bottom dampers fully open and using the top lid damper to control the temperature. Aug 22, 2025 · Close Off Fireplaces with a Chimney Cap Damper A chimney cap damper seals a fireplace from the top. Aug 19, 2024 · If your damper isn’t functioning properly, consider chimney damper repair to ensure optimal energy efficiency. An open chimney damper allows the smoke from a fire to exit the home. That’s because an open damper in the summer allows hot air from outside to enter your home or building. Keep the damper fully open the whole time you’re using the fireplace and until the embers have completely burned out. Jan 23, 2025 · When a fire is lit, an open damper lets the smoke, soot and gases escape out the chimney. “If you have a top closing cap damper, they are more efficient than bottom closing dampers,” explains Blaken. A damper closed this way is practically air tight. Use a flashlight to look up the chimney and check that the damper’s open before starting a fire. The degree of openness also impacts the size of your flames and the intensity of heat in your fireplace. Proper use and maintenance of your damper will ensure your fireplace operates efficiently and safely. To operate the top damper, a cable is installed down the flue to the firebox. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed. A closed damper acts as a seal that keeps the exterior air out and the interior air in. If you start a fire with the damper closed, you will fill your home with smoke! Feb 19, 2018 · When the damper is closed, the chain is pulled in and placed on a hook to keep the damper closed. Jun 8, 2021 · Not really sure of the whole smoker vents open or closed situation? Well, no worries! Because we’ve explained everything you need to know on this issue. 2 days ago · Once your fire is established and burning well, you can partially close the damper to reduce heat loss, but never close it completely while a fire is burning. “Those would be the easiest, most temporary solutions. Jan 28, 2010 · Fireplace dampers are typically made of metal or ceramic so they can tolerate the heat of the fire without suffering damage. Please Note: We do not recommend using top-sealing dampers with gas fireplaces. Jan 30, 2026 · Before starting a fire, determine if the damper is open or closed. Pulling or releasing the chain opens or closes the damper. Get expert tips now! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Annual chimney check-ups and routine cleaning will prolong its useful life, increasing the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. If you experience snow and ice during the winter season, consider the Lock Top II Chimney Damper . The damper within your chimney plays a crucial role in regulating airflow, retaining indoor comfort, and protecting your home from outdoor elements. Doodlebuggers explains how to correctly use your chimney damper for better fireplace performance and safety. When the damper is closed, it prevents cold air from entering through the chimney. The top mount damper is an essential part of the chimney and could lead to dangerous or even deadly conditions if left closed during a fire. Most have a silicone rubber gasket that provides a tight leak-proof seal across the top of your chimney when the damper is closed. A closed or partially closed damper can restrict exhaust, cause dangerous backpressure, and raise carbon monoxide (CO) risk. Always check that it’s completely open before lighting a fire in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. They’re not just a chimney or exhaust for heat to escape, but instead a way for you to directly control the temperature in your grill. Chimney dampers are simple mechanisms, but they have a major impact on the function of your fireplace! Chimney dampers are often the first part of a fireplace and chimney system to fail. Jun 28, 2022 · Before lighting the fireplace, it is essential to open the damper all the way. Learn how to open your chimney damper and determine whether it's open or closed in this post from Priddy Chimney. One of the biggest advantages of a top-mounted damper is its superior seal. Install chimney balloons at the throat of your chimney Removable chimney balloons can be installed when you are not using your chimney. Nov 30, 2024 · Key Takeaways Chimney dampers regulate airflow between your fireplace and the outdoors. A closed damper is dangerous: it prevents combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, from escaping. Oct 10, 2023 · A fireplace flue damper is a small lever at the base of the chimney that opens so that smoke can escape through the top. Filling your living with smoke isn’t the best way to find out that the fireplace Aug 21, 2020 · The key lies in whether your vents (also called dampers) are set open or closed, and knowing when to set them. ” The exhaust damper (a. Additionally, we offer a variety of other Jun 8, 2021 · How to operate a Top Mounted damper. A closed damper will cause these gases and smoke to enter and fill the room when the fireplace is in use, which can be dangerous and have negative health In this helpful article, we cover how to properly use your chimney damper and when to call in a chimney sweep for help. Your fireplace damper should typically only be open when the fireplace is in use. Begin with a quick visual check by looking up into the throat of the chimney to see whether the metal plate sits flat or appears lifted. Dec 26, 2019 · Learn how to operate your fireplace damper for optimal safety and efficiency. Consider a chimney cover or cap. Sep 11, 2025 · The damper is closed. Close your damper after fireplace use and enjoy your party. Schedule an inspection, sweep or repair today! An open Damper in the summer time allow hot air from outside to come right down the chimney and into your home reducing your heating and cooling bills. Learn how to control airflow, prevent smoke buildup. 👍 Brian Lantz and 29 others 󰍸 30 󰤦 5 Last viewed on: Jul 28, 2025 A chimney damper is a metal device in or over the chimney that can be opened and closed. Most of our charcoal grills have two dampers - a top lid damper and the dampers on your bottom bowl. Please Note: Snow and ice can keep the Lock-Top Damper closed in the winter time. Lyemance Damper The Lyemance Damper is a top mount damper that works on a trap door gravity theory. ’ Why Is It Called A Fireplace Damper? The Oxford How to Open Your Chimney Damper 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. Top Sealing chimney dampers create a tight seal A chimney damper is a movable metal plate or valve located within the chimney flue. Speaking of heat loss, here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: an open damper on an unused fireplace acts like an open window, letting heated air escape straight up the chimney. This style of damper is very secure; some even come with a rubber seal. Pieces of debris or water in the firebox. It covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liner to the chimney edge. A top damper or cap damper is a metal spring door placed at the top of the chimney with a long metal chain that allows one to open and close the damper from the fireplace. Nov 30, 2023 · 'For the most efficient solution, investing in a top-sealing damper is recommended,' says John Jordan. Jul 19, 2023 · If a fire occurs in your chimney which creates intense heat near the Lock-Top damper, the Chimney Fire Safety Device will keep the damper open to allow the smoke and combustion gases of the chimney fire to exit. It will draw in oxygen so you can light a fire. Jan 10, 2025 · To cover the fireplace, start by cleaning the chimney thoroughly and covering up the rooftop chimney cap. Jun 22, 2023 · It’s important that the chimney damper is functioning year round. You should feel the chain spring up as the damper opens. Top mount chimney dampers are installed on top of the chimney and consist of a metal cap or gate that opens and closes. Chimney fire safety device locks the damper open in case of a chimney fire. But, more importantly, it will let the smoke and fumes, including poisonous carbon monoxide gas, vent up the flue and exit the chimney at the top of the stack. Fireplace dampers are typically installed at the bottom of the chimney, which is just above the firepit in the fireplace. Chimney Dampers The most common type of chimney damper solution is a Top Mount Damper for wood masonry fireplaces. Knowing how to operate your chimney damper can prevent common chimney issues. It is operated by a cable and handle as well but when opened instead of popping up it swings open down. Here’s everything you need to know about this essential piece to your fireplace so you can enjoy roaring fires all winter long—without the smoke! Aug 22, 2025 · Close Off Fireplaces with a Chimney Cap Damper A chimney cap damper seals a fireplace from the top. ” Jun 18, 2021 · How to Open and Close Your Chimney Damper A chimney damper is a manual mechanism that controls airflow and smoke through the chimney flue. A closed damper will prevent twigs, leaves, rainwater, small animals, hot air from coming into your home. Damper handle assemblies are generally simple to operate. 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. The surface is flat and will collect snow or rain and in freezing If you have a top-sealing damper, you probably have a control cable or lever on the side of the fireplace wall. Oct 31, 2021 · Higher energy bills than usual and your home feeling drafty even when the damper is in the closed position. Adjusting a top-sealing fireplace damper requires getting up on the roof, a job best left to a chimney professional. To open it, take the chain off the hook and let it go. If a chimney becomes damaged, it can be stuck open or closed! What is a Top Sealing Damper? A top sealing damper, also known as a top mount damper, is an essential chimney component that sits at the top of the flue instead of inside the chimney throat. The first thing to say is that this is strictly for charcoal grills. Throat Dampers A fireplace throat damper plays a vital role in the chimney system, situated just above the firebox and below the smoke chamber. The firebox, where the fire is actually burned, is located inside a room of the house, is surrounded Nov 7, 2024 · The damper is typically a lever or dial located on the stove’s flue or chimney connection. In Upland’s unique climate, where dry and sunny days are balanced by occasional cool, damp evenings May 29, 2025 · Make sure the flue liner diameter and chimney height are correct for your fireplace. When it is open, the smoke can draft up the chimney and to the outside. If the fire is hot and the chimney is hot, with sufficient draw , would you ever burn with the upper damper in the 'closed' position (still has a small gap). 👍 Brian Lantz and 29 others 󰍸 30 󰤦 5 Last viewed on: Jul 28, 2025 Types of Fireplace Dampers Throat Fireplace Damper Fireplace Top-Mounted Damper Chimney Caps with Damper Cast-Iron Fireplace Damper Fireplace Rotary Damper 1. Oct 1, 2010 · If cold air still comes out of your chimney even when the damper is closed, it's time for a replacement. Pulling and latching the cable closes the damper lid onto the rubber gasket. 1 day ago · Even when closed, they can let a significant amount of heated air escape up the chimney, making your home less energy efficient. Using your Fireplace or Stove Damper D uring a Fire When a fire is going, the damper will be instrumental in controlling the flames and heat. Dampers come in various types, including traditional throat dampers located just above the firebox and top-sealing dampers situated at the chimney’s top. If the damper can be opened using other means, then the broken handle is the problem. The damper should be easy to open and close. Discover tips on when to open or close the damper. This seals off the flue when it's not in use and springs open when you want to use the fireplace. Lindemann Chimney sells several kinds of dampers. The firebox, where the fire is actually burned, is located inside a room of the house, is surrounded If a fire occurs in your chimney which creates intense heat near the Lock-Top damper, the Chimney Fire Safety Device will keep the damper open to allow the smoke and combustion gases of the chimney fire to exit. 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 Whether your chimney has a common throat damper or a top-mounted damper, they must be closed when not fire-burning to prevent various issues. Missing chimney cap: Beyond water and animal intrusion prevention, a cap with a solid base (top-sealing damper) eliminates air exchange through the flue entirely when closed. Many homeowners find it simpler to operate. You can control how much air flows up through the chimney flue depending on how open the flue is. The masonry chimney cap (also referred to as the masonry crown, wash, or splay) is the top element of a masonry chimney. Although top-sealing fireplace dampers tend to be relatively trouble-free, sometimes the cables need to be replaced or adjusted, or debris interferes with the moving parts. Damper inspection Annual fireplace and chimney inspections from a skilled service technician will include an examination of your throat or top-mount damper. If you are installing vented gas logs in a masonry or prefabricated wood burning fireplace, you should remove or affix the damper open and not use any top-sealing damper system of any kind. It controls the opening and closing of the flue, which directly impacts the draft and air flow. They allow you to control the flow of air into the firebox, which determines how much heat is actually able to get out your chimney flue and up into your home. Oct 20, 2022 · When your fireplace and chimney are not in use in summer, having a closed damper can keep your house cool. This device is installed at the very top of the chimney and is operated by a cable in the fireplace. com defines a fireplace damper as: ‘a movable plate for regulating the draft in a stove, furnace, etc. By closing the dampers to the upstairs in the winter, it allows for the heat to rise naturally after first being introduced into the lower levels of the home. Install a top-mount chimney damper to help keep standing flue air warmer, which enhances the draft. dnzhcx hytt psac ubgvs uqn xujix vcgc ucdem jbzjzs cykk