The damper is a vent that controls airflow in and out of the chimney. A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney. When you are using your fireplace, it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside. It also allows fresh air to come in to feed the fire. Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open.
Another way to find out if the damper is open is to do a visual check. If your chimney has a traditional damper, all you need to do is shine a flashlight up the chimney. If you can see the sky, it is open. You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out. A closed damper can restrict airflow and become a safety issue since smoke would fill your house. There are two main types of chimney dampers. A throat damper closes the base of your chimney and insulates your home from cold air.
The throat, or upper portion, of the firebrick that lines the back of your fireplace should have a slight angle to guide smoke up and out while reducing cold air intake and may slant towards the throat damper. Most dampers are constructed of cast iron or steel and will be black or rust-colored.
You can reach inside of the fireplace opening and behind the lintel to touch the damper. You should be able to open and close it with a knob this is usually located on the front face of the fireplace or rod located in the fireplace, above the firebox.
A top-mount damper seals the chimney cap. 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. There is a spring that keeps the top-mount damper open, and the controlling cable or handle is usually attached to the fireplace wall. 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.
How to tell if the damper is open or closed depends on the type of damper you have. Your house will quickly fill with smoke if you start a fire with a closed damper.
You should get into the habit of checking whether the damper is open or not before starting a fire for safety reasons. An open damper will let air circulate freely in the chimney flue. You should be able to feel cold air by moving your hand or face into the fireplace. Note: This is not a foolproof method if you have a top-mount damper.
Cold air stored in the chimney flue can give you the impression that the damper is open. A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. So, knowing how to control your damper will give you a huge degree of control over your flames that you may have overlooked until now. Fireplaces are constructed fairly simply.
The firebox, where the fire is actually burned, is located inside a room of the house, is surrounded by brick, marble, or is sometimes freestanding like a wood stove. The chimney houses the flue, which is the airway in which the smoke rises from the fireplace and exits through the roof.
Conversely, outside air can enter through the flue into the firebox. Thinking you might need a set of professional eyes on your chimney and fireplace this winter? Call or visit our website us to schedule an assessment so you can keep your home warm all winter long!
Understanding Your Fireplace Damper.
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