Top-Mount Chimney Dampers
If you use a fireplace, you’re probably familiar with the damper, commonly called a “throat damper.” Chimney Dampers are plated devices that sit above the firebox and open and close as needed.
What you may not know is that there’s another style of damper that sits at the top of the chimney. It does the same job as a throat damper. But top-mount chimney dampers also perform other jobs that throat dampers can’t.
ChimneySweeps IncPro of Lakeside, CA, would like to tell you a little about top-mount chimney dampers and what they can do for your chimney.
The Function of a Damper
Fire needs air to burn and to draft. A fully open damper allows air to be pulled into the active firebox and send smoke and gases up and out of the chimney.
When the fireplace isn’t in use, a closed damper does several things:
Request this serviceA Top-Mount Damper Does More
Top-mount dampers also open to allow fires to burn efficiently and close to prevent air exchange. As to animals, these devices not only keep them out of your home, they also keep them out of the chimney in the first place.
There’s one more thing top dampers do that throat dampers can’t: they shield your chimney flue from damaging rainwater.
Operated from inside the home with a handle and chain, a top-sealing damper can prevent many types of damage and problems throughout a chimney system caused by incoming water:
A final benefit of a top-mount damper is that it helps keep cold air out of the flue. When outside temperatures drop and flue air becomes cold, it can cause warmer smoke to move more slowly through the chimney.
Request this service
The Value of a Chimney Inspection
If you’ve been using your chimney without a chimney cap, flue cover or top-sealing damper, now is a good time to let us find out if any damage has been caused. If we uncover a problem, our technicians are qualified and equipped to perform all repair work. We can also install any type of protective chimney top you prefer.
Request this service