Chimney Damper Repair & Installation: We’re the Indianapolis Area’s Trusted Team

What Is a Chimney Damper?

A damper is a seal or plate located in your chimney flue that serves as a door to the outside, controlling the amount of air that enters and leaves the chimney system.

Traditionally, unwanted drafts were the main problems experienced by chimneys. Oxygen is required for effective burning of a fire and the flue permitted air to enter from outside, fueling the fire. However, when a fire was not in use, the draft blew soot, ash, and cold downdrafts into the home. The damper was invented to prevent this problem by blocking the flow of air when the fire is not in use.

With the modern versions of stoves and fireplaces, there are more reasons to have a damper. When used in conjunction with an HVAC system that provides home heating and cooling, certain types of dampers prevent warm summer air from entering the home and cool air from escaping – and it does the opposite during winter, keeping warm air inside and preventing cool air from entering. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should be closed to prevent wasted energy but opened to provide oxygen when the fireplace or wood stove is being used. 

Are There Different Types of Chimney Dampers?

The two most common kinds of dampers for a chimney system are the throat damper and the top mount damper:

• Throat Damper: A throat damper is a steel, stainless steel, or cast iron plate that rests on tracks right above a fireplace opening. These are more common in older masonry chimneys, but a prefab fireplace may also feature steel versions – and they’re typically more efficient than the ones found in a masonry fireplace. A handle is used to operate a throat damper, moving the component along the tracks, as needed.
• Top Mount Damper: In cases where a damaged throat damper cannot be repaired, a top mount damper might be a good replacement option. This style of damper rests on the top of the flue near where the cap is typically positioned, and opens with a stainless steel cable from inside the firebox. Some experts recommend top dampers over throat dampers because the first type provides a tighter seal and offer quality protection right from the chimney top.