Fireplace Damper Repair

Advanced Chimney Sweep resolves problems with damaged and inoperable fireplace and chimney dampers. Speedy resolution is crucial when a damper isn’t functioning properly.

Throat Dampers and Top-Mount Dampers

Traditionally, dampers have been placed just above fireboxes. These are “throat dampers.” Another style of damper gaining popularity is the top-mount damper, also known as the top-sealing damper.

Installed at the very top of the chimney and operated from inside the home, top-sealing dampers work just like throat dampers.

The primary job of both damper styles is to regulate airflow during a fire in the fireplace. When wide open, the damper allows in plenty of air, making it easier to get a wood fire started. Once the fire is burning well, the damper opening can be narrowed to slow down the burn.

When the fire is over, the damper should be closed, cutting off airflow between the home and outside and preventing the escape of conditioned interior air.

Damper Repair and Replacement

If your damper is rusted or otherwise inoperable, we can either repair or replace it. We service throat dampers and top-mount dampers. When considering a damper replacement project, we often recommend a top-sealing damper.

Benefits of a Top-Mount Damper

In addition to controlling airflow during and after a fire, top-mount dampers provide four unique benefits that are important to homeowners.

1. Blocks rain

When fully closed, a top-mount damper is an excellent barrier against rain. Allowing rainwater into the chimney flue can cause water damage and mold growth inside the chimney.

2. Blocks tree debris

Leaves and other tree debris can fall into a chimney flue and narrow the drafting passage. When this happens, drafting will be sluggish, and you could experience smoke and deadly carbon monoxide backups.

3. Blocks small animals

Small animals frequently use chimneys for nesting, and this activity can lead to a significant drafting obstruction. This issue, often results in unpleasant odors that can spread into living areas of your home.

4. Keeps the flue warmer

Numbers 1-3 above are benefits you can also get from a quality flue cover. Number 4 is a benefit that only a top-mount damper can bring you.

Cold air in the flue is a common cause of the smoke backup issues customers often experience when starting a fire. Light warm smoke has trouble rising through heavy, cold flue air. A top-mount damper completely seals off the top of the chimney and keeps cold air from moving into it.

Call Your South Carolina Chimney Experts

Advanced Chimney Sweep has been helping customers keep their chimneys in great shape for more than 20 years. If you’d like to learn more about damper repair and new damper installation or discuss any chimney issue, we’re ready to help.

We serve Greenville, Spartanburg, Greer, Traveler’s Rest, Mauldin, Duncan, Boiling Springs, and other South Carolina cities and towns in Greenville and Spartanburg counties.

Give us a call or reach out through our simple contact form.