Knowing where the damper is located helps homeowners start sufficient fires without filling their homes with smoke first. The top-mount damper seals the chimney cap, this closing the entire chimney flue. Here’s what you need to know about each; A throat damper closes the base of your chimney and insulates the home from cold air. The flap is located inside the chimney flue found inside the chimney. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. For the purpose of this article I shall describe how to install a universal damper. The first flue damper was patented by Mr. Diermayer in 1934 and then manufactured and marketed by Kutzner + Weber. The flue runs the chimney’s length and allows smoke and other exhaust gases from the fire below to exit the home. If the damper is open, you’ll feel a strong cold draft. Measure the diameter of the single wall flue pie above the stove and buy the relevant sized damper. | Tel 01484 846055, By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Care should be taken to thoroughly clean around the assembly when you're having the chimney swept. A top damper when closed, will also shed rain, and keep birds out of the flue. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'householdair_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',107,'0','0']));If the answer is yes, then the damper is likely to open. One important point that should be noted is that the damper provides an area for potential flue blockage so you should always move it from time to time to dislodge any built up soot. According to Ace Chimney Sweeps, when the damper is closed, it controls how much air is coming out of the chimney. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. All installations should have an approved carbon monoxide alarm installed but it is of larger importance with a damper as it slows the chimney draught which could lead to smokeblowing back down the chimney. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'householdair_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',105,'0','0']));There are two broad categories of fireplace dampers – throat dampers and top-mount dampers. Although the damper’s primary use is to allow smoke out of the chimney or keep cold drafts out, depending on the position (open or closed), it also helps control the fire’s intensity. If the damper is open, you’ll feel a strong cold draft. More information, From Manor House Fireplaces trading since 1982, DEFRA Approved Stoves and Smoke Control Zones Explained. You can even reach up and touch it to determine whether it’s open or closed. These measurements are correct for a. flue size and damper position updated sat 1 sep 07 : Paul Vernier on wed 29 aug 07 I have been reading the threads on chimney sizing and have a related question. How can you tell if a fireplace damper is open or closed? Flue dampers can typically rotate 360 degrees in either direction, and so you can put the damper in a completely closed position, completely open position, or anywhere in between. Your stove is now ready to use. For top-mount models, check for daylight at the top of the flue. It may also slant towards the throat damper. Read on to learn how to determine whether your damper is open or closed. Using an electric drill with a new sharp bit, drill a 7mm hole at the side in which you wish to have the damper handle and a 6mm hole at the opposing side. It depends on whether it’s a throat-mount or top-mount damper. Wrap a band of masking tape around the pipe 5" above the flue collar and using a pencil, mark a small cross on one side of the pipe. A by-pass damper is a moveable metal plate inside the stove, usually located at the top rear of the firebox near the flue collar. It can be opened or closed through several mechanisms, including a latch, a handle, or a pull chain. Put your head in and look up. Oxygen is crucial to burning fires. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'householdair_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',106,'0','0']));Since, as we’ve mentioned, flues can create a pathway for cold drafts to enter the home and animals/debris to enter the chimney flue, knowing whether the damper is open and closing it when you’re not heating is critical. Wood Stove Damper. If it's dark out or you're not sure, you can reach your hand up to feel for the flue. Holding the damper plate with one hand reach up inside the flue pipe whilst feeding the spline through the 7mm first with your other hand. Since, as we’ve mentioned, flues can create a pathway for cold drafts to enter the home and animals/debris to enter the chimney flue, knowing whether the damper is open and closing it when you’re not heating is critical. Gas fireplaces use the same metal flue system as wood-burning fireplaces. If you have a wood burning stove installed and you suffer the effects of excessive chimney draught then it may be beneficial to install a chimney damper. Finally, you can determine whether the damper is open or closed by checking the damper controls’ current position. When the flue is cold, it won’t conduct the smoke up and out of the home, causing it to flow back into the room. Buying A Stove With The Right Output For Your Room, Choosing Between A Wood Burner Or A Multi Fuel Stove, The Pros and Cons of Wood Burning, Multi Fuel, Gas and Electric Stoves and Fires. When the damper is closed, the chain is pulled in and placed on a hook. 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