Advantages of Top-Sealing Dampers
Like an appliance, your chimney requires maintenance and repair as heat, weather, and time take their toll. One of the first elements to give out in a chimney is often the chimney damper. Since most chimney dampers are metal on metal, they don’t form a particularly tight seal to begin with. When they’re hit with heat from your fireplace and moisture from smoke and the outside environment, they’ll begin to rust and warp. A warped chimney damper might be difficult to open or close. It can also fail to form a complete barrier when closed.
When your chimney damper stops operating properly, it’s time for a replacement. Most chimneys are installed with damper located in the throat. However, these dampers are usually replaced with top-sealing chimney dampers. They are placed atop the chimney crown. Afterwards, they are attached to cables. These cables run down the chimney to a handle or lever that allows you to open and close the damper.
Benefits of a top-sealing damper.
When replacing a chimney damper, top-sealing dampers offer a convenient option. This is because their exterior location makes them easier to fit than a replacement throat damper. Convenience, however, isn’t the only reason to choose a top-sealing damper. This type of damper is fitted with a rubber gasket that forms a tight seal when the damper is closed. That means your new damper will do a more complete job of protecting your chimney from the elements. With a top-sealing damper, water and cold air can’t enter through your chimney when the damper is closed. In addition, warm air from your home can’t rise out and exit through the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use.
Top-sealing dampers also keep animals, birds, and debris out of your chimney. Many top-sealing dampers attach to their bases with collapsible metal caging. This means even when the damper is open, birds, bats, animals and leaves can’t enter your chimney. When it comes to keeping moisture, animals, birds and debris out of your chimney, nothing works better than a top-sealing chimney damper!
Need a new damper? Call Your Chimney Sweep!
Is your existing chimney damper failing, stuck in place, or letting a draft in? If so, call Your Chimney Sweep to ask about having a top-sealing damper installed! Your Chimney Sweep installs top-of-the-line top-sealing dampers that will restore your chimney’s function. Plus, it protects your chimney from animals and the elements and last for years to come. Our chimney technicians will evaluate your existing chimney and find the right top-sealing damper to fit your flue. We’ll even install it the right way! Call now to schedule an appointment and have your new top-sealing damper ready in time for the burning season!