Kansas City Fireplace Damper Repair: Call Sleep Easy To Help With Your Drafty Fireplace
Tired of feeling cool air coming in through the fireplace in the winter? Or losing A/C through your flue in the summer? Not only are scenarios like this uncomfortable, they can cause an increase in your utility bills as your HVAC system fights to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Fortunately, some fireplace damper repair or replacement services can help.
What Is a Chimney Damper & What Does It Do?
A chimney or fireplace damper is a flat metal plate that traditionally sits right above the firebox, although newer models sit near the top of the flue. With a simple pull of a chain or lever, you can open or close it to control the airflow through the chimney. That way, smoke can effectively escape when fires are lit, but you aren’t left with an open flue once the flames are out.
There are two types of fireplace dampers you’ll most commonly come across:
- Throat dampers are located just above the firebox at the base of the chimney. They’re typically made of cast iron or steel, and while effective, they can warp or corrode over time due to constant exposure to heat and moisture.
- Top-sealing dampers are mounted at the top of the chimney, sealing the flue off from above. Top-sealing dampers seal tightly, help keep out animals and debris, and are often a smart upgrade for older systems with deteriorating throat dampers.
Regardless of the type you own, the damper is responsible for opening up the flue when you’re ready to light a fire and for closing off the flue when the fire has died down. But like any mechanical part, dampers can break, rust, or fail. That’s when you turn to us.
Is a Top-Sealing Damper Better Than a Throat Damper?
We typically recommend investing in a top-sealing damper over a throat damper. Traditional throat dampers got their name because they are installed down in the throat of the chimney, just above the firebox. The problem with throat dampers is that they tend to take a beating from the heat and byproducts of the fire, and they don’t provide as reliable of a seal.
To prevent future damper problems and to further eliminate downdrafts and conditioned air loss, you need a damper that’s out of the direct line of fire and that provides an airtight seal when closed. That’s where top-sealing or top-mounted dampers come in.
Top-sealing dampers aren’t installed in the throat of the system, but instead are mounted up at the top of the chimney flue. Because of their placement, they can work alongside the chimney cap to keep out water, birds, debris, and other critters, in addition to helping maintain indoor air temperature. Top-sealing dampers also feature a rubber gasket that works to completely seal the chimney, which is something that even a new throat damper can’t promise.
Should I Repair My Damper or Replace My Damper?
If you have a fireplace that isn’t drafting properly, the good news is the solution to your problem may be as simple as having your fireplace damper repaired or replaced. Your damper may be stuck open, broken, or may just provide a poor seal…but we can help.
The best way to know whether a simple repair will do or if you need a full damper replacement is to book an inspection with our crew. We can take a look and see where you stand.
The good news is that, if there’s a simple fix that can be done, we carry many common damper replacement parts on our trucks. We’ll carefully inspect the damper and let you know what we recommend. Sometimes repairs are as easy as inserting a missing hinge pin!
That said, while repairs are sometimes a five-minute fix, making repairs to a throat damper isn’t always the best option. If your current damper is old and ineffective, it might be time to consider a top-sealing damper upgrade. Most homeowners find that these dampers pay for themselves in energy savings in just a couple of years!
Not sure the best move forward? Reach out, and we’d be happy to offer some advice. Our experts are happy to keep your best interests – and budget – at heart.
For Your New Fireplace Damper, Call On Sleep Easy
Is it time to have your damper repaired or replaced? The team here at Sleep Easy has been meeting the damper repair and replacement needs of the greater Kansas City area for decades, and we’re confident we can help you enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.
Call today and let our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney sweeps take care of you – we’re here to help. You can also request an appointment online.
On top of internal fireplace and chimney repairs, we can make your fireplace look great, too, with our refacing services.