Is a chimney damper necessary?

And while older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without a damper (gas fireplaces cannot), a chimney without a damper is just a gaping hole in the roof of your house. It’s a gateway for frigid air to enter and for heated air to escape in the winter.

Do all chimneys need a cap?

YOUR CHIMNEY WITHOUT A CHIMNEY CAP They aren’t designed to go without chimney caps, but not everyone knows this. Because chimneys are always exposed, rain water, leaves, feathers, and all sorts of things can fall into them and build up or cause damage.

What is a chimney cap damper?

Top Sealing Chimney Dampers are used to seal your chimney flue from the outside. Top Mount Dampers prevent heated air loss through the chimney or down drafts when the chimney is not in use. Several sizes and styles available.

What is a chimney damper used for?

A chimney damper prevents conditioned (warmed or cooled) house air from escaping through the flue when you’re not using the fireplace. You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out.

How does a chimney top damper work?

Unlike the traditional throat damper, a chimney top damper is installed at the top of the chimney. To operate the top damper, a cable is installed down the flue to the firebox. Pulling and latching the cable closes the damper lid onto the rubber gasket. A damper closed this way is practically air tight.

What happens if no chimney cap?

Without a chimney cap in place, all manner of debris can build up in your chimney. With the risk of the flue becoming blocked, leading to smoke and carbon monoxide back drafting into the home. Or When you light your first fire of the season, that debris can go up in flames and wind up catching your house on fire.

Does a chimney cap Reduce draft?

Chimney caps with baffles can improve chimney draft no matter from what direction or speed the wind approaches the chimney. This type of chimney cap has a design that consistently creates a driving pressure at the top of the chimney to help pull the byproducts of combustion out of your chimney and home.

How do dampers work?

A shock absorber or damper is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and damp shock impulses. It does this by converting the kinetic energy of the shock into another form of energy (typically heat) which is then dissipated.

How do you seal a chimney cap?

For gaps located on chimney cap, seal the areas using bricks or clay blocks. This is applicable for chimneys made from clay or brick. Use refractory cement to secure them in place.

What is the purpose of a chimney damper?

The damper is a metal flap that sits on the inside of your chimney. The purpose of the damper is to open or close your chimney, depending on whether you’re using it or not. As you know, your fire needs air in order to burn properly. This is called a draft. When your damper is open, it allows the air in to create a strong fire.

Do I need a chimney damper?

A fireplace does not specifically need a damper to work, and having one isn’t necessary in order to have a fire in your home. It can sometimes be an advantage to have a damper installed within your fireplace or stove, but it isn’t essential.

What is a chimney cap in a fireplace?

A chimney cap is a covering for the top of your chimney, and it usually includes wire mesh. It makes a great deal of sense to install a chimney cap, when you look at the benefits.