Are you having trouble with your chimney dampers? It can be one of the most annoying and costly problems you may encounter. Unfortunately it is usually best to call a chimney cleaning company to come out and visually inspect your chimney for problems and repair any ones that become apparent. But before calling, here are some questions to ask yourself and your trusted chimney cleaning expert. What are chimney dampers?

what is a chimney damper

A chimney damper is usually an aluminum or steel damper placed below the top of your chimney. An open Chimney damper lets the smoke from a fired fire from escaping the house. It also prevents drafty air from entering the house from the chimney. If your chimney flue damper becomes clogged with condensation, the resulting water inside the chimney can cause smoke to float up into the house and outside the fireplace.

how chimney dampers work

There are a few things to know about chimney dampers and how they work. The damper and flue seal must be sealed tightly at all times. Otherwise, the risk of dangerous gasses being blown out into your living space while you are burning a woodfire, and risking fire damage to your roof or walls, is greatly increased. In addition, chimney dampers help regulate the temperature of the heated air that comes up through your chimney flue. The amount of heat that should be used in your fireplace will depend on the size of your fireplace opening and the size of your chimney dampers.

chimney maintenance

You should regularly maintain your chimney dampers to ensure that your home has proper damper protection. Proper maintenance and cleaning can prevent serious damage from occurring and prevent serious harm to your family. A cracked flue seal can allow smoke and other harmful chemicals to enter your home and the structure of your home if left unchecked. These cracks can also allow levels of smoke to reach into your attic, creating a dangerous situation for your entire family if you have an attic smoke problem.

chimney damper safety

To start, you should make sure that the chimney dampers, as well as the chimney flue are clear of debris and ash. This can prevent dangerous levels of carbon monoxide from reaching your home and burning. The chimney dampers should also be inspected at least once a year to ensure that they are in good operating condition. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, you should replace them right away. Cleaning and maintaining your chimney dampers will also keep you and your family safe from harmful levels of smoke and other dangerous gasses that can build up if your chimney flue damper fails to work properly.

damaged chimney flue

If you find that your chimney flue is cracked, bent, or damaged in any way, you should consider replacing the chimney dampers and the chimney flue seal. To remove the existing dampers, you should first pull off the existing chimney flue seal and then pry off the retaining clips that hold it in place on top of the dampers. Once you have these things removed, you should insert a piece of stainless steel rod inside the flue opening to turn it slightly. You should also move the remaining clips until you have a secure opening on top of the dampers.