Chimney Damper Repair

A chimney damper is a metal plate device that is located just above the fire and inside the flue of the fireplace chimney. The damper should be closed when the fireplace is not in use, because the damper helps keep out the drafts and the rain and keeps the heat from escaping out of the flue. But over the time the metal plates of the damper may be damaged by rust, heat, smoke, and flames that will come into contact with the damper.

If the chimney damper is damaged, the best thing to do is to simply replace it. To replace the damper should be a simple task. First thing you will want to do before doing anything is to clean the fireplace free of ashes and debris. This will allow you to have a safe working area. You will want to make sure that the ashes in the fireplace are cool before you place them in a garbage bag or trash can. Next you will need to remove the grate so you have complete access to the fireplace.

Next shine a flashlight up into the chimney and you should be able to locate the chimney damper about a foot above the fireplace. You should notice that connected to the damper is a metal rod, this allows you to open and close the damper. You will notice that the rod will be attached to the chimney wall with four nuts. You will need to remove the nuts with a wrench, and then the damper can be twisted off the rod and then removed from the chimney.

When purchasing a new chimney damper, it is very important that you get the exact same size of the old damper. This will ensure that it will fit properly into the chimney. The best way to make sure you get the correct size is to take the old damper with you to purchase a new one so you can use it as a reference.

When you have the new chimney damper, you should be able to replace it easily. Locate the rod that you previously removed the old damper from and reattach the new damper to the rod. The same location that you removed the four nuts, just simply tighten those four nuts to the new damper back onto the chimney wall. Test the new chimney damper and make sure that it seals snugly to prevent drafts and rain from entering your home.

Most people think that replacing a chimney damper is difficult, but it really is a simple task and it can be done quickly.