Chimneys Explained #16 - Chimney Dampers

Chimney dampers are designed to open when the fireplace is in use and closed when not in use. When it is open, the smoke can draft up the chimney and to the outside. When the chimney is not in use, we close the damper to prevent cold air from coming down the chimney.

[@jimnoyes9917]

Just converted fireplace from gas to wood and came across your videos to help me understand what I need to know regarding the ash door and general maintenance. I love these videos, feel like I just took a crash course in fireplaces. Thank you for putting these out for general consumption.

[@ashmanfreepress]

I love your fiery passion for chimney matters. Great video!

[@vincentanguoni8938]

I am building a fireplace which is why I'm here! Never thought about a roof damper...best place for it! By far...gonna make one! I forgot..Thanx!

[@katiehendrixson]

I can't believe this only has 13 likes. Thank you so much for posting this! I am getting quotes to get my chimneys lined, and this makes me think I should remove my rotary damper and just use a cap damper instead

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

You're very welcome!

[@richardprice5978]

as i understand you can use both the rotary and the cap damper at the same time point

[@alisterkelly4052]

I can conclude, this man hates dampeners

[@RonnieCarter38501]

He hates dampers, too.

[@wonderfluffyadventures5689]

You are an expert!!

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

You are awesome

[@marybiva4172]

The video should be called Damper Rant

[@ddyoder]

Does anyone know what a damper clamp does and why it's needed? Or I guess what risks/problems occur if you DONT have a damper clamp?

[@Kiddro22]

Yeah I thought about a cat damper. They say these fireplace door frames are energy efficient but you can still feel a slight draft even with the damper closed.

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

You may be feeling the coldness of the chimney that soaks through the brick and seeps inside the flue. If the cap damper is completely shut then you should not feel a cold downdraft.

[@Kiddro22]

@@AStepInTimeChimney No, I don't have a cat damper as of yet. Was just explaining what I'm experiencing now without one. I stuff a cutout of insulation around the damper to cut the draft when not in use. Will be looking into a cat damper this yr for sure. Thanks for replying.

[@marionsicard6479]

Your name, hat and advice are spectacular! Thank you! I have a question though. I’m a widow with a unlatched rotary damper. The screw/bolt is out of the damper and the wire is no longer attached to the wall knob. Can this be fixed or is a cap damper my only option? I’m learning but you sound like you know your stuff, and it’s hard to trust these days😔 Thank you in advance for any help you may offer🙏🏻

[@ahomeinpisgahontheroad4481]

Thank you!

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

You're welcome!

[@nolongerhuman13]

What if you have a chimney that shares the exhaust from the boiler? Essentially a double stack chimney that run into each other at the top. Would it be able to burp or open when the boiler was using it/hot water heater/whatever you have plugged into it that’s exhausting from the same hole in the house. Lol. I have a gas fireplace in this new house and the chimney stack is also where the boiler hot water exhaust goes into in the basement and comes out of the roof

[@douglaswmcgavin8509]

Thanks to bad I'm a steel stud framer because I'd work for a guy like you.

[@silosvince]

does a gas fireplace has as much creosote as a wood burning fireplace?

[@vincentanguoni8938]

Rotary damper! Yikes!!!

[@mhilyard1]

Any idea where I can get a 6 inch cap damper for my woodstove chimney? Preferably stainless steel. I've tried googling it and nothing comes up. Any good brands that make them?

[@goldslinger]

Without a damper, more heat goes out the chimney, too, so. . .

[@tonycash8544]

Those cord's burn out and are a total pain in the ass to replace.

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

There is a cord covering that many apply. It may be that the cord is wearing out when it is moved up and down over the damper frame. It may not be because it is burned out but may have been incorrectly installed without the metal tube to prevent this problem.

[@Kiddro22]

@@AStepInTimeChimney I reckon you do a vid on this. So is the fireplace damper eliminated when a cat damper is installed? Does it have to be eliminated?

[@luatala8008]

misleading title...should be called dont get damper unless its cat damper. wasted my time watching this.