When you start a fire, the first step should always be to open the damper. This ensures that the smoke and dangerous gases that are produced by a wood-fueled fire can safely vent up the chimney and out of the home. But what if one day you try to open the damper and it breaks or won’t budge? That’s where the certified professionals at London Chimney Services come in. We have repaired and replaced chimney dampers for years and can help get your fireplace back in working order in no time!
Can I Use My Fireplace If My Damper Is Broken?
In most cases, the answer is no! If the damper is stuck in the closed position, using your fireplace would result in a room full of smoke and carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous. Your chimney damper should ALWAYS be open when burning a fire, no matter what! If your damper is stuck open, your chimney should still vent properly; however, when your fireplace is not in use, a damper in the open position will allow the conditioned air in your home to be sucked up the chimney and will also allow water to access your firebox. The bottom line is: if your chimney damper is broken, it needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible!
When Replacing A Chimney Damper, A Top-Sealing Damper Is The Way To Go!
If your chimney damper is damaged and you require a replacement, you may want to consider a top-sealing damper. These units perform several different functions simultaneously and can save you a lot of money in energy costs!
A top-sealing chimney damper functions as both a damper and a chimney cap. These units create an air-tight seal at the top of the chimney. This keeps water and debris out, while keeping your conditioned air in. Top-sealing dampers are top of the line when it comes to chimney damper functionality and feature a handle inside your firebox, which can be used to open and close your damper with ease. In the long run, these innovative units will save you money on heating and cooling bills simply by creating an air-tight seal.
Call Us Today!
If your chimney damper is broken, don’t hesitate — call London Chimney Services & Fireplace Shoppe today or click here to request an appointment. We’ll get your system back in working order in no time!
Don’t know what’s causing those water stains in your ceiling or walls? Let us troubleshoot for leaky chimney issues and make the necessary chimney repairs as soon as possible before more damage is done!