How to Repair a Damper Inside a Fireplace?
If your fireplace damper isn’t working properly, you may need to fix it. The damper is a heavy metal door that is placed between your chimney and firebox. It is used to keep out animals, water, and debris. You may be surprised to learn that it is actually quite easy to replace or repair.
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To do a simple damper replacement, you will need to remove the grate. Once you’ve removed the grate, you’ll be able to see your fireplace. Take note of the location and size of the damper. This will allow you to easily compare measurements with the new damper.
There are two main types of fireplace dampers. One uses a hinge instead of a pop-up design. These are the least likely to malfunction.
A traditional damper has a rotary style screw that opens and closes the device. These are often located in the center of the unit. They are usually accompanied by a metal handle.
A top-sealing damper has steel cables that seal the chimney from rain, snow, and animals. Their benefits include improving efficiency and reducing cooling loss.
One of the best ways to find out if your damper is working is to test it. For example, placing a piece of rolled up newspaper near the inside of your stove will draw smoke up the chimney. However, you should wait until the room cools before closing the damper. Leaving the damper in the open position can cause problems.
For a more complicated damper replacement, you can take it to a professional. This can save you a lot of time and hassle. Also, they can help you choose the correct damper for your fireplace.
In all cases, you should be wearing safety glasses and gloves, as well as keeping pets at a distance. This will prevent accidents and injuries.
As with any home improvement project, be sure to wear a respirator if you’re working above the ceiling. Another important step is to use penetrating oil on the damper’s cotter pin and hinges. Be careful, though, because you don’t want to mess with the moving parts of the damper!
Finally, you should also clean your fireplace and damper. While you’re cleaning the damper, make sure you remove any creosote and other debris. Don’t forget to check the plate for corrosion.
In the end, repairing a damper isn’t all that difficult. Just be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions. And remember, you can even purchase a new opener to get yours back in working order.
The above is just a quick overview of some of the more useful fireplace items. If you don’t have time to perform any repairs yourself, it’s a good idea to invest in a chimney sweep. An annual inspection will ensure that your fireplace is in good working order. Having a professionally performed chimney sweep is a great way to ensure your fireplace and chimney are in tip-top shape for years to come.
Lastly, be sure to test the new damper with a lighted match. By doing this, you’ll be able to see for yourself how effectively it opens and closes the device.