Igniting a fireplace with a closed damper is as dangerous as starting a car in a sealed garage. Doing so traps smoke and toxic carbon monoxide in your home—posing serious, even lethal, risks.
Originally invented in the 1920s as a means for controlling combustion to improve safety and efficiency, the metal or cast-iron damper is a standard component of masonry fireplaces. However, it is not the only type. What type of damper is best for your fireplace in New Jersey? In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each.
Originally invented in the 1920s as a means for controlling combustion to improve safety and efficiency, the metal or cast-iron damper is a standard component of masonry fireplaces. However, it is not the only type. What type of damper is best for your fireplace in New Jersey? In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each.
What Is the Purpose of a Fireplace Damper?
A damper is your fireplace’s door to the outside world. When the fireplace is in use, opening the damper allows smoke and combustion gases to rise efficiently through the flue and exit the house at the top of the stack. When the fire burns out, closing the damper prevents the colder outside air from mixing with the warmer indoor air, keeping your living space more comfortable.Types of Dampers
There are two categories of dampers: throat and top-mount, each with its own set of pros and cons.Throat Damper
This is the traditional damper found in masonry chimneys. It is installed in the chimney’s throat, just above the firebox. Pros:- Durability: Made of heavy-duty cast iron, they can last for decades with proper maintenance and regular cleaning.
- Accessibility: Throat damper controls are simple to operate using a handle, lever, or rotary knob.
- Gasket Failures: The rubber gasket that forms an airtight seal when the damper is shut is prone to warping due to moisture and its proximity to the intense heat of the burning logs and the acidic combustion gases. Damper gasket failure is a common cause of air leaks that lead to a drafty fireplace, reducing energy efficiency.
- Rusts: Water leaks, condensation, and the acidic combustion gases can cause the iron or metal damper to rust, making it difficult to operate.
- Warping: High heat can cause the metal to warp, creating gaps that allow drafts even when the damper is shut.
Top Mount Damper
Also known as a “top-sealing” damper, this model is installed at the very top of the chimney flue and operated by a cable or pull chain mounted to a bracket inside the fireplace. Pros:- Superior Energy-Efficiency: Most use a rubber gasket that seals like a Tupperware lid, drastically reducing energy bills.
- Enhanced Flue Protection: Installed at the top of the stack, it seals the entire flue from moisture and animal intrusion, keeping the chimney cleaner and drier.
- Chimney Cap Included: It also includes a stainless-steel chimney cap, keeping precipitation, wind, and pests (like squirrels or birds) out of the flue while allowing smoke and fumes to vent.
- Longevity: Installed further away from the fire, a top-mount damper is less prone to rusting, resulting in a longer lifespan than a conventional throat damper.
- Initial Cost: There is an upfront cost of the damper and installation.
- Maintenance: Servicing the damper requires access to the roof.
