Benefits of a Top-Sealing Damper

There are two words that should put a smile on every homeowner’s face, especially during this time of year: energy savings. Home heating costs are a real energy pig for the majority of homes. Surely everyone likes to save money whenever possible. Right? Chimney dampers, for many, are just the way to help with those high heating bills. The main purpose of a damper is to seal the chimney airtight when it’s not in use. Heat rises, and if the chimney isn’t sealed when the fireplace isn’t in use, all of the heat in the house goes up the chimney. Liken this to leaving your door open in the middle of winter. You wouldn’t do that, so why settle for a throat damper that doesn’t seal properly. Dampers are one part of your chimney that you shouldn’t leave to function inadequately.

What Does a Top-Sealing Damper Do?

A top-sealing damper is installed at the top of your chimney to seal the flue shut when the fireplace is not in use. They create an almost airtight seal at the top of your chimney and keep energy in your home. The top sealing chimney damper’s design is two-fold: it stops cold air from coming down the flue while at the same time prevents expensive conditioned air from going up. Top sealing dampers are usually installed in damper repair situations where the original damper is missing or beyond simple repair. The damper itself keeps critters and rain out very well when the fire is out and in the offseason. Top dampers also keep out most insects (flies, bees, mosquitoes, etc.).

What Is a Top-Sealing Damper’s Function?

These dampers are designed to make your fireplace more energy efficient by sealing the flue at the top rather than at the bottom. Sealing at the top keeps the cold air out and your warm air in and causes an automatic updraft in the flue when opened, meaning you won’t have to warm the flue first. Top sealing dampers are operated by a control mounted in the firebox and connected to the damper itself by a cable or chain. They are often an economical alternative to replacing a rusted out of warped throat damper.

Why Should I Consider Buying a Top-Sealing Damper?

Top sealing dampers help you save energy dollars, protect your chimney from damaging water and other elements, prevent animal infiltration, and provide year-round protection for your chimney. When closed, it serves as a chimney cap and the silicone gasket provides a more airtight seal than a metal-to-metal throat damper. These dampers are specifically designed for wood burning masonry fireplace flues and should not be used for other applications.

It is strongly recommended that you have your top-sealing damper installed by a certified chimney specialist. We’ve completed countless numbers of jobs like this during our combined 25 years of experience and are equipped to deal with any and all chimney-related issues. We thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to serve our local community and ensure the safety of our friends and neighbors, and we hope you’ll give us a chance to prove to you why we’re the best choice for all your chimney-related needs. If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We look forward to having you contact us to discuss your chimney and fireplace needs. Chimney Saver Solutions is ready to be of service.