Chimney Damper Repair

in Portland OR and Vancouver WA areas

Your chimney damper is one of the hardest-working components of your chimney and fireplace assembly. It acts as a doorway allowing the flow of smoke and air in and out, regulating energy usage, preventing cold drafts, and ultimately improving the overall efficiency of your house. But did you know that, as you use your fireplace over the years, heat and burnt particles like ash and creosote build up and cause the chimney damper to stick and warp? When it happens, you need chimney damper repairs.

Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters offers chimney damper repairs and cleaning in Portland OR, Vancouver WA, and the surrounding area. Call us today if you have questions about your chimney damper or want to schedule a repair or replacement service appointment.

Common Types of Dampers in Fireplaces

The type of repair required for your fireplace damper will depend on what kind you have. At Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters, we have experience repairing, cleaning, and replacing all of the common types of chimney dampers you’ll find in homes in the Pacific Northwest, including:

• Throat Dampers: Installed just above the firebox, throat dampers typically consist of a metal plate that pivots on a hinge and you control with a handle or lever. Throat dampers are the most common type of chimney damper and are inexpensive and easy to use. The one drawback is that they can be prone to rusting, which makes replacement necessary.
• Top-Sealing Dampers: Mounted at the top of the chimney, top-sealing dampers are spring-activated and controlled by a cable that extends down to the firebox. With a silicone rubber gasket that makes the seal airtight, these chimney dampers offer excellent energy efficiency, weather protection, and prevent pests from entering. However, they’re also more expensive and difficult to install.
• Tubular Dampers: Located inside the flue, tubular dampers are cylindrical and operate with a butterfly valve mechanism controlled by a handle. These work well with prefabricated chimneys, but they’re not suitable for all chimney types.
• Lock-Top Dampers: Similar to top-sealing dampers, lock-top dampers also have an extra locking mechanism for enhanced security and weatherproofing. However, installation can be more complex, and they cost slightly more.

Fireplace Damper Cleaning

Regularly scheduled chimney damper cleaning should be an essential part of your routine fireplace maintenance. Allowing soot and creosote to build up on the surface of the damper will cause it to seize up entirely eventually. It is also a fire hazard and can create the start of a devastating chimney blaze.

When you call Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters for fireplace damper cleaning service, we will thoroughly inspect the operation of your damper and clean any creosote and debris for free movement and activity.

Fireplace Damper Upgrades

If your chimney or fireplace damper needs serious repairs and it’s time for a replacement, consider making a much-needed upgrade to your home. Modern chimney dampers work a lot better than older models and standard parts that come with your fireplace. They help you maximize heat retention and make exhaust capabilities much more efficient.

Don’t think of a broken chimney damper as bad news – view it as a golden opportunity for a state-of-the-art fireplace damper upgrade.

Signs You Should Clean, Repair, or Replace Your Chimney Damper

When should you replace the damper in your fireplace? As soon as it becomes difficult to operate or impairs your home’s heating and cooling efficiency, consider having it cleaned, replaced, or repaired.

Watch out for these signs that it’s time to repair or replace your fireplace damper:

• Operational problems (stiffness, sticking, unusual noises, visible rust)
• Smoke backs up into your room when the fire is burning
• Poor fire performance or difficulty maintaining flames
• Cold drafts coming from the fireplace when not in use
• Higher than normal heating bills
• Water stains or dampness near the fireplace
• Debris or animal evidence in your firebox
• Musty or unpleasant smells coming from the fireplace

How to Test Your Chimney Damper

Here’s a simple test to determine if your chimney damper is working. Light a small piece of paper, hold it near the damper opening while it’s “closed,” and watch the smoke. If the smoke is pulled up the chimney rather than coming into the room, your damper isn’t sealing properly, and you should have your chimney inspected by a professional.

Regular annual inspections are recommended to catch damper issues before they lead to more serious problems.

What Causes Chimney Damper Failure?

An ineffective fireplace damper will make it difficult or impossible to start and maintain a fire in your firebox, or cause a backup of smoke throughout the entire home. Either way, it’s bad news.

Chimney damper failure is often the result of a build-up of creosote, ash, and burnt particulates that can cause the damper operation to stick, but those aren’t the only possibilities. Other possible causes include:

• Moisture damage (rust, corrosion, warping)
• Residue accumulation (creosote buildup, debris interference)
• Mechanical issues (seized pivots, broken controls, lack of lubrication)
• Structural factors (improper installation, settling, alignment problems)
• Environmental damage (extreme heat cycles, coastal salt air)
• Age-related deterioration

Call Us for Chimney Damper Repairs, Replacements, and Upgrades in Portland and Vancouver

Don’t let a failing damper raise your energy bills or create smoke hazards. From rust and moisture damage to creosote buildup, damper problems require prompt attention from qualified experts.

Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters provides complete damper repairs, cleaning, and upgrades throughout Portland OR, Vancouver WA, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to restore your fireplace’s efficiency and your home’s comfort!

Back to Chimney Repair