Homeowners will often use weather stripping to stop common air leaks, such as those that occur around windows and doors. But they often forget about the fireplace and the potential it has for sending large volumes of warm air up the chimney. While a fireplace throat damper (cast-iron frame and door located at the top of the firebox) will slow the leakage, it does not provide a tight seal. Glass fireplace doors will help, too, but the best seal for a fireplace flue is a top-sealing chimney damper, also known as an airtight chimney cap.
These devices are installed at the top of the chimney and typically are spring-loaded to ensure a tight seal. To open the lid, a stainless steel cable must be released. The cable runs from the damper at the top of the chimney to the fire box and may need to be replaced after several years depending upon how often you use your fireplace. If a cable fails or if there is a chimney fire, the damper lid will remain in an open position.
Chimney caps offer several other benefits. They seal out rain, preserving your masonry flue and preventing leaks. They also stop downdrafts and prevent entry by pests, such as nesting squirrels and birds.
Interested in covering your chimney and having better control over your home environment? Our certified technicians at Dr. Energy Saver can offer this service along with our other energy efficiency products. Call your local contractor or click below to find the Dr. Energy Saver dealer near you!
Dr. Energy Saver offer two types of dampers, one with a pop-up lid called the LockTop™ chimney cap and one with a pivoting lid. The former is constructed of stainless and cast aluminum and is available with a chimney cap and mesh animal guard. The latter is all aluminum, is available for square or round flues. Both have silicon rubber seals and work equally well, but the pivoting damper design has a lower profile and is less visible from the ground.
Top-sealing chimney dampers are also ideal for situations where a wood stove or wood stove insert has been installed inside a fireplace. In such cases, a round stainless steel flue will have been threaded through the fireplace throat damper, leaving a sizeable gap around its perimeter. Non-flammable insulation may be used to stop conditioned air from escaping, but a top-sealing damper offers a better seal.
Investing in energy-saving solutions is never a bad idea. Installing a chimney cap is one way to ensure a more comfortable home for you and your family. Schedule an audit with your local Dr. Energy Saver dealer today!
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