We Install Chimney Cap Dampers & Damper Locks in San Diego
The chimney damper plays an incredibly important role in both the preservation of the chimney and the preservation of energy.
This is particularly true of top-sealing dampers, which are installed in most modern chimneys, as opposed to the throat dampers of old. With a throat damper, a metal plate is used to close off the flue down by the firebox, while a top-sealing damper uses a rubber gasket to completely seal the flue at the very top of your chimney.
Weststar Chimney Sweeps can install a beautiful chimney cap damper on the top of your flue, providing the protection and function of both a chimney cap and a top-sealing damper. You’ll effectively close off your flue when you don’t need to use it, which will save you energy and money, and get proper protection for your chimney system against rain and the damage that comes with water penetration.
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What Does a Chimney Damper Do?
Most dampers serve two main purposes:
- Sealing the Flue When Not in Use: When your fireplace isn’t in use, the damper will close off the flue, helping to keep conditioned air or heat from exiting your home through the chimney. This function is crucial for energy efficiency, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, while reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Allowing Proper Ventilation When in Use: When your fireplace is in use, the damper opens up to ensure smoke, fumes, and harmful gases safely exit your home. Without a properly opened damper, smoke and dangerous byproducts of combustion, such as carbon monoxide, can accumulate inside your home, posing serious health risks.
Now, top-sealing dampers (or cap dampers) serve an extra third purpose, which is why they’re so often recommended as a replacement:
3. Preventing Leaves, Animals & Debris From Entering: Working alongside the chimney cap, top cap dampers will help block out excess debris and critters, ensuring your chimney flue stays safe for use and free of any potential blockages or other issues.
The functional benefits of a chimney cap damper are many, but our cap dampers aren’t just functional – they’re beautiful! We regularly install a wide array of chimney cap dampers in different shapes, sizes, and finishes. Not sure what you want? Weststar Chimney Sweeps can help you choose a chimney damper that will provide all the protection and function you need, plus the look and style that you desire.
Damper Locks: They’re Not Just Practical, They’re Necessary
Yes, having a tight-sealing damper installed can add energy-efficiency and protection to your system…but that damper must be opened whenever a fire is going. If it’s not, depending on the fuel you’re using, you will have smoke pouring into your home – or worse, a silent and incredibly dangerous flow of carbon monoxide invading your living area.
Given how dangerous both situations are, and how common it is for user error to create a troubling (or deadly) circumstance in the home, California code takes the use of a chimney damper lock very seriously.
The California Uniform Building Code explicitly requires that the chimney damper in a system venting any kind of gas appliance be locked open during a fire, for the protection of the inhabitants of the home.
We comply with this code and create a safer gas-venting system by installing damper locks. If you have a gas appliance or vented gas logs in your fireplace, we can install a damper clamp that prevents poisonous gases from pouring back into the home. It’s a smart safety measure put into place to account for user error or forgetfulness – and is well worth the investment.
If you have a gas-burning fireplace or gas logs and you need a damper clamp installed in your system, give us a call – we’d love to help keep you safe and in compliance with California codes!
Book Your Next Inspection Today
Not sure where your chimney system stands? Whether you need a chimney cap, damper, or something else installed, we’re here to ensure you’re set up right. Give us a call or book online now to get started.
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