Top mount dampers
Top dampers close the chimney at the top, not the throat for a much tighter seal.
Chimney Parts
Chimney Damper Repair Northbrook, IL
A chimney sweep in Northbrook can repair a damper that is stuck, rusted, warped or no longer seals so the fireplace drafts properly and stops leaking heated air. Call (224) 458-2675 to reach a local chimney sweep.
A chimney damper opens to let smoke out and closes to keep heated air from escaping up the chimney. In most masonry fireplaces it is a cast iron throat damper just above the firebox, worked by a handle, lever, rotary knob or poker. Heat, soot and water from the flue all take a toll on it.
A stuck shut damper means smoke and gases spill into the room instead of rising up the flue. If it happens with a fire going, open windows, get people out of the smoky room and call 911 if anyone feels sick or smoke keeps building. A damper should stay open until the ashes are cold.
A damper that will not close lets warm air out all winter and cooled air out all summer. Even when they close, many old throat dampers leave gaps along the edges. That is why many homeowners replace a failed throat damper with a top sealing damper.
Chimney Damper Repair is often paired with chimney cap installation and fireplace repair, depending on the cause.
Dealing with this in Northbrook, IL right now? Call (224) 458-2675 to talk to a local chimney sweep.
Call nowThe process
The damper repair process
A damper repair starts with figuring out why it is not working.
Check the damper
The sweep looks at the plate, the frame, the handle and the linkage. The smoke shelf and smoke chamber get a look as well.
Clean the area
The damper frame and plate are cleaned so they can move freely. A cleaning is sometimes all it takes.
Fix the linkage
Broken handles, pins, springs or chains are repaired or replaced. Parts for some older dampers are no longer made.
Install a new damper
When repair is not practical, a new damper goes in. The sweep explains the options before any replacement.
Test the operation
The sweep tests the damper and checks the draft. You will learn how to operate any new control.
What is included
Types of damper work
New dampers
Rusted out or warped dampers are swapped for new ones with the right control for your fireplace.
Damper stops
Vented gas log fireplaces need a damper stop which is a safety requirement.
Cast iron damper repair
Throat dampers that stick or leak are repaired with worn parts replaced.
Handle repair
Broken handles, levers, rotary controls and pins are fixed for smooth operation.
Related service
Chimney Damper Replacement Northbrook, IL
Replacement makes sense when a damper can no longer open, close or seal properly. Replacing a throat damper in place can be difficult, depending on how the fireplace was built. Many homeowners choose a top sealing damper instead, since it mounts at the top and seals better.
If you are in Northbrook, call (224) 458-2675 and describe what the damper does or does not do. Gas logs and wood fires need different damper setups, so tell the sweep which one you have. The sweep will explain the options and what fits your fireplace.
Related service
Top Sealing Damper Northbrook, IL
Top sealing dampers sit on the top of the flue and close with a tight rubber or silicone gasket. It is opened and closed with a stainless cable that runs down the flue to a handle in the firebox. Many models also act as a chimney cap, keeping out rain and animals.
Sealing the top stops cold air from filling the chimney, which keeps the fireplace area warmer. It reduces water and debris getting in. In very cold weather, the gasket should be checked to make sure it has not frozen to the frame before a fire is lit.
Local help
Chimney Damper Repair Near Me
In Northbrook, an old throat damper that will not seal can let heated air escape all through the heating season. In Northbrook and places nearby like Deerfield, Glenview, Northfield and Glencoe, a damper left open in summer can let humid air and odors into the house, which is why the damper is worth checking every time the chimney is swept.
Need chimney damper repair around Northbrook? Call (224) 458-2675 for a Northbrook chimney sweep who serves the towns around it too.
Chimneys in this climate
This part of the country gets long winters, heavy snow in places and stretches of bitter cold. Furnaces, wood stoves and fireplaces run hard from fall to spring, which means fast creosote buildup and a lot of stress on liners, crowns and flashing. Snow drifting against the back of a chimney melts slowly and works water under tired flashing. Most chimney cleaning in Northbrook, IL happens right before the first snow.
Why call
Why fix it now
Smaller repairs
Small chimney problems caught early usually stay small repairs.
Familiar with local homes
Chimney sweeps in Northbrook know the chimneys and fireplaces common in local homes.
Know what happens next
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Chimney Damper Repair FAQ
Can I close the damper when using gas logs?
Gas logs that are vented require an open damper, typically secured with a clamp. Closing the damper with gas logs running can fill the room with carbon monoxide. Keep CO alarms in the home and follow the manufacturer instructions for the logs.
What causes a damper to stick?
Stuck dampers usually come from rust, heavy soot or a warped plate. Problems with the control mechanism are another common cause. A sweep can clean it, repair the parts or replace the damper.
How long should I wait to close the damper after a fire?
Close the damper only after the fire and embers are completely out and the ashes are cold. Closing it too early can push carbon monoxide into the home. Once the fireplace is cold, closing the damper keeps heated air from escaping.
Can I use my fireplace if the damper is broken?
If the damper is stuck closed, lighting a fire will push smoke and carbon monoxide into the house. If it is open, the fire will draft but heat escapes when it is not in use. It is best to have it fixed first.
How does a top sealing damper work?
Top sealing dampers sit on top of the flue and seal it with a rubber or silicone gasket. You open and close it with a handle attached to a cable. Many models also act as a cap.
More questions? Call (224) 458-2675
Related services
Chimney Cap Installation
Fitting a metal cap over the top of the flue to keep out rain, animals, leaves and stray sparks.
Learn moreFireplace Repair
Restoring masonry and factory-built fireplaces so they burn cleanly and safely again.
Learn moreSmoke Chamber Repair
Repairing the sloped masonry above the damper where smoke funnels into the flue before heat can escape toward nearby framing.
Learn moreChimney Animal Removal
Clearing animals and nesting material out of fireplace and stove chimneys, then capping the top so they cannot return.
Learn more
Looking for something else?
See all chimney servicesNeed chimney damper repair in Northbrook, IL?
Call (224) 458-2675 to talk to a chimney sweep serving Northbrook, IL.
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