Why Does Every Chimney Need A Cap And Damper?

If you’re not familiar with the purpose of a chimney cap or chimney damper, then get ready because we’re about to save you a bundle of money. Though there are a number of handy chimney components, the cap and damper are our favorites to tell customers about. Why? Because adding a damper to your chimney is one of the quickest, easiest ways to save a huge chunk on your energy bill during Massachusetts’s bitter winters and balmy summers. And adding a cap can add an untold number of years to your chimney.

A chimney damper can be located either at the top of the chimney or in the “throat” of the chimney, just above the firebox; this is called a “throat damper.” In the past most dampers were located in the throat of the chimney, but nowadays the majority of them are on the very top of the chimney, and are known as top-sealing dampers. A damper is a metal spring door that the homeowner opens when using his or her fireplace and closes when the fireplace is not in use. The door is opened and shut with an easy-to-use metal chain, and it does a fantastic job of keeping expensive conditioned air inside and cold air outside. A chimney without a damper may be hemorrhaging as much as 25 percent of its energy through its chimney. Can you imagine how much money you would save on energy expenses if you added a damper? When it comes to ROI on a chimney purchase, the damper takes the cake.

Chimney caps are also located atop the chimney, where they allow flue gases and smoke to escape, while keeping insects and small animals out of your chimney and sparks and embers inside your chimney. In addition, a chimney cap will keep out rain, snow, and ice, leaves, twigs, and trash, and will reduce downdrafts. If you wish, Above & Beyond Chimney Service can install a new damper and chimney cap for you at the same time for maximum benefits.

Why Is A Chimney Damper Needed For Your Chimney?

Instant savings on energy costs are the most publicized benefits of chimney dampers, but the damper is advantageous to homeowners in a number of other ways, too, including that it:

• Keeps bugs, bats, birds, insects, rodents, and other critters out of your house
• Keeps musty, smoky chimney smells and outdoor odors out of your house
• Keeps rain and snow out of your chimney and fireplace
• Helps prevent costly chimney repairs in the future

All chimney dampers should be professionally installed and inspected annually to ensure that they’re working correctly. It also helps to have an expert walk you through how to use your damper.

Do you need a new damper, or do you have a damper that needs repairing? Your old, dirty damper may be suffering from soot build-up and water damage and may not open or close all the way. If this is the case, the problem will just grow worse and worse as creosote flourishes – so don’t put off repairs!

Why Is A Chimney Cap Needed For Your Chimney?

This multi-purpose chimney accessory is a crucial part of any high-performing, long-lasting chimney. It does the following:

• Prevents masonry deterioration
• Protects metal fireplace components
• Keeps out the elements
• Keeps out birds, opossum, squirrel, raccoon, bats, and insects
• Keeps out debris and trash
• Contains sparks
• Reduces downdrafts

Give Us A Call, Today!

If you live in South Framingham or South Shore and are in need of a new chimney cap or damper, call your local chimney sweep experts at 781-383-0415! You can also schedule online

You can rely on our chimney and fireplace services team to diagnose and take care of any smelly chimney or fireplace odor problem.