How to fix the damper in a chimney

The damper is a metal plate located inside the chimney of a wood home. It is closed when the stove is not lit to prevent entry of air cool the house. When the fire is lit, the damper must be opened to release the smoke. To handle a lever located in an easily accessible place near the front of the home is used. Over time, the damper may stick, rust, corrode or get out of alignment. Signs that are not working well it is impossible to close or open or closed or incompletely opened, making smoke from entering the house when the home is on or cold air when there is no fire in it.

Instructions

  1. Eliminate all wood and ashes. Bare waste with a hand brush and discard in a metal bucket. Place a plastic tarp or cloth around the opening and onto the floor in front of the home for protection.
  2. Use a flashlight to locate the damper in the chimney. You will find 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) from the opening thereof. Toggles to determine what problem you may have. If the damper does not open or does not close, push it by hand. When the boards are exposed, drizzle with a lubricant household. Pull the lever again to see if it works. If you do not open, or if it is not firmly in place to close, proceed to the next step.
  3. Remove the screws holding the regulator shot turning counterclockwise to clockwise with a wrench. Probably you should spray them with penetrating lubricant rust before unscrewing. Once you have removed the screws, the damper will move. Turn it sideways enough to slide the metal rod that holds it in place. After removing the rod, the damper should fall fireplace inspect it. There may be a large accumulation of creosote, which could hinder the closing. If so, clean it by scraping with a metal scraper. If the shooting regular or seems bent or damaged in any permanent way, you should replace it.
  4. Bring the old regulator shooting at a parts store or a big hardware households. Buy a new one of the same size. It would also be good to buy new screws of the same size as the old ones, if they are deformed or damaged.
  5. Buy a damper about the right size, if you do not get one of the exact same sizes. Placing one of an inaccurate size will take more work and costs as you will probably have to remove some of the masonry chimney. It may be less expensive to buy a damper to place in the chimney outlet. This relatively new style of dampers has the added benefit of keeping out the birds and other small animals in the chimney flue. In both cases, use a lever handle near.

Tips & Warnings

  • Use gloves, old clothing, a cover for the hair and a cloth over your nose and mouth because while working inside the chimney flue ash falls on you, especially if you remove the old regulator shooting.