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Damper restrictor

Damper restrictor

by | Jan 4, 2018 | Gas Logs

Q: I went to install my Chimney Balloon over my gas log fireplace and I found a clip that was holding my fireplace damper open. I removed it and now the damper works fine.

A: The clip you found was a damper restrictor. However, keep in mind that it is against most state codes to have a gas log fireplace without a damper restrictor in place. I would check with your county before you go and seal up with your metal damper. This is an issue that can void some homeowners insurances, so it is very important to stay within this code if it applies to your state.

The reason for this code is gas logs burn very clean and you can easily start a fire in the fireplace and forget to open the damper for quite some time while the fire burns on…This creates a buildup of carbon monoxide and heat that can start a fire (starting with your mantel) or the carbon Monoxide can overcome you and others in your home. The downside of this code is that having a damper restrictor on your damper is like having a window cracked open all year round.

If I were you I would call the County Building Code Office or call a fireplace retailer and ask them first about the codes in your area. Here is a great article on this matter: http://www.washingtongasliving.com/fireplace/installation.cfm

#25: I Have a Multi-Hinge Damper, How Do Plug the Flue?

#25: I Have a Multi-Hinge Damper, How Do Plug the Flue?

by | Aug 25, 2017 | Fireplaces

#25: I Have a Multi-Hinge Damper, How Do Plug the Flue?

Multi hinge damper door

25-1 Open Multi-Hinge Damper

25-2 Closed Multi Hinge Damper

25-3 Measure Flue Tile

 Fireplace #25: Multi-Hinge Damper

These Multi Hinge Dampers are not very common. They are sturdy, but also really over-engineered and not easy to disassemble. Here are the characteristics of this damper:

  • You swing the center damper handle that hangs down into the firebox from front to back to open and close the damper door.
  • There are numerous cotter pins operating hinges that actuate the damper.
  • There is a long rectangular damper frame and matching damper door.
  • Multi- Hinge dampers actuate almost identically to Vestal Dampers, except they have a more complicated actuator.

Because of the hardware below the damper, there are two ways to plug this flue.

If you want to plug it and forget it, use the Flueblocker

If you don’t use your fireplace very much and you just want a way to plug the flue for a long duration, go with a Flueblocker. Here is a video on how the Flueblocker works. Remove the cotter pin that holds the damper door to the damper handle (image 25-2 see red arrow). Measure the length and width of the damper door, and buy a Flueblocker that is slightly larger that that size. You will likely need a 8×32 or 9×45 Flueblocker.

You will need to thread the wool pad of the Flueblocker between the detached damper handle, and the damper door. It is a tight fit, but the wool pad will effectively cover the closed damper door.

What about the Chimney Balloon?

If you are lucky enough to have a low flue tile like this photo, you can use a Chimney Balloon to plug the flue tile. You would need to get a measurement of the length and width of the flue tile first (image 25-3), so you will know what size Chimney Balloon to use. Flue tiles generally take a 12×12, 15×15 or 24×12. Also purchase a HEK handle extender to give the handle some extra length to reach the flue tile. The Chimney Balloon will require a top-off of air each 6 to 12 months, and it is not quite as durable as the other two options above. So consider it a “Plan B” for this application.

#21: I Have a Vestal Damper with a Rigid Handle, How Do I Plug the Chimney?

#21: I Have a Vestal Damper with a Rigid Handle, How Do I Plug the Chimney?

by | Aug 23, 2017 | Fireplaces

#21: I Have a Vestal Damper with a Rigid Handle, How Do I Plug the Chimney?

21-1 Open Vestal Damper

21-2 Closed Vestal Damper

21-3 Cotter Pin on Damper Handle

21-4 Where to Measure Your Flue Tile

Fireplace #21: Vestal Damper with Center Handle and Low Flue Tile

These Vestal Dampers are very common in masonry fireplaces of solid brick or stone. These are their characteristics of Vestal dampers:

  • They have a long rectangular cast iron damper door.
  • The door has a 16″ long curved cast iron handle sticking down from the center of the damper door.
  • The handle has saw teeth on the back, and a loop on the end.
  • The shaft of the handle sticks through a metal bracket that is attached to the damper frame.

The nice thing about these Vestal dampers is they are very easy to disassemble. This is so chimney sweeps can get easy access to the smoke chamber for cleaning. In this particular application you can see through the damper opening. The flue tile terminates a vertical distant of about 16″ above the damper. This makes for a very short smoke chamber, and easy access to the flue tile. That makes the flue tile an ideal location to plug. If you have a Vestal Damper, but your flue tile is higher and out of reach by hand, see the article about Vestal dampers with high flue tiles.

If you want to plug it and forget it, use the Flueblocker

If you don’t use your fireplace very much and you just want a way to plug the flue for a long duration, go with a Flueblocker. Here is a video on how the Flueblocker works. You will need to take a quick measurement of the flue tile with a ruler (Image 21-4). Then buy a Flueblocker that size, or a little large for the hole. The Flueblocker is a wool pad with extra hems, so you can trim it to size with sharp scissors. The handle on the Flueblocker is only 1 foot long, so you may want some 6″ handle extenders for your Flueblocker to make it easier to stuff in the flue tile.

What about the Chimney Balloon?

21-6 Chimney Balloon in Flue Tile

21-6 Chimney Balloon in Flue Tile

You can use a Chimney Balloon to plug a low flue like this. You would need to get a measurement of the length and width of the flue tile first (image 21-4), so you will know what size Chimney Balloon to use. Flue tiles generally take a 12×12 or 15×15. Also purchase a HEK handle extender to give the handle some extra length to reach the flue tile (image 21-6). The Chimney Balloon will require a top-off of air each 6 to 12 months, and it is not quite as durable as the other two options above. So consider it a “Plan B” for this application.