Burlington County, New Jersey
Fireplace Damper Not Working? Cinnaminson, NJ
Cinnaminson's housing is mostly owner-occupied, built around 1968. A damper that sticks or leaks is a common, fixable problem.
Cinnaminson, in Burlington County, is about 75% detached houses and 85% owner-occupied. The median build year is 1968, only about 7% of homes predate 1950, and the ACS median home value is about $386,000.
This page is about the damper, the part of a fireplace that moves, and so the part that breaks.
A damper decides whether warm air leaves your house all winter, and whether smoke leaves it when you light a fire.
What we look at
Why dampers fail
Rust
Moisture through the flue corrodes the plate and hinge.
Warping
Heat can bend the plate so it no longer seats.
Debris
Mortar or tile pieces jam it.
Linkage
The handle, rod or chain breaks.
Learn
Troubleshooting a damper that will not move
Do not force it. A damper that sticks may be rusted, jammed with debris or have a broken linkage, and forcing it can break the mechanism or drop debris onto the hearth. Look first with a flashlight and a mirror. If the plate is moving but not sealing, it may be warped. If the handle spins freely, the linkage is broken.
| What happens | Likely cause | Option |
|---|---|---|
| Handle moves, plate doesn't | Broken linkage | Repair or replace |
| Handle stiff, plate rusted | Rust | Clean or replace |
| Plate won't close fully | Warping or debris | Clear or replace |
| Closes but drafts | Poor seal | Top-sealing damper |
See why your damper is not working for the full guide, and chimney dampers for the options.
Never light a fire if you cannot confirm the damper is open.
Misconceptions
Common assumptions
"It just needs oil."
Rusted dampers rarely respond. Replacement is common.
"A stuck damper is stuck open, so it's fine."
An open damper loses heat, and a stuck-closed one makes smoke.
Checklist
Before you call about the damper
- Does the handle move freely?
- Can you see the plate moving?
- Is there debris on the shelf?
- Is there rust or water on the plate?
- Is it the same in all weather?
Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Handle spins freely | Broken linkage | Repair |
| Rust flakes on hearth | Rust or water entry | Check cap |
| Cold air in the room | Seal | Replace |
| Smoke when lit | Closed or stuck damper | Do not use until fixed |
Housing profile
What the housing mix means in Cinnaminson
About 85% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and the median home was built in 1968. Census figures cannot tell us how often any household lights a fire or what condition a given damper is in, and age alone does not make a damper fail: material, moisture and use do. A damper is still a reasonable first thing to look at, because a homeowner can partly assess it with a flashlight.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a damper be repaired in place?
Often. Sometimes it is replaced.
Is a damper required?
A damper or similar means of closing the flue is standard on most fireplaces. We do not rule on code.
How much does it cost?
We give a quote after seeing the fireplace.
Service areas
Other areas we serve
Chimney Academy
Guides that go with this page
Questions about your chimney in Cinnaminson?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.