Union County, New Jersey
Chimney Dampers and Fireplace Efficiency in Westfield, NJ
Westfield's housing is largely detached and owner-occupied, and nearly half of it predates 1950. An older damper is one of the first things worth checking.
Westfield, in Union County, is about 78% detached houses and 81% owner-occupied. About 44% of homes were built before 1950, the median build year is 1953 and the ACS median home value is about $953,000.
This page is about the damper, the small moving part that decides whether your fireplace wastes heat.
In houses from the mid-century or earlier, dampers that have been there for decades are common. They rust, warp and stick.
What we look at
What a damper does
Throat damper
A plate at the base of the flue, operated from inside the firebox. It opens for a fire and closes otherwise.
Top-sealing damper
Installed at the top of the flue, with a cable running down to the firebox. It seals the flue like a lid.
Seal quality
A damper that does not close tightly lets warm air up and cold air down.
Condition
Rust, warping and broken handles are the usual faults.
Learn
Throat damper or top-sealing damper
A throat damper sits just above the firebox and tends to be metal on metal. Over the years it can rust, warp or jam, and even a good one seldom seals completely. A top-sealing damper, sometimes called a cap damper, is installed at the top of the chimney. It closes the flue with a gasketed lid, which keeps out rain and animals as well as cold air, and it is operated by a cable or chain from the fireplace.
| Question | Throat damper | Top-sealing damper |
|---|---|---|
| Where it sits | Base of the flue | Top of the chimney |
| Seal when closed | Often loose | Usually tighter |
| Also keeps out rain and animals | No | Yes, with the cap |
| How it is operated | Handle in the firebox | Cable or chain |
The chimney dampers page lists the options, and why your damper is not working covers the common faults. A damper-cap installation of ours is in Wanaque.
Housing profile
What the housing mix means in Westfield
Westfield is largely detached and owner-occupied, and nearly half the housing predates 1950. A damper that sticks or leaks is worth attention because it can waste heat season after season.
Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Cold draft from the fireplace | Damper not sealing | Repair or top-sealing damper |
| Handle stuck or loose | Rusted or broken damper | Repair or replace |
| Rust on the firebox floor | Water entering the flue | Check cap and damper |
| Damper won't open fully | Warped plate or debris | Inspection |
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a closed damper stop all drafts?
No. Even a good throat damper seldom seals fully.
Can a damper be replaced without rebuilding?
Yes, in most cases.
Is a top-sealing damper worth it?
If you notice drafts or have animal or rain problems, it often is. It depends on your chimney.
Chimney Academy
Guides that go with this page
Questions about your chimney in Westfield?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.