Top-Sealing Damper Installation
A top-sealing damper closes the flue at the top of the chimney with a gasket, and doubles as a cap. It is often the best answer to a damper that leaks air, rusts or does not close.
How it differs from a regular damper
A regular damper sits in the throat of the fireplace, right above the firebox. A top-sealing damper is mounted at the top of the flue and closes against a rubber gasket. You operate it with a cable that runs down to the fireplace. Because it closes the flue at the top, it keeps cold air, rain and animals out of the whole flue, not just from the throat down.
Who it suits
- Fireplaces that leak cold air, or lose heat up the chimney
- Dampers that are rusted, warped or no longer seal
- A flue with no cap, or a failing one
- Homeowners who want one part that does the job of a damper and a cap
What to know before you choose one
| Point | What to know |
|---|---|
| Open it before every fire | The damper must be fully open when the fireplace is in use. A closed one will fill the room with smoke. |
| Check the cable | The cable and its fastenings are the parts to look at if it stops working. |
| Fit | It has to fit the flue. Flue size and shape decide the model. |
| Appliance rules | Gas appliances and stoves can have their own requirements for the flue. We check before recommending it. |
| Replacing the old damper | The old throat damper can usually stay, but it should be open for use. |
Installation
We measure the flue, install the damper at the top and run the cable to the fireplace. We then test the seal and show you how it works. If the top of the chimney needs repair first, such as a cracked crown, we tell you, since the damper has to attach to something sound. To compare with a conventional damper, see damper replacement.
A top-sealing damper is not for every fireplace. If your chimney or appliance has requirements that rule it out, we say so and suggest something else.
What the work involves
How installation goes
- AssessWe check the flue, crown and fireplace.
- FitWe measure and choose a damper that suits.
- InstallIt is installed and the cable is run to the fireplace.
- ShowWe test the seal and show you how to operate it.
Our work
Recent damper projects
Damper Cap Installation and Two Fireplace Cleanings in Wanaque, NJ
Wanaque, NJ · Damper cap installation, fireplace cleaning
A damper cap installed and two fireplaces cleaned in Wanaque.
Read the project
HeatShield, Cap Damper, Smoke Chamber and Fireplace Repair in North Bergen, NJ
North Bergen, NJ · HeatShield flue repair, cap damper, smoke chamber repair, fireplace crack repair
Several chimney and fireplace repairs completed together in North Bergen.
Read the projectRelated services
Chimney Dampers
All the damper options.
Learn moreChimney Caps
A top-sealing damper also works as a cap.
Learn moreDamper Replacement
A throat damper instead.
Learn moreWe work throughout New Jersey. See our service areas, or browse all services.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a top-sealing damper replace a cap?
It covers the top of the flue and keeps out rain and animals, so it can serve as one. We confirm that it fits your chimney.
Can I use it with a gas fireplace?
Often not without checking the appliance requirements. We confirm before recommending one.
What if I forget to open it?
Smoke will fill the room. Make opening it part of lighting a fire.
Does it reduce drafts?
A well-seated one usually reduces them a lot, since it seals at the top.
Ready to have your chimney looked at?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm a time. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.