Top Mount Vs. Throat Dampers
Every fireplace should have a functional damper. This is one of the measures put in place for both safety and protection. When a Chimney Solutions technician visits your home, they will always inspect the damper as a part of our standard process. After all, dampers play a vital role in your flue’s operation and have two main variations: top mount and throat dampers.
First, what is a fireplace damper?
Essentially, a fireplace damper is a metal plate that closes off or opens up your fireplace’s flue. Homeowners control the operation of a damper from inside the home, opening and closing it based on fireplace usage and time of year.
What role does a fireplace damper play in your chimney system?
Like an open window, a fireplace damper controls the airflow in and out of the home. When open, your damper allows smoke and other gasses to escape through the flue. If the damper is blocked or left in the closed position and you start a fire, those harmful byproducts will back up into your home. When using your central air conditioning unit, close your damper. This helps to keep the warm air outside and the cooler air inside.
What is a top mount fireplace damper?
At the top of your chimney should sit a chimney cap. A top mount fireplace damper sits on top of this, effectively sealing the chimney from any outside debris or animals. A top mount damper is designed to maximize energy efficiency as much as possible with rubber seals. They’re easier to replace and, when an internal damper fails, the preferred solution to get the fireplace back in operational condition. In addition, birds and other animals like to make their home within your flue. A closed top mount fireplace damper keeps them from setting up their permanent residence in your chimney, acting as a chimney cap.
What is a throat mount fireplace damper?
When most homeowners think of their fireplace damper, they probably envision a throat mount variation. These sit just inside of your fireplace near the “throat” — a section of your chimney that acts as a smoke shelf. They have two advantages over top mount, namely:
- They minimize the amount of wasted space inside of the flue that you cool via central AC.
- Easier access, often with some kind of in-home lever to control it.
They’re unfortunately more difficult to replace, as access is limited without tearing into your home’s interior structure.
Top mount vs throat dampers: which is best?
The decision of whether to go with top mount vs throat dampers ultimately comes down to the age and condition of your chimney. Most new constructions will have a throat mount damper while older homes can go either way. In addition, if your older home has a throat mount damper that is beyond repair, the preferred solution is to install a top mount. This will act as a replacement damper and improve your chimney cap.
If your damper stops functioning
properly, do not light a fire.
Contact Chimney Solutions, LLC at (317) 757-6979
to schedule an inspection.
