Invest in a Reliable Top-Sealing Chimney Damper for Your Madison Home
When it comes to properly caring for your hearth appliance, having a functional chimney damper is critical. Not only does this vital component improve your system’s overall functionality, depending on the type of damper it can also protect the inside of your system against unwanted external elements such as pests and moisture. That’s why at Hansen & Sons, we sell and install the finest top-sealing chimney dampers.
The oldest name in the business in the greater Madison area, Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace has been serving homeowners in our community since 1953. Not only are our technicians knowledgeable, experienced, and highly trained, they’re friendly and reliable, too. If you’re experiencing issues with a chimney draft and think your damper might be to blame, we’ve got you covered.
Interested in learning more about top-sealing dampers and what installation might look like in your home? Don’t waste any more time and energy searching for “chimney damper installation near me,” call up the Hansen & Sons team instead. Reach us by filling out our appointment request form or call 608-466-4185.
What Is a Top-Sealing Chimney Damper?
A top-sealing chimney damper, also known as a top-mount damper, is a device installed at the very top of your chimney. Unlike traditional throat dampers located at the base (or throat) of the chimney, top-sealing dampers provide a more effective seal. These dampers are created to form an airtight seal at the top of the flue; this helps keep the heat and energy in and things like rain, snow, animals, and any wayward flying debris out. Typically made from durable stainless steel or cast aluminum, these dampers are outfitted with a silicone rubber gasket to ensure a tight seal when closed.
Top-sealing chimney dampers are operated by a cable that runs down the chimney and connects to a handle or lever inside your fireplace, allowing you to easily open and close the damper depending on what is – or is not – going on in your fireplace. When closed, the damper provides an airtight seal, preventing drafts and energy loss. When open, it allows smoke and gases to escape freely, ensuring proper ventilation during a fire.
How Does a Top-Mount Damper Work?
The operation of a top-mount damper is straightforward yet highly effective. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:
- Installation: The damper is installed at the top of your chimney flue, secured with mounting brackets and adhesive to ensure stability and a secure fit.
- Cable System: A stainless steel cable is attached to the damper and runs down the chimney flue to your fireplace. This cable connects to a control handle or lever mounted inside the fireplace, within easy reach.
- Opening the Damper: To use your fireplace, you pull the handle or lever, which lifts the damper open. This action allows outside air in to fuel combustion and ushers smoke, gases, and other fumes up and out of the chimney while preventing backdrafts into your home.
- Closing the Damper: After the fire is completely extinguished and all embers are out, you push the handle or lever to lower the damper. The device then seals tightly against the top of the flue, thanks to the silicone rubber gasket. This seal prevents outside air, moisture, and pests from entering, and stops your home’s heated or cooled air from escaping.
- Maintenance: Regular inspections and cleaning services are recommended to ensure the damper remains in good working condition. The durable materials used in top-sealing dampers may be designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use, but that doesn’t mean they don’t also require attention every once in awhile. Preventive maintenance services are the only way to know the full extent of your appliance’s safety, performance, and overall efficiency.
If you’re a homeowner and you’ve been considering investing in a high-quality top-sealing chimney damper near Madison, our crew is the one to call. Interested to learn more about the dampers we sell and install in homes like yours? Reach out and get started today. Call 608-466-4185 or fill out our contact form.
Is a Top-Mount Damper Better Than a Throat Damper?
Absolutely. This is not to say that throat dampers don’t do their jobs. It’s just that modern innovation has taken functionality of a centuries-old chimney component and increased it tenfold. Not only are throat dampers located much deeper into the structure – right above the firebox as opposed to on top of the flue – they’re also made of metal. This means that even when the device is closed, the seal is not effective and unable to restrict airflow, allowing warm air out and cool air in. Metal also rusts over time and because they’re at the bottom of the flue as opposed to the top, they don’t provide the additional protective features associated with top-sealing dampers.
Installing a top-sealing damper offers numerous benefits that enhance the overall performance and longevity of your chimney system. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this upgrade:
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: A top-sealing damper creates a tight seal at the top of your chimney, preventing heated or cooled air from escaping. This can significantly reduce your energy bills by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and reducing the workload on your HVAC system.
- Improved Home Comfort: By eliminating drafts and cold air infiltration, a top-sealing damper helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment. You’ll experience fewer temperature fluctuations and drafts, making your home more enjoyable during both winter and summer months.
- Protection from the Elements: A top-sealing damper acts as a barrier against rain, snow, and debris. This protection prevents water damage, rust, and decay within your chimney, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, it keeps animals and pests from entering your chimney and potentially causing blockages or damage.
- Reduced Odors: An airtight seal at the top of your chimney prevents unpleasant odors from entering your home. This is particularly beneficial during the summer months when humid air can cause stale or smoky smells to seep through a traditional throat damper.
- Increased Safety: By ensuring proper ventilation when open and a secure seal when closed, a top-sealing damper enhances the safety of your chimney system. It reduces the risk of backdrafts, which can introduce harmful gases like carbon monoxide into your home.
- Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost of installing a top-sealing damper may be higher than replacing a throat damper, the long-term savings on energy bills, maintenance, and potential repairs make it a worthwhile investment. The durability and effectiveness of top-sealing dampers ensure they provide reliable performance for many years.
What Is a Chimney Draft? How Does It Affect Combustion?
A chimney draft is just another term to describe the movement of air through a chimney or flue system. Chimneys function on the principle that warmer air will always rise to replace the cooler air; this action of hot air rising creates a negative pressure that draws in fresh air to fuel combustion, while expelling smoke and other toxins.
Drafts can vary based on the differences in air pressure and temperature between the inside and outside of a building. A properly functioning chimney draft will draw the appropriate amount of air into the fireplace, ensuring efficient wood burning and optimal heat output. Conversely, a chimney with draft issues may cause smoke to back-puff into the room and increase creosote buildup in the chimney.
Can a Top-Sealing Damper Be Installed on Any Chimney?
Top-sealing dampers are an excellent option for enhancing your chimney’s functionality. However, they are not suitable for all fireplaces, stoves, or other flame-producing appliances. These dampers are specifically designed for wood-burning chimneys. If you utilize an appliance like a gas insert or fireplace, unfortunately a top-sealing damper won’t work for your chimney.
Additionally, we need to ensure that your flue is the appropriate shape and size for a top-sealing damper. To discuss your damper options with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members, give us a call at 608-466-4185 or reach out online. One of our esteemed chimney technicians can take a look at your setup and determine if a top-sealing damper is the right fit for your system. And don’t worry, in the event that it’s not, we’ll talk you through alternatives.
Call Hansen & Sons To Learn More & Book An Appointment Today
Whether you’re experiencing irritating chimney drafts or your fireside experience is more like a smoky campfire than a nice relaxing burn, Hansen & Sons can help. We’ll give your appliance a thorough inspection to check everything out and discuss your options for increased performance and comfort moving forward.
For the best top-sealing chimney dampers and installation services in the Madison area, trust none other than Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace. With over 71+ years of experience in the hearth industry, when you work with our team, you can kick back and rest easy knowing you’re in good, capable, experienced hands.
See for yourself why we continue to be Madison’s number one choice for all things fireplace and chimney; call 608-466-4185 or fill out our appointment request form online to get started today.
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