Erin questioned:
Our fireplace damper is broken and will not close. Is this typically an expensive repair? We do use the fireplace frequently in the winter but it is now very drafty even with glass doors closed.
Randy
Our fireplace damper is broken and will not close. Is this typically an expensive repair? We do use the fireplace frequently in the winter but it is now very drafty even with glass doors closed.
Randy
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Tags: Fireplace Damper, Glass Doors
yes it is expensive depending on were it is localed and if it is en casted in brick
It depends how it is installed in the fireplace. They usually just sit on top of the bricks in the smoke chamber. If this is the case you just have to turn it on a angle and the whole thing will come out. Some times they place some cement on top of them but it usually comes out pretty simple. Get down and have a excellent look to see what you are up against. If it comes out you can get one the right size from a building supply company ( Usually one that sells bricks and concrete blocks stock them for the guys who build fireplaces.) Excellent Luck
If you question your chimney sweep to repair it while he’s doing his inspection and cleaning, it is way less expensive than calling out a contractor or handyman. Last year, mine got stuck open and it was an simple fix so he didn’t charge me but if it has to be replaced, it is around 50 bucks to place in a new one (that was what I was charged at a previous home) when the sweep does it.
You don’t say whether you have a right brick fireplace or a “fireplace insert”. These are prebuilt units that are installed and then the walls closed around them. If the latter is the case, you can pick up a replacement damper at your local hardware or chain store and install it yourself. Be sure to have someone take pictures of you with the soot all over your face. (Really, wear safety glasses.) If it’s a right brick chimney have your chimney sweep make the repair when he does the annual cleanout before fire season. You do have the chimney cleaned yearly don’t you? It needs to have the tar and soot cleaned out to prevent a fire hazzard.