In general, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $500 for a standard chimney damper replacement. One of the most significant factors that affect the cost of chimney damper replacement is the type of damper.
Chimney damper damage can vary in severity. When you're experiencing problems, get a thorough professional chimney inspection to diagnose the issue. Repair of your existing damper may cost just $100 to $225 compared to full replacement, which costs $160 to $520 on average.
The average cost to replace a motorized damper is $350, but it can cost between $250 and $450, depending on the cost of materials and labor. A motorized damper regulates the flow of air inside your HVAC system, which in turn controls the temperature in your home.
You are most likely going to need to cut the existing damper out, and install a new chimney top damper. There may be a fireplace contractor that can repair it, but for efficiency's sake putting a chimney top damper in will be the best route, in my opinion.
The easiest fix is to buy the kit I linked before and drill a hole through the cast iron. Then using a masonry drill bit (appropriately sized for the masonry anchor) drill into the masonry behind the damper housing. Then use a 4'' tapcon masonry anchor to secure it in place to the masonry behind the damper housing.
If the damper is stuck in the closed position, using your fireplace would result in a room full of smoke and carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous. Your chimney damper should ALWAYS be open when burning a fire, no matter what!
Damper Won't Close: This furthers downdraft problems and allows air to escape from your home. Damper Won't Open: Your fireplace becomes inoperable until this can be resolved. Broken Dampers: The damper plate is visibly cracked, broken, or has fallen into the firebox completely.
One of the earliest signs the damper needs attention is if it's difficult to open and close. This could indicate rust, corrosion, or warping caused by moisture or heat. These issues can prevent the damper from making a proper seal when closed, allowing heat to escape.
The damper and flue are two different parts, but they are related and involved in the same function. The flue is the inside tunnel of your chimney that brings gases from your fireplace out of your home, while the damper closes or opens the access to the flue.
Dampers typically run over $200 (sometimes more). It should take less than an hour to replace it but the plumber will probably also charge you for his time tracking one down and picking it up so you could expect to pay an additional $150 to $200 in labor.
Installing a chimney damper does not require any special tools. The damper will fit right up into the flue system and should sit above the smoke chamber. Getting the damper to stay in place is as easy as tightening the screws that come with the damper into the walls of the flue system.
Older homes may have a chimney without a damper, causing the air conditioning to escape in the summer and heated air to disappear in the winter. Although not legally required, every fireplace should have a damper.
The type of repair can significantly affect the chimney repair cost, as it can depend on how big or damaged your chimney is. Simple repairs, such as fixing the cap and crown cost the least. While complex issues, like leaning stack and spalling services cost the most.
You should find a metal device just within the chimney or flue opening. The damper is open if you can see through the damper up to your chimney. If you only see a metal plate, the damper is in a closed position.
The average lifespan of a chimney flue liner is about 15 to 20 years. If you lived in your home 15 years or more you probably need to get the entire liner replaced to make sure it is up to code. If there is damage to your chimney flue liner your home is at risk for a serious home fire.
If you can repair it yourself, the cost may be minimal to the cost of replacement parts, depending on the type of damper and the extent of the repair needed. In general, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $500 for a standard chimney damper replacement.
That's why regular viscous damper replacement in heavy-duty applications is critical to longer engine life. While recommended replacement intervals vary depending on engine manufacturer, the average is about 500,000 miles / 15,000 hours or at major overhauls and in-frame rebuilds.
The first enemy is common to all wear items – time. At about 500,000 miles, silicone tends to harden. The harder the silicone, the less functional the damper. The second cause of failure is droppage.
Remove the plate that's behind the knob outside your fireplace. Thread a steel rod through the tube, the worm gear and the front and back holes in the damper. Replace the cotter pin, tighten the screws and test the knob to see if the damper opens. Put the grate back, and tada — your fireplace is ready for action.
It depends on the specific dampers you have and general usage conditions. However, the average butterfly damper should last about 20 years as long as you remember to clean and maintain your system. Electric dampers may only last about 15 years before the motor starts to experience problems.
Flip the damper into an open position and inspect the registers once more to see if airflow begins. You probably have a bad damper if, when the damper is closed, you feel limited airflow or none at all.
Generally, brick chimneys can last between 50 to 100 years, while metal chimneys have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Masonry chimneys are more durable than factory-made chimneys, but they require regular maintenance to avoid minor issues that can lead to major damages if ignored.
In the short term, repairing a chimney is typically cheaper than removing it. However, for unused or severely damaged chimneys, removal might be more cost-effective in the long run, eliminating future expenses.
While roofers do a great job repairing and replacing roofs, they don't have the extensive knowledge or experience required for chimney inspections and repairs.In fact, a reputable roofer will often advise the homeowner to contact a chimney specialist to repair chimney leaks.