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.
The damper is like a door that is typically installed in the throat at the base of the flue to control the airflow in the chimney. The damper must remain open when there is a fire burning in the firebox. Otherwise, smoke and exhaust will be forced back into your living space instead of up the flue.
Correct damper operation
When the flue is warmed up a little, keep the damper open and light your kindling to get the logs burning. During this time, a fully open damper will provide enough draft air to allow the logs to combust properly and completely.
Now, some older homes may have a chimney without a damper and, although it isn't legally required, every fireplace should have a damper.
And while older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without a damper (gas fireplaces cannot), a chimney without a damper is just a gaping hole in the roof of your house. It's a gateway for frigid air to enter and for heated air to escape in the winter.
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.
A chimney contains a flue (some chimneys will contain more than one flue). > Flue - this is the space or cavity within the chimney which allows the smoke and gases from your fire to pass up, away from the fire, and out of your home. As you can see a chimney is the structure which contains the flue.
Chimney dampers are made from steel or cast iron while flues are made from clay or steel. Chimney dampers are compatible with DIY installation, but chimney flues should be installed by a pro. Annual inspection and cleaning are essential to keep the chimney damper and flue free from creosote buildup.
Typically, to open the damper, push up or lift the rod all the way. Pull it down to close the damper. Another type of damper is a screw-type or rotary control damper. Typically, you will close the damper by turning it counterclockwise all the way, which causes the rod to hang down low.
This can be done by installing a chimney cap or cowl at the top of the chimney. This method of blocking off a chimney is considered one of the most secure.
The average cost to have a chimney lined by a professional is going to be about $2500. Depending on the type of chimney liner, it could cost up to $10,000. The average DIY chimney liner installation is going to cost about $750 to $3000 for the material depending on the specifics of the installation.
When you aren't using your fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping. A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney. When you are using your fireplace, it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside.
So, yes, all chimneys have a flue. And no, your fireplace cannot function without a working flue.
Sometimes the flue and damper are used interchangeably, but they are actually two different but vital components necessary for a safe and efficient fireplace.
There are four types: A, B, C, and D. Only influenza A, B, and C affect humans. Flu can be mistaken for viral respiratory illnesses like the common cold and COVID because they cause similar symptoms. See a doctor if you have flu symptoms that don't go away in a few days or get seriously ill.
Dampers can also be classified based on their application, and the following are some of the main types: Balancing dampers (volume dampers) Face and bypass dampers. Fire dampers.
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.
Carry out a visual inspection of the chimney from your fireplace. If you can see open dampers or see the sky, that will prove that the flue is open. Failure to see the sky implies a closed flue or one that may need unclogging.
Clay tile flues are common in older homes and masonry chimneys. These flues have interlocking terra cotta tiles stacked vertically inside the chimney. Clay tiles are durable and can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for different fuel types.
Simple chimney repairs cost $455 on average, with prices ranging from $160 to $750. More complex chimney problems, however, may necessitate brick repointing, liner repair, or even a partial or full chimney rebuild. In those cases, prices reach up to $15,000 for a total chimney replacement.
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!
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.