Repairing and replacing throat dampers in Central Beach
A damper should open fully, close squarely and move from the room. We work toward all three.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
When the damper stops doing its job
- Damper stuck shut before a fire
- Plate stays open and will not close
- Handle missing or snapped off
- Control that needs force to move
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Damper decisions, one part at a time
Poker controls and notched rods
A poker control is a rod or handle that hangs down at the front of the throat and hooks into notches. Pushing it moves the plate, and the notch holds the position. It is a simple design, but the notches and the hook wear with use.
If the rod slips out of its notch or will not hold a setting, tell us how it behaves. We check the rod, the notched bracket and the hook where it meets the plate. A replacement rod can often be fitted to the existing plate, which keeps the job inside the fireplace opening.
Rotary crank controls
A rotary control uses a crank on the fireplace face or just inside the opening. Turning it drives a small gear or screw that moves the plate. It gives fine control, but it has more moving parts than a simple rod.
When the crank spins without moving the plate, the gear or the rod behind it has usually slipped or stripped. When the crank will not turn at all, rust has often locked the mechanism. We trace the fault from the crank back to the plate and say which piece has failed before any part is ordered.
What the free inspection covers for a damper
The free inspection looks at the damper plate, frame, pivots and control, and at how far the plate travels. We also look at the smoke shelf and the throat around the frame, since both affect the damper.
We tell you what we found, what it means for use, and what we recommend. The findings become a free written estimate. If something is outside the damper, such as the firebox or the chimney top, we mention it and list it separately so you can decide on each item.
Taking over a fireplace with an unknown history
When you move into a home, the fireplace comes with a history you did not see. The damper may have been replaced, removed, wired open or never touched at all.
A gentle try of the control tells you part of the story. The free inspection tells you the rest. We explain what kind of damper you have, how it works and what it needs. If it works well, we tell you that too, so you know where you stand before using the fireplace.
Inside a damper replacement quote
- Control handle, rod or crank review
- New damper assembly, where needed
- Model and serial number lookup
- Nesting material cleared from the plate
Fireplace damper questions and answers
Will a new throat damper stop all air from escaping?
A throat damper is not airtight. A cast plate closes metal against metal and leaves small paths for air. A good repair closes the plate squarely, without wide gaps or rattle, which limits the loss.
Is damper repair covered by a warranty?
Our workmanship warranty covers the work we did on the damper. If our repair does not hold as it should, tell us and we come back to look at it. Ask us to explain the terms for your job before you approve.
Will replacing the damper cure a smoky fire?
Only if the damper caused it. We check the damper's travel first. If it opens fully and smoke still spills, we explain the other possible causes and which service handles each. A working damper is not replaced to treat a draft problem.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Top-Sealing Damper InstallationFit a top-mounted damper only after checking the fireplace, product restrictions and control route.
- Chimney Crown RepairRepair the damaged chimney top with an approach matched to the crown and supporting masonry.
- Chimney WaterproofingTreat suitable chimney masonry after checking the surface, repair needs and product requirements.
- Chimney TuckpointingRenew deteriorated mortar joints around chimney bricks that can appropriately remain.
- Chimney Liner Installation and ReliningPlan a compatible chimney liner installation with the existing passage, connections and maintenance access considered together.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo