Repairing and replacing throat dampers in Washington Park
Damper repair in Washington Park starts with a free inspection and a written estimate you can keep.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Clues that point to the fireplace damper
- Handle swings with no resistance
- Plate drops shut while a fire burns
- Grinding or squealing when the control moves
- Plate hanging crooked in its frame
Jump to
Your throat damper, part by part
Insects, noise and odors through an open throat
An open or missing damper leaves a direct path from the roof to the room. Insects can follow it down, and outside noise can carry through it into the room. Air drifting down the flue can also carry a sooty smell into the room.
A working damper reduces all three when it is closed. If the smell or the insects are the reason you called, tell us. We check whether the plate closes, and we look at what else may be letting air and pests in. The fix may be the damper, the top of the chimney or both, priced separately.
Replacing the plate and frame together
When the frame is cracked, badly warped or rusted through, a new damper assembly may be the lasting repair. The old frame comes out of the throat and a new one is set in its place. The control is chosen so it works from the room.
This is the largest version of the job, so the estimate describes it in detail. It names the assembly, the access work around the throat and any masonry that must be reset. We explain why the existing parts cannot be kept before recommending it. If a smaller repair would do, we say so.
Daylight past a closed plate
With the damper closed and a flashlight pointed up, you should see the plate lying against its frame. If you can see daylight past a closed plate, the gap is wider than it should be. The plate may have warped or dropped on its pivots.
Gaps let conditioned air out and outside air in. We check how the plate seats and whether the pivots or the plate are at fault. The estimate says whether adjusting, re-hanging or replacing the plate will close the gap.
Children and pets during damper work
Damper work happens inside the fireplace, with tools, dust and loose parts close by. Keep children and pets out of the area until the job is done and the room is clean again.
We keep our work area tidy and the opening covered when we step away. If the job runs over more than one visit, the fireplace is left in a safe state between visits. We tell you whether it can be used in the meantime or should stay out of service.
Lines you will find on the damper estimate
- Plate, frame and pivot condition check
- Control handle, rod or crank review
- Frame reset with heat-rated mortar
- Chimney top water source noted
Common damper replacement questions
How soon can I use the fireplace after damper work?
A new control or a freed plate can often be used once we finish. Where a frame was set in fresh mortar, the fireplace waits for that mortar to dry and cure as its maker directs. We tell you the plan.
Is same-day damper repair available?
Same-day service is available when the schedule allows. Freeing a plate or fitting a stocked control can often be done in one visit. A part that must be ordered, such as a factory-built blade, needs a return visit.
Should I close the damper while embers are still glowing?
No. Leave the damper open until the fire is out and the firebox has cooled. Glowing embers still give off smoke and gases, and those need the open flue to leave the house.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Flashing RepairRepair the chimney-to-roof connection with a scope that accounts for the adjoining roofing and masonry.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Chimney Cap Installation and ReplacementProtect the chimney opening with a cap chosen for its fit, attachment and compatible system.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
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