Which way does a fireplace flue close?

Which way does a fireplace flue close?

If there’s a lever, move it side to side or up and down to release it before sliding it horizontally. This motion will cause the damper to slowly lower in to the closed position, so the lever will remain loose. For pull chains, pull the longer one to extricate the damper and the shorter to close the flue.

When can you close the damper on a fireplace?

Close Fireplace Damper When Fire Is Completely Out. Shut the damper when the fire is completely, absolutely out. That means ashes are cool to the touch even when stirred. If you close the damper before that, you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do you fix a flue damper?

How to Repair a Chimney Damper

1. Remove Debris. Start by cleaning debris and creosote from the damper before removing it.
2. Remove the Damper Plate. While looking upward from your firebox, you’ll see a rod affixed to the chimney/frame by a nut.
3. Clean Everything.
4. Replace the Damper Plate.

How much does it cost to fix a fireplace damper?

$180, Installed The average cost to repair or replace the damper in your fireplace or chimney is around $60 for damper door replacement only, with DIY installation. If the frame needs to be replaced as well, plan on $350-$400 and a Pro to do the job.

How do you lubricate a fireplace damper?

Puncture the seal of a high-temperature lubricant bottle and attach the syringe to its top. Apply the lubricant to the length of the hinge as you move the damper handle back and forth.

How do you fix a stuck flue?

Take a steel brush or a handheld whisk broom and clean the damper and the area around it. This typically requires laying on your back inside of the fireplace which is not comfortable. If the damper is stuck, take a penetrating oil like WD-40 and spray the handle and the hinge where it connects to the damper plate.

How do you fix a fireplace damper that won’t close?

The Resolution If your damper is either stuck open or sealed shut, the best thing you can do is contact a professional fireplace technician right away. Typically, the issue can be resolved by cleaning up the dirt that has made the valve stick.

How do I free a stuck fireplace damper?

If the damper still refuses to budge, use a rust- and corrosion-cutting oil such as WD-40 to help dissolve the rust and corrosion at the damper’s hinges. When the damper is operational, work it back and forth while applying a high-temperature lubricant at all the joints and moving parts.

How do you open the damper on a fireplace?

To open you just pull down hard and release. These dampers also provide an energy-tight seal and make your chimney much more efficient in the long-run, leading to energy and cost savings.

How does a damper work on a fireplace?

When someone refers to “opening the flue” of the fireplace, what they really mean is opening the damper. When a fire is lit, an open damper lets the smoke, soot and gases escape out the chimney. When the damper is closed, it prevents cold air from entering through the chimney.