Every year, 53,600 home fires are recorded, out of which 87% of the residential fires occur due to confined chimneys and flue. Chimney caps and fireplace dampers can help reduce these statistics.
However, people can often be confused about whether there is any difference between a fireplace damper and a chimney cap. While both mount on the top of the chimney to keep rain and animals out of the flue, they’re different in more ways than one.
In case either of the two is damaged, get instant chimney services with CT Chimney Repairs.
CHIMNEY CAP
The chimney cap is mounted on the top of the flue. This help keep rain, snow, animals, large pests, and debris out of the chimney and out of your home too. All four sides of the chimney cap have a mesh screen with a solid top that extends to the edges.
This design ensures that all the water and debris falls out and away from the flue. The mesh screen creates enough opening for all the smoke and heat to flow up the flue and out the house for a well-ventilated system.
Fireplace Damper
Fireplace damper and chimney damper are interchangeable terms and mean the same thing. This is also mounted on the top of the chimney, BUT it has no mesh screen. Dampers have a solid lid that is lifted using weather-proof solid springs.
A cable is attached to the sides of the wall in the fireplace. This is connected up to the damper’s lid. When you need ventilation, you pull on the handles, and it opens the top. Once done, you can shut it close again.
Why many people might prefer fireplace damper over chimney caps is because:
- It seals the heat in winters and cool air conditioning in summers
- It protects the chimney by sealing out bugs, debris, and animals
- You don’t have to worry about downdrafts
- Odor control
- It can save up to 14% of heating costs
We recommend all our customers to use a combination of both: chimney cap and fireplace damper. This doesn’t mean you can put one over the other.
Some manufacturers make a combined unit that provides the best of both.
CT Chimney Repairs has the best manufacturer on board to provide you with the highest quality products. With the correct installation procedure and product, you can save heating and cooling costs over the long term.
For all your chimney repair and chimney inspection services, visit our website to schedule an appointment today.
