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I cannot remove the handle from my fireplace damper

I cannot remove the handle from my fireplace damper

by | Mar 22, 2019 | Fireplaces

Q: Jason, I am very interested in a Chimney Balloon for my fireplace damper. I have a question that does not appear to be answered in your FAQ’s. How do you install a Chimney Balloon with a dampener handle sticking down into the firebox area? I cannot remove the handle and it would seem to be an object preventing a seal. I am sure there is an answer to this and await your reply. – DS

A: Hi DS, I don’t mean to be picky about vocabulary (It was not my strong suit in school either) but the correct word for the metal door in the fireplace is a “fireplace damper“. It is a common slip of the tongue, people call them dampers all the time.

In your particular application, I would recommend that you take your Chimney Balloon measurement above the damper opening. This location will get your Chimney Balloon up and out of the way of the damper hardware that is below the damper door.

From the picture, it looks like the damper is nice and low, but photos of flues can be deceiving in depth. If you cannot easily touch the damper door with two hands I would recommend you purchase a HEK valve extender with your Chimney Balloon to make the inflation go easier. – Jason

#28: I Have a Large Rectangular Damper that Pivots in the Middle. How Do I Plug the Flue?

#28: I Have a Large Rectangular Damper that Pivots in the Middle. How Do I Plug the Flue?

by | Aug 29, 2017 | Fireplaces

#28: I Have a Large Rectangular Damper that Pivots in the Middle. How Do I Plug the Flue?

28-1 Closed Rectangular Center Pivot Butterfly Damper

28-2 Open Rectangular Center Pivot Butterfly Damper

Fireplace #28: Rectangle center-pivot butterfly damper

These high-up  center pivot rectangular dampers are not very common, and are usually on the two-sided fireplaces that have large fireboxes. Here are some of their characteristics:

  • The damper is set over 2 feet above the firebox.
  • The rectangular damper is almost as wide as it is long.
  • There is rigid damper hardware below the damper to actuate the opening of the door.
  • The smoke chamber narrows to a flue tile above the damper.

These fireplaces usually require a large square or rectangle custom made Flueblocker that is installed right above the firebox, and below the damper hardware. If you have this application call 608-467-0229 and talk with technical support. We will have you take a few measurements, and we can give you a quote and lead time on a custom Flueblocker.