#100: What Chimney Plug Do I Use if I Have a Damper Frame But No Door?

Fireplace #100: Metal Damper Frame, But No Damper Door

These fireplaces with a metal damper frame, but no door are common (image 100-1). Due to moisture and creosote acid, the metal rots away on the door and hardware. This represent a worst-possible-case-scenario as far and heating and cooling loss goes for your home. Once you get this plugged, you will notice an immediate difference.

You take your pick from the chimney plugs we offer. You just need to select the location you want to plug the flue, and measure length and width of that location.

Here are the advantages of each of the chimney plugs we offer:

• The Flueblocker would install right into the old damper frame opening. So measure the opening, and buy a Flueblocker that is at least that size. If you buy one oversized, you can trim it to fit with sharp scissors. This wool pad offers a tight seal and insulation properties.  This is good if you prefer a fix it and forget it solution. (image 100-3)
• The Chimney Balloon provides a tight seal and sound buffering capability. It is an inflatable, so it is less durable that the other options. The Chimney Balloon is about 10″ tall when inflated. So you must install it low in the smoke chamber right above the damper frame (image 100-4). It does particularly well at stopping odors and bugs.

What if I see a cable or chain coming down the chimney?

If there is a cable or chain coming down your chimney (image 100-2) that is a different kind of application, called a chimney top damper. You should read the article on that fireplace application.