Chimney Cap Vs Damper

The options for dampers vary with where the damper is installed.

Chimney cap vs damper.

If you have neither a chimney cap nor a top damper the best solution is to install a combination chimney cap damper. If you are dealing with chimney swifts chimney caps are your friend. The payback period is different for different people but top sealing dampers pay for themselves over time. The inability for a chimney cover to close does work for gas fireplaces however since gas logs produce carbon monoxide all gas fireplaces must be open at all times.

Fireplace and chimney authority offers a wide variety of chimney caps from stainless steel copper and galvanized metal. On the other hand the sides of a chimney cap always allow air to flow. Some have a spark arrestor screen and some are constructed like a standard chimney cap and will keep the rain out even when open. A rain cap a chimney cover or an animal guard is something that mounts over the top of the flue.

Chimney dampers the fundamental difference between chimney caps and dampers is that dampers shut off the flue restricting airflow. In the case of fireplaces it also slows down the heated house air from going up the chimney. This is the main purpose of a fireplace damper. The best solution is to install a chimney cap that is compatible with your top damper.

Chimney caps provide protection against natural hazards and debris while chimney dampers essentially act as a seal and are able to prevent air loss and down drafts. Throat chimney dampers unlike the top mounted damper which is obviously located on the upper end of the chimney the throat damper is located more towards the fireplace. Mostly all fireplaces aside from gas will have a damper somewhere in their chimney system. Top dampers with chimney caps whenever your top damper is open rain or unwelcome visitors like birds squirrels bats or rats can enter.

A damper is a device which slows down the flow of smoke.