Let’s add to that question…Is it necessary to have a chimney cap or a fireplace damper for a gas fireplace? Or is it just for wood burning fireplaces? A popular question worth investigating.
Chimney Cap
Chimney caps are mounted over the top of the flue. The purpose of a chimney cap is to keep rain, animals and debris out of the chimney and your home. The chimney cap has a mesh screen on all 4 sides with a solid top that extends over the edges, allowing for water and debris to fall out and away from the chimney flue. Because chimney caps are open on all 4 sides, smoke and heat in the flue comes up and out.
Chimney Damper / Fireplace Damper
These terms are interchangeable, so to keep you on your toes, I’ll use both terms. The chimney damper is mounted on top of the chimney, the same as a chimney cap. This is where the difference comes in. The fireplace damper has no mesh sides, but has a solid lid that is lifted by strong weather-proof springs. The lid is lifted by a cable that goes down the chimney and is mounted to the side of the wall in the fireplace. Pull on the handle, and it opens right up allowing ventilation. When done, it’ll close right up.
• Seals in the heat in winter, air conditioning in the summer
• Seals out animals, bugs, debris
• Gets rid of downdrafts
• Odor control
• Saves 14% of heating cost
Both chimney cap and fireplace damper are used for gas fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces. If it’s still hard to choose which one is best for you home, contact Superior Chimney and we’ll walk you through the process. Contact us at 877-CHIM FIX 877-244-6349.
