Chimney caps and fireplace dampers are two components that often get overlooked by homeowners in Madison, NJ. But they’re among the most important components of a modern chimney and fireplace system and should always be kept in good working order.
Approved Chimney provides repair and installation of chimney caps and dampers throughout Morris County, NJ, and the greater Newark, NJ, area. Here’s some helpful information about these two components.
Chimney Cap and Damper Brief Overview
Chimney caps cover the flue opening at the top of a chimney to protect against:
- Rain
- Snow
- Tree debris
- Small animals
It’s never advisable to operate a chimney without a proper cap. Doing so can lead to interior water damage, mold growth, drafting blockages, and animal infestations.
There are fireplace dampers, which sit just above the firebox, and there are top-mount dampers, also called “chimney dampers,” which are installed at the top of a chimney and take the place of chimney caps.
Both damper styles open and close to regulate the amount of drafting air that moves across the log stack during a fire. Without sufficient air, fires will be hard to start and will burn sluggishly. Dampers also close tightly to prevent conditioned air from the home’s interior from escaping.
Signs of Problems to Watch For
Keep an eye out for the following:
- Rust accumulating on the surfaces of the chimney cap
- A cap that’s loose or lifting off its mount
- Musty odors coming out of the fireplace
- Strange noises in the chimney
- Smoke backing up into your home
- Carbon monoxide monitors going off
- Fires that are difficult to start
- Unexpected increase in utility bills
Note that some of these signs can point to things other than problems with a chimney cap or damper. This is why we perform chimney inspections.
Chimney Inspections Madison, NJ
Approved Chimney provides licensed chimney inspections that should be scheduled annually. The basic safety inspection checks all readily accessible areas of your chimney and fireplace system, including the chimney cap and damper.
If your chimney is doing “weird” things, we’ll find out why. If it’s an issue with the chimney cap or damper, we can repair or replace either component. If it’s something else, we’ll address that.
Your New Jersey Chimney Experts
Our mission is to help homeowners get their damaged chimneys back into shape and keep them in shape.
- Highly trained technicians with CSIA certifications
- We use industry-leading components and materials and never “cut corners”
- You’ll know what needs to be done to your chimney and how much it will cost before any work begins
- We’re committed to the safety and comfort of every customer
- Fast response times – we won’t leave you waiting forever to get your chimney fixed
- A trusted name in Madison, NJ, since 2012
Approved Chimney Is Ready to Work
If you’re having trouble with your chimney cap, damper, or any other part of your chimney, we’re ready to get to work. Speak with a Madison, NJ, chimney repair professional by phone or through our contact form.
