FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
The Daily Fix

Choosing a Chimney Flue-Top Damper

By Mike Guertin
Hinged Damper

The Lock-Top model shown here has a stainless-steel cap mounted to diagonal spring wire. The cap stays level as it opens and closes.

The other style has a spring-loaded pivoting cast-metal damper hinged to the frame. It’s a lower profile and isn’t as noticeable from the ground when opened. The frame, cable, and retaining bracket mount the same as with the Lock-Top model.

Pop-up damper Hinged damper
Pop-Up Damper (Lock-Top model) Hinged Damper

I’ve used both styles of damper and have no preference. Both install and operate similarly. Prices for both models run from $150 to $350, depending on flue size. If the cable breaks on either type, the damper automatically opens. Eventually, the stainless-steel cables have to be replaced. Depending on use, this could be a couple of years or decades. I save the cable offcut when the damper is installed; plenty is left to replace cables for the fireplace of a single-story home. You also can buy cable at many hardware or boating supply stores.

Sources

All Season Control Cover www.controlcover.com/index.html

Energy Top Damper & Seal Tight Damper www.usfireplaceproducts.com/products.htm

RMR Top Damper and Chim-a-lator www.rumford.com/store/dampers.html

Read the complete article…
Installing a Flue-Top Damper
A rooftop model keeps rain outside and conditioned air inside
by Mike Guertin
Get the PDF

 

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More The Daily Fix

View All
  • Eight Ways to Patch Drywall
  • How much is your pinky worth?
  • Energy-Efficient Framing Practices for Hurricane and Tornado Country
  • 2012 IRC Codifies Window and Door Pan Flashings
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Scenic Views in Austin

This house west of downtown Austin, Texas, has floor-to-ceiling glass with no window treatments but uses the topography as a privacy screen.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 608: Roofs with Self-adhered Membranes, Heating and Cooling Loads, and Introducing People to Trade Work
  • Issue #320 – Dec. 2023/Jan. 2024
  • Podcast 607: Wood Foundations for Winter Builds, Adding Headroom, and Aeroseal for Leaky Ducts
  • Podcast 607: Members-only Aftershow—Holiday Gifts for Home-Building Enthusiasts

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast 608: Roofs with Self-adhered Membranes, Heating and Cooling Loads, and Introducing People to Trade Work
  • Podcast 607: Wood Foundations for Winter Builds, Adding Headroom, and Aeroseal for Leaky Ducts
  • Podcast 607: Members-only Aftershow—Holiday Gifts for Home-Building Enthusiasts
  • Podcast 606: Foam Slabs, Gaps in Click Flooring, and Board and Batten Rainscreens
View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • 2024 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Complete 3rd Edition
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 320 - Dec 2023/Jan 2024
    • How to Reuse Salvaged Wood
    • Chainsaw Retrofit and Energy Performance
    • Maximize HVAC Efficiency
  • Issue 319 - November 2023
    • Nearly Net-Zero ADU
    • An Easy Approach to Coffered Ceilings
    • Understanding Types of Roof Vents
  • Issue 318 - October 2023
    • Make Mudsills Square and Level
    • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Lloyd Alter
  • Issue 317 - Aug/Sept 2023
    • Finishing Drywall With Seamless Results
    • A Flat Roof in a Cold Climate
    • Compact Cordless Shop Vacs
  • Issue 316 - July 2023
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to set_percent%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in