Anybody have experience replacing a flue in the fireplace? The home we have been in under a year has a large gap on one side of the flue about 1 1/2″ tall and 2″ long so that my heat will fly up and out! I just can’t figure out how to repair this problem and don’t know even how it could have occurred. I guess shirt term I can stuff a small piece of insulation in there when we don’t have a fire going.
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I'm presuming you are refering to the metal throat damper or damper frame having the gap and NOT the actual flue liner of the chimney??? A gap in the flue liner is a firesafety issue.
To fix the Flue Damper I have the ultimate solution that is even better than the original damper - install a new flue-top damper. It completely seals air from leaking (even a regular properly working throat damper leaks like a sieve). You can install one in about an hour or two. It clamps and seals to the top of the flue and has a stainless steel cable run through the flue and into the firebox. You release the cable stop from a firebox-side mounted bracket to open the damper, pull the cable to close. I've been installing them on new homes and remodels for 15 years without any client complaints. Great thing is the dampers keep water and critters from entering. Just remember to leave it open on Christmas eve or the kids may be disappointed.
I wrote an article for FHB on how to install a flue-top damper and it should be published shortly. You can try emailing the guy who fills out the editorial schedule - Tim Snyder at [email protected] to see when the article will appear.
Mike
I believe that it's in the next issue - should be on newsstands near the end of November - a bit earlier for subscribers.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
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