Damper repair and replacement in Tulsa
A damper that opens fully when you burn and closes tight when you do not.
Chimney and fireplace repair
A door that should close tight
The damper is the metal door you open for a fire and close when the fireplace is cold. When it rusts, warps or sticks, heated air leaves the house, cold air and rain come in, and smoke can roll into the room. Damper repair or replacement gets that door working again.
Opens fully
So smoke goes up and not into the room.
Closes tight
Keeps drafts and heated air where they belong.
Repair or replace
We fix what can be fixed.
You approve first
Options and cost before we start.
What the damper does
Most fireplaces have one of two kinds.
A throat damper sits just above the firebox, and you work it with a handle, lever or knob inside the fireplace. Many older masonry fireplaces have one. A top-sealing damper sits on top of the chimney and closes with a cable that runs down into the firebox. It seals against a rubber gasket, so when it is shut it also keeps rain and animals out.
Both kinds have the same job. They open fully when you burn and close tight when you do not. A damper that does neither costs you heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.
Signs your damper needs attention
You can check some of these yourself with a flashlight when the fireplace is cold:
- A handle or lever that sticks or will not move
- A damper that will not open all the way, so smoke comes into the room
- A cold draft from the fireplace when it is closed
- Rust flakes or water in the firebox after rain
- A warped or broken plate that no longer seals
- Daylight around the edges when it is shut
Repair or replace?
Some dampers only need cleaning, a new handle part or an adjustment so they open and close smoothly. A damper that has rusted through or warped from heat usually needs to be replaced. In many masonry chimneys, a top-sealing damper is a good replacement for a throat damper that can no longer seal, because it also keeps rain and animals out. We explain the options and the cost, and you decide.
A rusted damper often means water is getting into the chimney. We check the chimney cap and the crown too, so a new damper does not rust the same way.
Damper repair and replacement around Tulsa
We do this work for homeowners in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Sapulpa, Catoosa, Glenpool and Coweta. Call (918) 361-4929 and describe what you are seeing, and we will tell you what to expect before we come out.
On this page
Ready to book?
Request an appointment and we will confirm your time window.
How the job works
From inspection to finished repair
The same four steps on every repair.
1
We look closely
We inspect the problem and the parts around it.
2
We explain it
You hear what we found, how urgent it is and your options.
3
You approve the work
We only do the work you choose.
4
We finish and clean up
The work gets done and the area is left clean.
Damper repair and replacement questions
Damper repair and replacement FAQ
Another question? Call us and talk to a real person.
Can a damper be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?
It depends on the damage. A sticky or misaligned damper can often be cleaned and adjusted. One that has rusted through or warped from heat usually needs to be replaced. We show you what we found and you decide.
What is a top-sealing damper?
It is a damper that sits on top of the chimney instead of above the firebox. A cable in the fireplace opens and closes it, and a rubber gasket seals it shut, so it keeps out drafts, rain and animals.
Why does cold air come out of my fireplace?
Usually the damper is open, warped or no longer sealing. A damper that closes tight stops the draft. We check it on every visit.
Chimney repairs
Other chimney repairs
Each one starts with a look at your chimney.
Chimney cap installation
A cap that fits keeps rain, animals and debris out and sparks in.
Chimney crown repair
We seal or rebuild the slab that sheds water off the top of the chimney.
Flue liner repair and relining
A sound liner keeps heat away from your home and smoke gases out of the brick.
Masonry and flashing repair
Brick, mortar and the roof seal around the chimney repaired before water gets in.
Smoke chamber repair
Cracks sealed and rough brick parged smooth so smoke moves up cleanly.
Firebox repair
Cracked firebrick and burned-out joints repaired where the fire burns.
Book your sweep
Ready for a safe, clean burn season?
Request an appointment and we will confirm your time window.