Did you know that your fireplace and chimney have several unique and important parts to it? It isn't just a big tube going up out of the roof! There are several different pieces that are in place in order to ensure you and your family are safe and healthy. Anything that has to do with fire and smoke is worth knowing about to ensure the system is working properly. This includes understanding the chimney cap and fireplace damper and the difference between the two.

What is a damper?

First, let's talk about the flue. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is burning in your fireplace. The damper is located in this flue. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it, which makes it easy to find and operate. Your damper has multiple benefits. For one, it keeps cold air out. When your chimney is not in use, the outside air can easily work its way in by coming down through the chimney if it wasn't closed off. Dampers are made to seal the chimney when fires aren’t being run, so that the cold air stays outside where it belongs. That's not all they do, though. Dampers also send the smoke away. Imagine your home filling up with smoke every time you light a fire! That is people centuries ago had to deal with before the chimney damper was developed. Today, this ingenious device can easily be opened to let smoke escape. That's not all. Chimney dampers also control the intensity of your fire. As your damper is adjusted more or less oxygen flows through your fire, thus allowing you the flames as intense or subtle as you’d like. You can let a lot of oxygen in to get the fire going strong and then close it slightly to control the flames.

What is a chimney cap?

The damper controls the smoke going out, and the cap controls what comes in. The chimney cap is installed onto the top of the chimney's flue and is vital for preventing anything and everything from getting inside your home. Without a chimney cap, water would come right in when it rains. Rodents and other nasty critters would come in too! 

Where can I buy chimney parts?

When it comes to the various parts that make up a chimney, each has their own specific and important role. Remember, you can find caps and chimney dampers for sale on our website. This is the easiest and most affordable way to shop for your needed parts. You can find exactly what you're looking for, buy it with a few clicks of your mouse, and have it shipped right to your doorstep when you shop with Fireside Chimney. It couldn't be any easier!