Expert: James Ball - 12/6/2008

Question
I just bought a 40-year-old, one-story house with a wood-burning fireplace. It is the original fireplace that was built into the wall. The flue is 8-inch round metal with a round chimney cap. A certified chimney sweep inspected the chimney. He said it is in working condition but the damper is missing. It cannot be repaired. What are my options? Would a chimney top damper be safe for this situation?

Answer
Hello Robert, it sounds like a Pre-fab unit, why is the damper missing, is it safe to use with that missing? in most cases you should replace what you have with original factory replacement parts, if you can not find them then you must use some thing that was designed for use with that type of fireplace or you could cause a fire.
so find out what type of Pre-fab you have, contact them and ask them what would work. If you can not get in touch with them then the top mount damper must be rated for use with a Pre-fab unit.
James