Expert: James Ball - 10/26/2009

Question
Hello James,

I'm going to be replacing my Damper in my Brick Chimney for it has rusted out. I have the old style Pull to open Push to close Handle that is on the outside of the flue, but on the inside of the house about two feet above the fireplace.

My problem is.

One side of the Damper has rusted and fallen off.

How can I fix it using the existing handle? Is this a custom type of Damper? Have you came across these before? Would it be better to use a brand new insert damper with a new Handel? I would like to keep the old one.

Answer
Hello Joe, not sure what you have but they do make a replacement  "Top Mount Damper" that goes on top of the chimney with a SS cable that runs down the inside of the chimney with a mounting bracket in the firebox that you open and close from there, they work great, I install dozens each year. they are called "sealTite or Lymance" and you can find them on the net and install it your self or you could have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James