Expert: James Ball - 6/21/2010

Question
Hi James,

I have a masonry fireplace with an all brick front. The fireplace has a damper that is connected to a Rotary-style control handle (I think it is made by vestal becomes it look the same as one that I have seen on web sites) that sticks out through the brick. By turning the handle I open and close the damper. I'm planning on re-facing the fireplace and installing stone veneer. By adding this extra layer, the damper handle becomes too short. How can I extend the handle in order to make it appear through the stone? Does the damper control mechanism allow for re-adjustment? OR would I have to put a new control? If new control where can I buy it from? Otherwise do you have the instructions on to extend/remove the control?

Another option would be to replace the damper control and instead of sticking through the stone veneer, change it to something more hidden (Maybe inside the fireplace)? Is there such products?

Your help is much appreciated, Thank you.
Jacob

Answer
Hello Jacob, you have a few options, the rod usually pulls straight out the front after you loosen the screw on the worm gear and just get a longer rod. or you could remove the existing damper, worn gear, pivots and rod fill all holes with fireplace cement and install a top mount damper. this is your best bet and will seal the chimney flue the best.
I would 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