Santa's Friend Chimney Service

Why We Recommend Top-Mounted Dampers


According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a damper is a “must item” for every fireplace. A damper is essential for an energy-efficient home as it keeps the heat in and the cold air out of your house, which also saves you money on heating bills. You can also use your damper to control the flow of heat and smoke up the chimney. Dampers are available in two different types: the throat damper and the top-mounted damper. Also known as the traditional fireplace damper, a throat damper is installed right above the firebox. However, this type of damper has many flaws and issues. At Santa’s Friend Chimney Service, we strongly recommend the top-mounted damper over the throat damper. We would like to share with you why we like top-mounted dampers and tell you about the benefits of these dampers.

With dual functions, a top-mounted damper is a “two for the price of one” chimney component.

One of the best benefits of a top-mounted damper is that it also serves as a chimney cap when the damper is closed, and, honestly, it actually gives you better protection than an ordinary chimney cap. Equipped with a silicone rubber gasket to seal in heat and air conditioning as a damper, a top-mounted damper also provides you with an air-tight seal to keep out water, debris, birds, squirrels, and raccoons — just as a chimney cap should. Santa’s Friend Chimney Service recommends installing a top-mounted damper to our customers who need to replace a damaged chimney cap. Some models of top-mounted dampers come with caps, so even when the damper is open, your chimney is still protected from debris and animals.

A top-mounted damper saves both energy and money.

Throat dampers just cannot completely seal as well as top-mounted dampers. You do not have to worry about cold air, ice, and snow entering the flue and chase to create a cold core in your chimney. A cold core tries to cool your home at the same time that your heating system is trying to warm it up, which causes you to waste fuel and money. Since a top-mounted damper sits on the top of your chimney, cold air never even has a chance to get anywhere inside your chimney because your entire flue is sealed air-tight with the silicone rubber gasket. Trust us when we say you will save money on both cooling and heating bills when you install a top-mounted damper.

Top Mount Damper - Jackson MS - Santa's Friend Chimney

A top-mounted damper is easy to open and close.

With some throat dampers, you have to practically stick your head up the fireplace to open and close the dampers. When you have a top-mounted damper, opening and closing the damper is simple and hassle-free. A cable from the damper drops down the chimney and connects to an easily-accessible handle that is mounted inside the firebox. Different models have different opening and closing methods, but Santa’s Friend Chimney Service guarantees you will find all easy to use.

Want to know more about why we love top-mounted dampers so much? Contact Santa’s Friend Chimney Service to find out even more advantages to this type of damper.

By on October 29th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , | Leave a Comment