Finally got a clean sweep on the old Johnson place fireplace after three visits

I kept getting called back to that house because the living room would fill with smoke. The owner was sure it was a blockage, but I checked the flue and it was clear. On the third trip, I took a closer look at the damper. The old iron plate was warped just enough from years of heat that it wasn't sealing fully when closed. It was letting a steady draft down the chimney even when they had a fire going. I showed them how to adjust the handle to really crank it shut, and that fixed it. They were just pulling it to what felt like closed. A simple thing, but it makes a huge difference in draft control and safety. How many of you check the damper seal as part of a standard inspection?

3 comments

3 Comments

evannelson3mo ago

Seriously? A little warped damper causes that much smoke? Sounds like they were just building way too big of a fire.

tylerr293mo ago

Nah, a tiny gap can absolutely ruin your draft.

felix_coleman871mo agoMost Upvoted

Eh, I gotta disagree a bit here. A tiny gap can mess things up for sure but I've seen people run with way bigger issues and still get decent drafts. The bigger problem is usually the fire itself - if you build a smaller hot fire with dry wood, even a warped damper won't cause that much smoke. I mean sure, fix the gap if you can, but blaming a 1/8 inch opening for a room full of smoke? That's more about how you're burning lol.