When is chimney flue open

If you can see open dampers or see the sky, that will prove that the flue is open. Failure to see the sky implies a closed flue or one that may need unclogging. Feeling the breeze is another method you can use to know whether you have an open or closed flue. Locate your hand inside the fireplace and wait to notice if you can feel the air flowing.

When the flue is open, air will flow down the chimney. Damper controls vary depending on functionality and structure. Some open the flue by rotating a knob in the anticlockwise or clockwise direction, while others require you to pull or push to open the flue. You can quickly tell whether you have an open or closed flue depending on the position of these controls.

For inquiries about chimney and fireplace service , contact Rooftop Chimney Sweeps. It also allows fresh air to come in to feed the fire. Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. Another way to find out if the damper is open is to do a visual check. If your chimney has a traditional damper, all you need to do is shine a flashlight up the chimney.

If you can see the sky, it is open. If you see closed metal or ceramic slats, you know it needs to be opened. Well, an open damper will allow the smoke from the fire along with other harmful combustion byproducts to escape through the chimney and be channeled safely to the outside.

An open damper also invites outside air that assists in keeping the fire alive. If your damper is closed while the fire is burning, then you could run into some serious trouble.

You can find your fireplace damper at the base of the chimney. Know that there are three main types of damper styles:. First, perform a quick visual inspection. The damper is a piece of metal that can be angled by using the knob or chain used to control it to the open or closed position. Are you unsure as to whether the damper is open or closed? Stick your hand near the opening of the fireplace. Pulling the handle towards you will close the damper. Your house will quickly fill with smoke if you start a fire with a closed damper.

You should get into the habit of checking whether the damper is open or not before starting a fire for safety reasons. An open damper will let air circulate freely in the chimney flue.

You should be able to feel cold air by moving your hand or face into the fireplace. Note: This is not a foolproof method if you have a top-mount damper. Cold air stored in the chimney flue can give you the impression that the damper is open.

A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. You should be able to reach up and touch the closed damper. If you have a top-mount damper, check for daylight at the top of the flue.

Some sources suggest you can check whether your damper is open or closed by simply starting a fire in your fireplace. Starting a fire with a closed damper is extremely dangerous and should never be used as a testing method.

Having smoke fill your house is more than an unpleasant experience. You risk damage to the interior of your home, your belongings, and, most importantly, your health when a closed damper causes smoke to become trapped in the house. A closed throat damper will cause smoke to fill your house immediately when you start a fire.