If you’ve noticed cold drafts slipping through your fireplace or rising heating bills in the winter, your chimney damper may not be doing its job.
At GMT Home Services, our CSIA-certified chimney technicians bring over 12 years of hands-on experience, serving homeowners across Connecticut—from Hartford and New Haven to Stamford and Bridgeport. We’ve helped over 3,000 families statewide repair, replace, and maintain their fireplace dampers, keeping homes safer and more energy-efficient year after year. Whether your damper plate is rusted, your frame is bent, or the assembly is completely stuck, we’ll fix it quickly and cost-effectively.
A fireplace damper:
When the damper is closed tightly, your chimney system conserves heat inside. When open, it allows a safe burn without trapping smoke indoors.
Our team repairs and installs all styles of chimney dampers, including:
“Not sure which one you have? Whether you’re in a colonial in West Hartford or a coastal home in Old Saybrook, we’ll inspect your damper frame and recommend the most cost-effective fix.”
Homeowners often call us about these common issues:
If your damper doesn’t open and close smoothly, or you can’t determine its position, it’s time for professional chimney sweep inspection and repair.
“Just last winter, we helped a family in Bristol whose damper was rusted shut — they had no idea it was the reason their living room always felt drafty.”
Wondering about the cost to repair a chimney damper? Prices can vary depending on the damage and damper type:
No matter the situation, we provide transparent estimates before starting. Repairing your damper early is the most cost-effective way to prevent heat loss and avoid expensive further damage to your chimney.
“Most homeowners in Connecticut spend less on a damper repair than on a single month of wasted heating bills.”
If you have a gas fireplace, your damper should never be fully closed. It must leave a gap in the opening for safe venting of carbon monoxide.
Our chimney experts will:
A broken gas fireplace damper isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a safety risk.
Salt air, moisture, and heavy winds along the shoreline can quickly rust damper plates and hinges. Whether you’re in New Haven, Branford, Guilford, or out east in Old Saybrook and New London, our professional chimney sweeps can keep your damper functioning properly year-round.
From rusty damper plates and bent frames to full damper assembly replacements, we handle every job with precision, care, and safety in mind.
A functioning damper means no wasted heat, no dangerous smoke backdraft, and a safer fireplace. If your damper is broken, rusted, or stuck, don’t wait—repairing it now is far more cost effective than a full rebuild later.
The most common issue with a broken damper is difficulty opening or closing it. You might notice drafts, heat loss, or smoke entering your house when you start a fire. Rusted hinges, a warped damper plate, or a bent frame are other signs. If the damper handle or rod feels stuck, call a professional chimney sweep to inspect and fix the problem.
The cost to repair a chimney damper can vary depending on the type of damper and the extent of the damage. Small repairs like tightening bolts, cleaning soot, or adjusting the controls are less expensive, while full replacement of a damper assembly or top mount damper may cost more. Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to avoid further damage.
No. A damper stuck closed will trap smoke and carbon monoxide inside your firebox and house, creating a serious safety risk. If your damper is broken or jammed, do not start a fire until it is repaired or replaced.
Yes, but with an important difference. A gas fireplace with a standing pilot light requires the damper opening to stay partially vented at all times. This prevents dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Our technicians check the damper stop, springs, and hinges to make sure your gas fireplace is functioning properly.
It depends on the condition of the damper assembly. If the damper plate, frame, or hinges are lightly worn, repairing or adjusting may be enough. But if the parts are rusted, bent, or broken, replacement is usually more reliable and helps prevent heat loss in the long run. Our experts can help you determine the most cost-effective option.
Your chimney damper should be inspected at least once a year by a professional chimney sweep. Annual inspections help catch common issues like rust, soot buildup, or a bent frame before they cause further damage. This routine check is also the most cost-effective way to ensure your chimney system is functioning properly.
While some homeowners try to push or adjust the damper handle, DIY fixes can make the problem worse. A damper assembly has springs, hinges, bolts, and other parts that may be rusted, broken, or misaligned. Attempting to fix it without proper tools can lead to a messy job or even damage the damper frame. It’s always best to call an expert for safe and reliable repair.
Our team will help you determine whether a repair or replacement is the most cost-effective option for your fireplace.
