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Throat vs Top-Sealing Dampers

When it comes to heating your home, you want to be as cozy and comfortable as possible, but it seems like your utility bills get higher every year. One of the most common reasons why your heating costs have been increasing is that heated air escapes from your home through the chimney because your damper cannot close completely. If you have a traditional throat damper, Atlas Chimney damperChimney can help you save money and energy by installing a new top-sealing damper. For over 25 years, we have been providing the Austin area with top quality professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services. We would like to tell you more about why top-sealing dampers are so much better than traditional throat dampers.

Why do I need to replace my traditional throat damper?

The problem with throat dampers that they are made of metal, and over the years, these traditional dampers can suffer from corrosion damage. When your damper is rusted, it can be difficult to open and close, and it could even become stuck in position. Another problem with this type of damper is that it cannot seal properly because of its metal-to-metal closure. Heated and cooled air can easily leak through traditional throat dampers, and this can lead to higher utility bills because you must adjust your thermostat to be comfortable inside your home.

Why are top-sealing dampers so much better than throat dampers?

Installed at the very top of your chimney, a top-sealing damper has a silicone rubber gasket that provides an air-tight seal whenever the damper is closed. After Atlas Chimney replaces your throat damper with one of these dampers, you will notice that your utility bills are lower than they have been in the past. Since this type of damper is located at the top of the chimney, it can also function as a chimney cap by keeping water, birds, and wild animals out of the flue. If you have had difficulties opening and closing your metal throat damper, you will appreciate how easy it is to adjust your new top-sealing damper into position. You simply pull a lever by the firebox to open and close the damper. We strongly recommend updating your chimney with a top-sealing damper.

If you would like to make your home more energy-efficient, contact us today at Atlas Chimney to learn more about top-sealing dampers. We are here for all of your professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

The Benefits of a Chimney Cap

One of the most important components of a masonry chimney is the chimney cap. Not only does a chimney cap keep water out of the flue when it rains, but this essential chimney part also prevents A lovely chimney capwild animals and birds from getting inside the chimney to nest. For over 25 years, Atlas Chimney has provided superior professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services to the Austin area, and we have seen what can happen to an uncapped chimney. We would like to tell you more about the benefits of a chimney cap.

PREVENTS WATER LEAKS

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a chimney cap is the most economical way that a homeowner can prevent water penetration damage. Located at the top of the chimney, a chimney cap protects your home from water leaks, and this can save you from having to spend money in the near future on expensive chimney masonry repair work. Without a chimney cap, your roof has an open hole that allows water to easily enter whenever it rains.

KEEPS WILD ANIMALS & BIRDS OUT

If you have ever dealt with a family of birds or squirrels nesting inside your chimney, you definitely know exactly how important it is to have a chimney cap professionally installed on the top of your chimney. At Atlas Chimney, you will find a wide variety of chimney caps that are equipped with metal mesh sides that serve to stop wild animals and birds from being able to get inside the chimney. We can show you the best caps to prevent animal invasions.

DECREASES FIRE HAZARDS

The metal mesh sides on chimney caps that keep birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals out of your home have another important function that benefits your home. These sides also stop hot sparks and embers from jumping out of the top of your chimney to possibly start a fire on your roof. This will also lower your risk of an accidental brush fire in your yard.

IMPROVES DRAFT

When you have problems with your chimney draft, it can be challenging to light a fire or to keep a fire going in your fireplace. If you would like to improve your chimney draft, Atlas Chimney can show you chimney caps that have been designed with side vents that can direct the wind into your chimney to help pull out smoke and other exhaust gases.

With so many benefits available, it is easy to see why a chimney cap is such an essential component of an efficient chimney system. Contact Atlas Chimney today to learn more about our professional chimney cap sales and installation services.

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