Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Gas Fireplace Thermal Damper Problem
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Ubob
09-24-04, 03:51 PM
I have a problem with a gas fireplace that does not vent properly in a house we moved into last year. This involves what I believe is an “Autiomatic Thermal Vent Damper” or “Barometric Damper”. The problem is that it is no longer opening enough so that the smoke/fumes escape up the flue. I believe this to be due to age, rust, heat and soot over the years. In other words, the damper does not respond to the heat enough to open and let the smoke escape through the flue The smoke ends up entering the room. I do not leave it on too long because it leaves sooty residue on the drywall above the fireplace.
I would like to replace it, however cannot seem to find another or any information on this anywhere. I have been to three fireplace shops and have searched the web intensly for a replacement. I have removed it and simply have the open flue at the momment
I believe this to be a Majestic fireplace but can only rely on pictures I have found on the web because the identification/description tag normally attached by a small chain to the gas unit is missing.
The only “Thermal Vent Damper” that I have seen that is slightly similar to what I have is one I found on a Majestic Fireplaces Installation Instruction page for “Model TVD8 Thermal Vent Damper”. It is different but appears to do the same thing. I cannot find out where I can purchase one.
The dimensions are 10.5”x10.5”x1.75” with a 7” diameter opening and the damper flap being 7.5” in diameter. This leads me to believe the flue openeing inside the fireplace appears to be 9.5” in diameter. One end of the flap is connected by round springs that act as tension springs and (I suppose) would expand and open as they heat up.
Bottom line is think I need to replace or repair.
Any ideas appreciated. THANK YOU!!!
I have several photos but I do not have rights to post attachments on this forum. However, they can be seen at http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rbagnall22030/album?.dir=/adb6&.src=ph&.tok=phQ3zyBBM8JEVQJp
Here are the descriptions of the photos:
DamperBottom.jpg - shows the damper as it would look if it were installed in the gas fireplace looking at it from underneath.
DamperBottomB.jpg - is another view from below.
DamperTop.jpg - is the inside of the damper as it would be seen from above inside the flue.
DamperTopSide.jpg - is side view from above.
SpringInsideView.jpg - is a close-up of the tension springs from the inside.
DamperSprings.jpg - is a closeup of the tension springs as viewed from below the damper.
I would like to replace it, however cannot seem to find another or any information on this anywhere. I have been to three fireplace shops and have searched the web intensly for a replacement. I have removed it and simply have the open flue at the momment
I believe this to be a Majestic fireplace but can only rely on pictures I have found on the web because the identification/description tag normally attached by a small chain to the gas unit is missing.
The only “Thermal Vent Damper” that I have seen that is slightly similar to what I have is one I found on a Majestic Fireplaces Installation Instruction page for “Model TVD8 Thermal Vent Damper”. It is different but appears to do the same thing. I cannot find out where I can purchase one.
The dimensions are 10.5”x10.5”x1.75” with a 7” diameter opening and the damper flap being 7.5” in diameter. This leads me to believe the flue openeing inside the fireplace appears to be 9.5” in diameter. One end of the flap is connected by round springs that act as tension springs and (I suppose) would expand and open as they heat up.
Bottom line is think I need to replace or repair.
Any ideas appreciated. THANK YOU!!!
I have several photos but I do not have rights to post attachments on this forum. However, they can be seen at http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rbagnall22030/album?.dir=/adb6&.src=ph&.tok=phQ3zyBBM8JEVQJp
Here are the descriptions of the photos:
DamperBottom.jpg - shows the damper as it would look if it were installed in the gas fireplace looking at it from underneath.
DamperBottomB.jpg - is another view from below.
DamperTop.jpg - is the inside of the damper as it would be seen from above inside the flue.
DamperTopSide.jpg - is side view from above.
SpringInsideView.jpg - is a close-up of the tension springs from the inside.
DamperSprings.jpg - is a closeup of the tension springs as viewed from below the damper.