How to fix a leaky fireplace cast-iron throat damper?
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My fireplace has a cast-iron damper in it, which looks pretty much like this one: http://www.northlineexpress.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=5VE-01-005&source=shopping&kw=5VE-01-005& Notice the small hole in it, no idea why that's there, but that plus the fact that it seems to have warped a little adds up to a LOT of cold air rushing down my chimney during the winter months. Does anybody know of any tools that could seal/fix a leaky damper? I've seen links to the "chimney pillows" but they look pretty wimpy as well as annoying to put in / take out every time. I was hoping for some kind of high-temp sealant to fix the cast iron damper's warped edges, but if that's not an option, does anyone have experience with the top-mounted chimney dampers? |
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Well, JB Weld does make a high-temp version of its cement, but I believe it's only good to 600 degrees F. However, if you really wanted to plug that particular hole, you could just use a steel bolt and nut to plug it. The JB Weld could make it permanent... although there must a reason why they manufacture them with holes... breathing?
I don't have a solution for you, but I've tried using a chimney pillow to retain heat (my chimney doesn't have a flue at all!), and my experience definitely bears out your suspicion. Doesn't work very well. It helps, but it's not a solid seal.
I should add that the visible hole is only part of the problem - I've taped it shut as a test and a ton of air still slide down around the warped and not-sealing flapper.