Chimney Concepts Serves Plymouth & Surrounding Cities With Care & Dedication
Close your eyes and picture your ideal town… Is it small? Picturesque? Known as the “Cheese Capital of the World?” You may be thinking of Plymouth, WI. It has a rich dairy heritage, a welcoming ambiance, and offers a charming blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities.
Are you new to the area? Then, first things first, you’ll want to check out Antoinette the Cow – the iconic 20-foot-tall cow statue that is a symbol of Plymouth’s dairy industry. It’s a must-see for everyone – and, let’s be honest, it makes for a great photo opp.
There’s also great spots like Plymouth Arts Center and Plymouth Aquatic Center, and there are plenty of shops and dining options in the Downtown Plymouth area too.
And, of course, as the globe’s beloved cheese capital, Plymouth is home to several cheese factories, some of which offer tours where you can learn about cheese-making and sample fresh Wisconsin cheeses. You can also take your own mural tour to see the collection of beautiful murals around the city, many of which depict the town’s history and heritage.
It’s clear that Plymouth is a one-of-a-kind destination, and it’s a city we’re always happy to serve and travel to. If you’re in the area, and you need chimney and fireplace services, don’t wait to give us a call or schedule online. We’ve got your back!
What Are Energy-Saving Top-Sealing Dampers? What Are Their Benefits?
Energy-saving top-sealing dampers are devices installed at the top of the chimney flue, either replacing traditional throat dampers or serving as an addition to existing dampers. Top-sealing dampers form a tight seal when closed, and they can provide better draft control than traditional dampers.
Top-sealing dampers offer several benefits geared to improve energy efficiency, enhance fireplace performance, and reduce heat loss:
- Home efficiency. The excellent seal of a closed top-sealing damper promotes a pleasant and sustainable indoor air temperature. Minimizing drafts reduces the workload on your HVAC system, leading to energy savings.
- Performance. A better control over chimney draft means good airflow during fireplace operation and better overall functioning.
- Durability. Top-sealing dampers face the weather, yes, but they’re designed to withstand exposure to the elements and have a long lifespan.
- Convenience. Despite their location at the top of your chimney, they feature convenient handle or cord systems to allow easy opening and closing from inside your home.
Top-sealing dampers are also versatile and can be installed on many different types and sizes of chimneys. Interested in a potential upgrade? Don’t wait to reach out – the crew at Chimney Concepts would be happy to set you up.
How Do I Know if My Fireplace Damper Needs Repair?
Keeping your fireplace damper in good, working condition is really important. These devices are essential for keeping household temps regulated, and they need to be able to open easily for when you go to light a fire. So, how will you know if yours needs some help?
Easy – book you annual inspection with our team. Chimneys should be inspected every year, and during these our experts can check out your damper and note its condition. If there are any issues or mishaps present, rest assured, we’ll catch them.
In the meantime, there are several signs that your fireplace damper might not be working right. If you notice any of these, reach out to our experts right away – whether you’re due for an inspection or not:
- Difficulty opening or closing. If you’re finding it would take a bodybuilder to get your damper opened or closed with ease, you have an issue. It’s possible that your fireplace damper has warped or rusted, or that it’s obstructed by debris that’s built-up. (Did we mention that we can also help you with a chimney cap?) If you can’t get your damper opened or closed, or if it’s no longer aligning well, give us a call to determine why.
- Excessive draft. If your damper is closed and you still feel air entering the room through the fireplace, your damper likely isn’t sealing well. Conversely, air shouldn’t be escaping outside when the damper is closed. If the temperature of your home is getting harder to manage, damper damage may be the culprit.
- Increased energy bills. Along the same lines, if your heating or cooling bills are higher than they out to be, it might be that your damper is allowing heat loss or affecting your air conditioner’s ability to do its job.
- Smoke in the room. If you’re plagued by smoke in the room when using your fireplace, the damper is either obstructed or not opening fully. What’s even more problematic is what you don’t see – which is harmful combustion gases (like carbon monoxide) that also can’t vent.
- Foul odors. Chimney odors associated with poor ventilation can arise from a poor seal. While a number of things can contribute to chimney odor, a faulty damper is one potential cause worth investigating.
- Visible signs of breakdown. If your damper is accessible to you, you might simply notice signs that your damper needs to be fixed or replaced. If there’s rust, it can weaken the damper mechanism, and corrosion can also damage your damper’s seal.
If you observe these signs – or have other issues affecting your enjoyment of your fireplace – you should schedule a professional inspection. When setting it up, share your concerns with us. It may seem like a hassle, but quick action is actually the best path to getting the most out of your fireplace – and protecting your investment in your home.
-Sandra G.
Services We Offer
Book Your Next Chimney Service With Us
We’ve been working with chimney systems, top to bottom, for decades. We’re committed to providing reliable service with integrity, and the last thing we want is something like chimney damper woes to put a damper on the safe and pleasant usage of your home fireplace.
Call or reach out online to book an inspection, repair, or replacement. We help you get things back up to snuff!
Our service area extends far and wide. No matter where you live, be in Milwaukee, Plymouth, West Bend, or somewhere else, we’re here to serve you.