VESTAL Cast-Iron Fireplace Throat Damper, 24"

Description

The throat is the part of the fireplace just above the fireplace opening and serves to connect the firebox with the smoke chamber. Proper shaping of the throat is conceded the most critical part of the fireplace. A properly designed fireplace damper relieves the mason the responsibility of designing the important throat. The throat should be long and narrow to make the fire burn evenly across the back wall. The throat should have a large area of cross section and a high shape, and should have smooth side walls with as little friction as possible for smoke drawing up the chimney. Most masons today do not attempt to design the throat. They prefer to use a fireplace damper. The damper also allows the draft to be shut off during non-use periods, conserving other sources of heat or air conditioning. It also permits regulation of the draft when the fireplace is in use. The fireplace damper should be designed for permanence. Once it is installed in the masonry it is difficult to replace. The damper is exposed to direct heat from the fire. Cast iron is more resistent to to heat than steel. We recommend a cast iron damper for long lasting permanence. The damper valve plate should be easily removed during construction, and when cleaning the accumulation of soot from the smoke shelf after long usage. The valve plate should close tightly. The operating mechanism should work smoothly and easily. Vestal fireplace dampers meet the qualifications. The back flange of the fireplace damper should be protected from intense heat by being placed directly over and fully supported by the back wall firebrick masonry. The fireplace damper should not be built in soldly at each end. Leave a minimum of 1/4" clearance between both ends of fireplace damper and masonry to allow for expansion when heated.