How to Remove a Fireplace Damper Assembly

Damper on Top of Chimney

• 1

  Open the fireplace doors. Unhook the damper chain or rod, just as you do when opening or closing the damper. The control mechanism -- a chain or rod -- must be out of its holder.

• 2

  Position an extension ladder on the side of the house near the chimney. Ask a helper to hold the ladder as you climb up to the roof.

• 3

  Remove the chimney cap from the chimney if your chimney has a cap. Most caps either snap into holders or have screws that require a screwdriver or nut driver to remove.

• 4

  Slip a wide putty knife between the damper and the chimney. Work the putty knife blade through the caulk securing the damper to the chimney. Continue cutting through the caulk with the putty knife around all four sides of the damper.

• 5

  Lift the damper away from the chimney. Hold the damper body and unhook the chain or rod from the damper. Set the damper body down and pull the chain or rod out of the chimney.

Damper Inside Fireplace Throat

• 6

  Open the fireplace doors and remove any remaining wood and the wood grate. Lay plastic in the bottom of the fireplace.

• 7

  Get into the fireplace and shine a flashlight up through the chimney so you are able to see the damper. Check for screws or studs securing the damper to the fireplace throat.

• 8

  Lift up on one side of the damper if it sits on studs coming from the fireplace wall. Grab the sides of the damper once you have one end up and unhook it from the opposite studs. Gently lower the damper out of the fireplace.

• 9

  Remove the screws securing the damper to the chimney throat walls if your damper uses screws. Depending upon the model, it is necessary to use a screwdriver or nut driver. Hold the damper in place while removing the last two screws. Lower the damper and pull it out of the fireplace.