Installing a lock-top chimney damper is a common project among do-it-yourself homeowners. As fireplaces and chimneys age they tend to deteriorate from use, foundation shifting, and weather. This ...

Q: We own an older house in Los Gatos. It was built in 1930s. The fireplace was built without a damper. There is also a glass-door fire screen that can be closed. We get an odor of ashes even when the ...

Q. I've got a chimney question that is somewhat similar, although not exactly, to one you answered in your column a few months ago. This has to do with smoke coming down the chimney. I have two ...

When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the ...