Up to 8% of home heating costs can exit through a fireplace chimney with an open or damaged damper. A tight fitting, gasketed chimney damper will help stop heat loss. It's like replacing old leaky storm windows with a tight-sealing energy-efficient window.

Additionally, weather related damages to chimneys cost home owners millions of dollars every year. A chimney without a cap allows rain and snow to be absorbed into your chimney's inner flue tile, outer bricks and mortar. Freeze/thaw cycles will compromise the integrity of the structure; mortar loosens and bricks will eventually be dislodged. Sometimes the front facing of the bricks will pop off. Top mount fireplace dampers also act as a chimney cap to keep birds, animals and even insects out of your chimney.