Damper frame not mortared: DIY?

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Mattdk

New Member
Oct 26, 2020
2
North Carolina
Hi folks,

I’ve tried to do the obligatory googling on this topic and have come up empty. Our chimney inspector told us that the damper frame in our fireplace isn’t mortared or otherwise locked down - he gave it a shove and we could hear it moving, and he said he wouldn’t use it in the current condition. I contacted a couple of masons and was told that the job was “quick” and also would run $500, and so I’m wondering if I could do this myself. Any comments on what sort of pitfalls I might run into, reasons for or against, that sort of thing? I appreciate the help.
 
Can you post a picture?
 
Damper frame not mortared: DIY?Damper frame not mortared: DIY?
 
Curious about this myself. Mine is mortared in place, but has huge gaps between the damper frame and the rock interior. I'm guessing smoke can get in there and go around the flue.