Simpson Dura-Vent recalls fireplace dampers that can become stuck or installed backward, risking carbon monoxide poisoning. Consumers should ensure damper is open during use and contact for free repair.
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 consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.
Simpson Dura-Vent is recalling fireplace dampers that can get stuck or be installed backward, which may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a safety risk that requires immediate attention to prevent poisoning.
The damper can become stuck when opening/closing, or be installed backward and stay closed. This blocks chimney airflow, leading to carbon monoxide buildup inside the home, which can cause poisoning.
Homeowners with fireplaces in Washington, California, or Colorado who use the recalled dampers are most at risk. Those with dampers previously inspected and repaired do not need to act.
Look for dampers with product numbers 99142-99542 (DuraTech) or 10DCA-APD-16DCA-APD (DuraChimney II). These were sold in Washington, California, and Colorado.
Check that the damper is fully open when the fireplace is in use to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair if the damper is defective or installed incorrectly.
Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unlocated recalled dampers were distributed in Washington, California, and Colorado. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.
No, consumers with dampers previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.
Washington, California, and Colorado.
The damper may be stuck when opening/closing or installed backward and stay closed, blocking airflow.
We’ve drafted a message you can send Simpson Dura-Vent to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 173 — Simpson Dura-Vent DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper Hello, I own a DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper that is covered by recall 173 from Simpson Dura-Vent. The official recall notice states: Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unlocated recalled dampers were distributed in Washington, California, and Colorado. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official CPSC recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.