Hi we have a Cape with a fireplace in the L.R. which has a damper in the flue operated by a cable. The flue is offset from the fireplace to the right so you cannot look directly upwards at it. The best I can determine is that the damper is spring loaded to open, pull to close?

Either way I can see daylight and there is a hefty draft coming down which exits through vents above the glass doors. I spoke with a chimney guy yesterday who said that this type of damper has a lot of space on all sides. Not satisfied with his answer, I am posting here. Thanks for any insight.