Chimneys & Cowls

About Chimney Cowls

Chimney cowls, in essence, are the metal ventilators that fit on top of the chimney pots and are available as one of the optional roof accessories alongside wood burners. And although there are no such requirements for using this, it is evident that they have numerous benefits for households. Also, they may require roof access to install and maintain, but they prove to be a smart addition to a house over time.

Understanding how they operate is crucial to determining which ones should be used and how to apply them to chimneys. They can also be considered essential for those people who regularly use their fireplace.

Benefits Of Chimney Cowls

But why is it so important to install a cowl? Here are the stand-out benefits of investing in chimney protection:

To Improve The Drawing

They help the pipe extract warm air and pollutants more efficiently. A rotating cowl is ideal for a vent system with a specifically weak draw. Yet, they are not required if there are no draw issues. Otherwise, they might cause the stove to overheat, leading to a fire hazard.

Anti-Downdraught

The most important purpose of this product, as previously stated, is to avoid downdraught. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be hazardous because of the significant levels of carbon monoxide. This also produces unpleasant odours indoors. Therefore, if there is an issue with downdraught, proper anti-downdraught cowls should be installed.

Animal-Proofing

The animal-proofing type is designed to keep birds and other pests out of the chimney. Remember, it's not uncommon for most animals to trip and fall into it. By employing a guarding device to block the opening, homeowners can keep animals out of the house.

Weather-proofing

Roof vents or flues may be harmed by rain or snow. Although slight rain might not seem like a big deal, it can build up moisture over time (especially in months when the fireplace isn't used). This damages the shaft, which is expensive to repair. 

Snow behaves similarly; even if the fire is lit frequently during the snowy seasons, it will help reduce any moisture or dampness. 

Types Of Chimney Cowls

The ideal cowl is determined by the task at hand and the type of shaft connected. Often, a simple and rounded pot is all that is needed. 

They are available in various types, each of which is designed to perform a unique task. So let's get into their details!

Static Chimney Cowl

This is a simple solution to keep birds and pests out of the chimneys. Besides, they can also be termed as anti-rain as they prevent incoming rain from infiltrating indoors.

Chimney Cowls With Downdraught Protection

They are designed to lessen or eradicate downdraught in the chimneys. They also serve the same purpose as the static type.

Revolving Chimney Cowls

Downdraught in chimneys, flues systems, and vessels can be eliminated by revolving chimney cowls. The wind clasps the flippers on the globe, and the globe rotates. Through this circular motion, the wind is kept from blowing open the chimney stack.

Gas Cowls

They are incredibly reliable and well-suited for gas appliances; consult a gas expert for more information. Furthermore, the type of gas cowl allowed depends on gas fire types.

Bird Guard Cowls

Chimney bird cowls prevent birds from entering or breeding in the flue, as the name implies. A circular mesh top with a metal cover is the most common design. Furthermore, they also double as roof ornaments.

Mechanical Cowls

They are used to create a vacuum and are generally found in restaurants or bars to offset the impact of kitchen extractions.

Get Familiar With The Installation 

Most leaks and draughts can be minimized by installing chimney cowls. In addition, roofing fixings, ventilators, flues, or dampers may be included to control the airflow in the fireplace.

And remember not to use a sealant if an internal mount type is being utilized on the metal flue. This is because chimney roof flashing and vents can become too hot, causing sealant damage. 

A solitary anchor should be used on both the shaft's sides. And maintain a distance of approximately one foot between the anchors. 

The chimney cowl's extension should be slid onto the chimney's crown and straightened with a level. At this stage, an adhesive can be used to keep it in place.

Care And Maintenance

After a strong wind, one should always inspect chimney cowls to ensure they are still appropriately fitted and completely functional.

Clogging or blockage around them indicates that the wood fuel isn't fully combusting (perhaps because it's wet) or that the shaft is too cold.

If there is severe clogging or signs of blockage around the cowls, it should be swept as soon as possible by a competent sweeper with experience in cleaning the stove systems. 

Simultaneously, one should always reconsider their fuel choice and how they are burning it. While examining the cowl, one should keep an eye out for fresh tree growth oscillating it.

Moreover, look out for new extensions nearby that could interfere with the flue draught's operation, and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation, whether by cutting the shrubbery or installing a high-quality product.

Chimneys

A chimney is an architectural feature that provides ventilation for smoke and other byproducts of combustion to exit a building, typically from a fireplace or furnace. Chimneys are vertical structures that extend above the roofline and are made of materials such as brick, stone, or metal.

Types of Chimney

There are different types of chimneys:

Masonry chimneys

Masonry chimneys are built with brick or stone and are a common type of chimney found in residential and commercial buildings. They are typically constructed on a foundation and extend above the roofline, providing ventilation for smoke and other byproducts of combustion. Masonry chimneys can be single or multi-flue and require regular maintenance to prevent deterioration from weathering and exposure to moisture.

Metal chimneys

Metal chimneys are a type of chimney that is constructed from metal, typically stainless steel or galvanized steel. They are a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings due to their ease of installation, low maintenance requirements, and durability.

Prefabricated chimneys

Prefabricated chimneys, also known as factory-built chimneys, are designed to be installed quickly and easily in buildings where traditional masonry chimneys are not practical or possible. These chimneys are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the installation site where they are assembled and installed.

Brick chimney

Brick chimneys are a type of masonry chimney that is constructed with clay or concrete bricks. They are a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Brick chimneys can be designed in a variety of styles, from simple and utilitarian to ornate and decorative.