Cowl Fitting - What cowl should I fit? The cowl a Chimney Sweep Recommends

I am often asked what cowl to fit on a chimney pot?

1) Ensure the cowl is the right chimney cowl for your fuel type.

• Wood.
• Coal.
• Gas.
• Chimney disused / blocked

2) Why do you want a cowl fitted?

• To stop birds nesting.
• Rain cover.
• Up-draught issues.

3) What cowl fastening style is best?

• Universal Strap jubilee clip style (Recommended).
• Bolt Fastened.
• Push Fit

4) Who is going to fit the cowl safely?

• You can fit yourself
• Call your Chimney Sweep

5) Tools required to fit Universal Strap cowls?

1. Access to the chimney pot
2. Screwdriver.
3. Pair of pliers.

Looking for someone to fit a cowl?

Call Jim Chim-in-ey for a quote on 07837 672 548

Below is a Universal Strap / jubilee clip style cowl that I recommend. This cowl allows your chimney sweep to safely sweep your chimney stack.

I always recommend a Universal Strap / Jubilee clipped cowl as a more secure option then the push in type cowl.

Cowl Suitable for Gas Fire.

Please note that the cowl above is suitable for gas and looks very similar to a multifuel cowl which has a square hole mesh. To view different types of cowls by visiting www.coltcowls.co.uk

Universal Strap Jubilee Clip that fastens to cowl.

Above is a picture of the Universal strap that secures the cowl to the pot.

Here is a Link to Colt Cowls website which has a good selection of suitable cowls for Coal, Wood & Gas & Capping.

https://www.coltcowls.co.uk/products/chimney-birdguards

How to fit a cowl?

Here is a good video from Colt Cowls on how to install a cowl to a chimney pot.

Blocking or capping a chimney?

When blocking a disused chimney it is important to allow air to continue to flow within the stack. This is why a chimney cap with a vent is recommended like the one below.

Vent / Cap Chimney Cowl.

These attach in the same way as the cowl above with the Universal Strap.

Chimney cap cowl with vent to allow important airflow.

If you have any questions or would like to talk over the phone?

You can call me on 07837 672 548

Best Wishes,

Jim Chim-in-ey

Dorset's Award Winning Chimney Sweep Specialist

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

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Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

How to stop birds nesting in your chimney

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Seven

Birds nesting in chimney

Installing a cowl with a bird guard is the most effective way to stop birds gaining access to your flue.

It's worth bearing in mind that some designs such a No.2 below make sweeping more difficult and on some occasions the bird guard may need removing to ensure a clear sweep.

Bird protecting chimney pot cowls

In short, select a bird guards that is attached with a jubilee style clip like No.1 above so your chimney sweep can sweep all the way to the top and the guard will stay in her position.

For a guide on selecting an appropriate bird nest guard, click the article link below . . .

Link - Cowls & Birdguards from a chimney sweeps point of view

Recommended article: How Jim Chim-in-ey investigates a suspected birds nest in a chimney.

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Chimney cowls and bird guards from a chimney sweeps point of view

cowls and bird guards from a chimney sweeps point of view

When choosing your cowl it is always worth keeping in mind how your chimney sweep will clean your chimney once the cowl or bird guard has been installed.

Below is a list of cowls that I have come across as my time as a chimney sweep.

Cowls that require removing or being maintained from the roof.

H-Cowls
Spinning Cowls
Powered Cowls

Bird guards that require periodically removing to ensure a clear sweep.

Cone Top Birdguards
Many guards that pushes into the pot may need removing annually or bi-annually depending on your soot quality and quantity. This is to ensure a clear sweep can be performed.

Bird guards that can be swept in situate.

High Top Birdguard
In general, if it has a jubilee clip attaching it to the pot, your burning correctly and you have a good updraught then it usually can be safely swept from the ground.

Cowls for disused chimneys.

The clay hood cowl
This cowl is a vent to stop dampness occurring in you disused chimney stack. Unfortunately  I see this one a lot on live fires, which results in a 'do not use' notice that explains that the clay hood cowl needs removing before she can be signed off.

C-Cap Cowl
A cap disused chimneys

Cowls for gas.

GC1 - Gas Cowl
This is the most common terminal for gas appliances

Overview.

It's always worth thinking, “how can my sweep, sweep this?” when purchasing a cowl or bird guard, as by selecting a cowl that's difficult to sweep will in turn cost you more money in the annual maintenance of your chimney.

Always seek advice from a professional to ensure your cowl is suitable for your instillation.

Recommended article: #7 ways to tell if your firewood is seasoned and ready to burn

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!