While a basic chimney cowl is used to increase the draft of a chimney, prevent back flow as well as rainwater from entering your flue pipe, they come in an array of different shapes and sizes. Though all provide a basic necessity it can sometimes be difficult to choose the best chimney cowl for your particular situation. However, if you live in the UK there is no doubt you will need to appreciate rainfall when choosing!
Bird guard chimney cowls
It is unfortunate that birds can often find a way down your chimney and into your flue pipe. When you bear in mind the heat created by a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, this can obviously be distressing for the birds as well as the householders. There are also specific dangers if birds manage to nest in your flue pipe which can not only increase the risk of a chimney fire but also of carbon monoxide leaks into your room. These are perhaps the most basic of chimney cowls but they do a job and they do it well.
Standard all-purpose chimney cowl
The standard all-purpose chimney cowl in many ways resembles a birdcage on top of your chimney. This type of cowl not only prevents birds from entering your flue pipe but it also prevents rainwater finding its way down your flue pipe. As we touched on above, due to the relatively unique weather in the UK there is always the chance of rain – come summer or winter!
It is also interested to learn that rain in more humid weather tends to accumulate moisture in your flue pipe while rain in the cold winter often evaporates when it hits the hot air from the flue pipe. There are obvious dangers to moisture in any metallic component with the most common being rust which can compromise safety and efficiency.
Anti-downdraught chimney cowls
There are many areas of the UK which are exposed to high winds across the year. Anti-downdraught chimney cowls are perfect for these situations because they reduce the risk of smoke blowing back down the chimney and into your room. When you also bear in mind that if smoke can be blown back down into your room then so can carbon monoxide, the invisible poisonous gas. For many people the anti-downdraught chimney cowl may seem a little overkill but it can be extremely helpful for those susceptible to high winds.
Revolving chimney cowls
While revolving chimney cowls are often very interesting to watch, as they spin round with the wind, this server a very important purpose. The way in which the rotating chimney cowl is designed allows it increase the draw from a chimney ensuring no smoke or carbon monoxide gas enters the room. This type of chimney cowl is very useful for those living in high wind areas which may normally increase the risk of blowing smoke back down the chimney.
Summary
As you will see there are different types of chimney cowls which are suitable for different environments and different requirements. When choosing your woodburning or multifuel stove it is imperative that you discuss chimney cowls at the earliest opportunity. As there are a number of different types it is very easy to find one which will fit your particular situation and your budget. After all, they are a relatively small price to pay for added safety?