Chimneys, while an integral part of many homes, can sometimes cause a few headaches. From drafts and downdrafts to unwanted guests like birds and squirrels making themselves at home, a chimney can benefit from a little extra protection. That’s where chimney caps and cowls come into play. These hood-shaped coverings offer various benefits, including enhancing draft, preventing backflow, and keeping your chimney free from unwelcome visitors. But how do you choose the right one for your chimney pot? We’ve got you covered.

Measuring Made Simple

Accurately sizing your chimney cap or cowl is the first step in ensuring a snug fit. You don’t need fancy tools for this; a little ingenuity will do the trick. Begin by getting a ‘side-on’ view of the chimney pot you wish to protect. You can do this with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars for a closer look.

Next, find a full-sized brick that’s closest to the chosen pot as a reference point, typically positioned directly underneath it. Now, here’s where it gets creative. Imagine that the brick is placed on top of the chimney pot and mentally note whether it would fit inside, hang over, or sit flush. This simple comparison is incredibly helpful.

On average, a standard UK house brick measures around 225mm (9″) for imperial and 215mm (8.5″) for modern properties. This information provides an impromptu tape measure to estimate the size of your chimney pot. If you know the average thickness of a chimney pot, which is about 25mm (1″), you can factor this into your estimate for even greater accuracy.

Keep in mind that if your chimney pot features large decorative rolls on top, make an allowance for this by guessing using a brick as your guide. With these simple observations, you can confidently guess the size of your chimney pot and order the right chimney cap or cowl.

Understanding Chimney Cowls

A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped covering fitted to the chimney pot. Its primary purpose is to enhance the draft of the chimney and prevent backflow, especially in strong winds. These cowls are usually made of galvanized iron and serve as a barrier to prevent wind from blowing smoke back down into the room below. The name “cowl” is derived from the resemblance of many designs to the cowls worn by monks, which have been used for centuries.

In addition to preventing drafts and downdrafts, chimney cowls serve a secondary function: keeping out unwanted visitors. Birds and squirrels are known to nest in chimneys, and a cowl acts as a deterrent. They can also serve as rain guards to keep rain from descending into the chimney. Some may feature a metal wire mesh as a spark arrestor.

How to Order

Ordering the right chimney cowl or chimney cowl product is a straightforward process. Start by selecting your desired product and adding it to your basket. Then, follow the secure payment options provided by the supplier. Most orders are dispatched for next-day delivery, ensuring you can get your chimney cowl in a timely manner.

When it comes to protecting your chimney from drafts, downdrafts, and unwelcome guests, chimney cowls and caps are invaluable. By using the simple brick comparison method, you can accurately estimate the size of your chimney pot and choose the right cowl or cap. These additions not only improve chimney performance but also safeguard your home from potential hazards.

As a family-run company, we understand the importance of customer satisfaction. With over 18+ years of experience and hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers, we are confident in our ability to provide the best solution for your chimney needs. Plus, our 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures that if the product doesn’t work as expected, you can return it for a refund.

So, if you’re considering adding a chimney cowl or cap to your chimney pot, you’re on the right track to improving your chimney’s functionality and safeguarding your home from potential issues. It’s a small investment that offers significant returns in terms of safety and performance.