Chimney Cowl

Mostly commonly seen on large business buildings, the chimney cowl is put up to keep birds out of the chimney pots. In homes, it is used to prevent leaves, twigs and even birds from going down the chimney.

A chimney cowl comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes’, making sure it is a good fit into the chimney pot. The most frequently used chimney cowl is called the round balloon shaped cowl. This is made from a wire mesh and it comes in a wide variety of widths. One of them will certainly fit the fireplace pot.

Another name for the chimney cowl is the conical cowl, it fits into the chimney like the mesh ones do but it has a spring fit system, one size will fit all chimneys. It sticks out from the top of the chimney pot only an inch or two. These are a bit more ornate than the wire mesh cowl.

It comes in many different colors and it is designed to blend in with the rest of the chimney and roof. Sloping sides is another feature of the conical cowl as well as some small spike in the top of the cowl. That prevents the birds from resting on top of it.

The chimney cowl is made from a couple types of materials. One popular ones is called the Aspirotor, it has a turbine style shape to it. Built to withstand high winds, it sits on top of the chimney pot and where the draw on the system is not enough; it will help in generating the draw on the flue. It is tops in pulling out the gases and smoke. It also keeps birds and debris away.

Traditionally the ‘H’ cowl is made to be sure that no matter the wind speeds or direction, the chimney flue will be protected from the down draught. The ‘H’ cowl can be fitted to the chimney pot or flue using a sleeve and external leg and strap structure. It actually looks like a capital H.

There is also a chimney cowl made of terra cotta. This one will help prevent rain from coming in and down the chimney. It gives a good ventilation system and added protection against wind and rain. If living in a climate that sees a lot of different temperature changes, it is flexible enough to withstand even the coldest temperatures.

Although there might be plenty of air flowing in and up the chimney some causes that can prevent a good safe draw might be leaves in the fall or bird nests. Once this happens, it is advisable to purchase a chimney cowl as soon as possible.

A chimney cowl comes in different sizes, shapes and materials, the costs will vary. You can of course install the chimney cowl yourself. Many websites offer kits and good instructions. Or you may want to hire someone to do it for you. If you hire someone, be sure they know what they are talking about; ask friends and neighbors, they are usually a wealth of information.