Do you need chimney cowls?

If you are looking for chimney cowls, Flue Supplies can help! Our collection of terminals &
cowlings include items for all types of fireplace and chimney constructions so we are sure to have
something to suit your specific requirements. When you buy from Flue Supplies, you will enjoy our
fabulous prices without compromising on quality. All of our cowls are manufactured to the highest
standards and our products are trusted by builders and developers, as well as DIY homeowners,
throughout the UK.

What is a chimney cowl?

Chimney cowls are devices fitted to the top of a chimney stack, usually made of metal, plastic,
terracotta or mesh and has several functions from safety through to improving performance of the
chimney.

Why are chimney cowls necessary?

Fitted to the top of a chimney pot or flue, chimney cowls have many functions to improve
performance , increase safety and reduce maintenance.

Stop rain water getting in

Too much rain getting into your chimney can have serious consequences, so a cowl is designed to prevent this happening.

Prevent birds & animals entering

A chimney is a perfect nesting location for birds, and that causes many issues. First, it will prevent
the proper operation of the chimney by stopping air drawing through. Then there are the issues
from bird droppings and debris coming down your flue pipe, as well as noise and even the risk of chimney fires.

Eliminate downdraught 

Downdraught occurs when the outside air pressure forces smoke back down the chimney, entering
your home which of course you don't want. Anti downdaught chimney cowls prevent this happening
by stablilising the air flow

Increase chimney draw

One essential aim is to improve the function of chimney flue in drawing air up from the fire or
woodburner below so as to enable smoke to quickly escape. Other functions are to prevent
downdraughts, prevent debris entering the flue and of course to prevent birds nesting.

What is the best chimney cowl?

The best type of cowl for your home will depend on a number of factors, from the type of fireplace
(open fire, wood burner, gas fire etc) through to the location and age of the property. We
recommend you get professional advice from a chimney specialist or give our friendly sales team a
call on 0344 8006586.

How else can I lower my chimney downdraught? 

This can be achieved by adjusting the chimney damper, which you will usually find
installed just above your fireplace if you have an open fire. Opening the damper allows more air to
be drawn through the chimney stack, but when the fire is not in use, the damper can be closed off to
prevent downdraughts. Just remember to open it when you light the fire.

What types are available?

There are many types and styles available and at Flue Supplies, we offer a variety of options ensuring that we have the right one for your project. Our standard cowls are made from steel and can be secured with self-tapping screws or by cementing in place at the top of the chimney stack. We also offer a range of gas cowls and multi fuel cowls . These are offered in various designs and colour options, with most being secured via a metal strap. If downdrafts are of a concern, anti downdraft cowls could be the right choice. Options include flat cowls that sit very close to the top of the chimney, or rotary cowls which spin to help improve air movement. Another option offered by Flue Supplies is our collection of flue liner cowls . These cowls provide a one-piece solution for securing the chimney liner to the top of the stack and are especially useful where a clay pot is being used as there is no need to remove the pot itself.

How do I fit a chimney cowl?

They are usually strapped, bolted of fitted using a sleeve . Most cowlings are installed using strapping which is very easy to do, and this allows them to be easily removed should they need to be replaced.