When installing chimney cowls, workmen should also check the whole chimney for signs of wear and tear.
That is according to Scott Lane, a residential property manager, who said in a post on Article Intelligence that chimney maintenance is among the most important things a homeowner must carry out.
He recommended that those in the trade keep their eyes open for wobbly bricks and signs of water damage.
"Check for any loose bricks or worn out mortar. Likewise, check for broken parts on the chimney caps and protruding liners. Check for any effervescence, which indicates the presence of moisture," Mr Lane said.
He added that tradesmen should also look out for lost rain caps and rust on metal chimneys.
Wayne Hemrick, a freelance writer, said in a post on Firewood recently that inserts are especially useful items for those with wood-burning fires, as they can reduce the amount of heat loss and so make them more efficient.