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Chimney Cowls and Caps

Chimney cowls are coverings that are attached to a working chimney and a cap is a covering used on disused chimneys.

We can recommend what cowl for a chimney would suit your appliance and flue best as factors can vary greatly depending on location of the flue in relation to the surrounding area and also what fuel you burn.

We can fit chimney cowls for Solid Fuel (wood and smokeless coal), Gas and Oil burning appliances.

Or, if you're struggling to get your fire going and you're concerned over the safety of your chimney, please see our advice page.

Explore our range of installation services below

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Why fit a cowl in the first place?

  • To stop birds / vermin entering the flue and causing a blockage which results in either a chimney fire or carbon monoxide risk if you tried to use the fire.
  • To stop the ingress of rain
  • To limit the effects of wind and down drafts which may make starting your fire particularly difficult.

If you plan to block up or stop using your fireplace or maybe you just want it to be left as a decorative space, then you need a ventilated cap on a chimney.

Why fit a cap?

Why a ventilated cap why not just a slab and cement?

Chimneys are masonry voids that over time absorb moisture from the air and water ingress when it rains. If the chimney is not ventilated then it would result in the following:

  • Damp appearing through walls and plaster work
  • Creosote and ‘coal’ like smells from the flue
  • Condensation forming inside the flue which can drip down the flue into your decorative fireplace. NOT what you want if you have just had an electric fire installed.
  • It is important to get your chimney swept before you have a cap or cowl installed.
  • Capping a chimney with a blockage will result in smells emanating through walls and if blocked by bird nests, damp forming on inside walls.

It is important to remember chimneys work through negative draught not positive pressure. Chimneys therefore are greatly effected by atmospheric conditions and it is our job to make sure we give your chimney the best chance of being able to combat these constant environmental changes we experience day to day.

In extreme cases sometimes in order to safely evacuate products of combustion from a solid fuel appliance we can install an electric, remote control chimney fan. These are designed to be used on start up and not during normal operation of your solid fuel appliance. These devices are most commonly found in commercial settings where the company need to guarantee 100% that they will have no chimney draft issues during business hours, such as a restaurant.

Annual Chimney Sweeping Services

Read more about how we maintain and service your chimney on a yearly basis

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Oil Servicing

Servicing, inspection and safety advice for all things oil based

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Concerned about the safety of your chimney?
Worried it's not up to insurance standards?
Looking for a quote on a modern stove installation?
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Get in Touch

07841 581 607
info@sootloose.co.uk

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Get in Touch

07841 581 607
info@sootloose.co.uk

Navigate

Legal

Terms & Conditions
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy

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