3 Common Causes of Chimney Cowl Issues and How to Resolve Them

Chimney cowls can provide an effective solution to address common chimney problems like downdraft, noise and nesting birds. However, installing a chimney cowl is not all smooth sailing, as potential problems may still arise. Here are 3 common chimney cowl problems that homeowners need to know.

1. Attracting Birds: The round and balloon-shaped cowls may be the least expensive to buy but they are not effective in keeping birds away. These cowls are designed with a flat top and birds may rest on top of them, greatly impairing their efficiency. The best cowl for bird prevention is the conical cowl with a geometric design that is too steep for birds to sit on.

2. Slowing Down of Spinning Cowl: The spinning cowl is designed to increase the draft inside the chimney. Occasionally, the cowl may slow down and eventually stop revolving, typically due to screw and pellet problems that occur over time. Households located in hilly regions may find this cowl suitable for preventing downdraft. To increase the cowl’s lifespan, it is best to regularly apply oil on its hinges and screws and to replace the cowl when it breaks down.

3. Not Suitable for Chimneys: Certain chimney cowls may fully cover the pot, creating a complete obstruction against the flow of smoke and gasses. This can happen when homeowners are too excited to purchase the extreme cowl they see while failing to check whether the cowl is suitable for their chimney. An alternative solution is to get an anti-roosting spike cowl that keeps birds away or a chimney rain cowl to prevent water and downdraughts coming down the chimney while still allowing use of the stove.

In conclusion, while installing a chimney cowl is helpful in addressing common chimney problems, homeowners should be aware that potential problems may arise. These include attracting birds by using the wrong cowl, slowing down of the spinning cowl due to pellet and screw problems and installing an unsuitable cowl for the chimney. With these three common problems in mind, homeowners will be well-equipped in selecting and maintaining the suitable chimney cowl for their purpose.