If you have a fireplace, you might want to purchase a chimney cowl. The chimney pot cowl is a device that attaches to the top of your chimney pipe. The chimney cowling can help prevent smoky fireplaces by providing some cover from exterior wind. If you live in an area that tends to be quite windy and your fireplace gets a lot of downdraft, a cowl chimney cover will help you remedy that situation. The chimney pot cowls are available in several designs such as the terracotta design. The unit has a solid top piece followed by a screened ventilated piece then the foundation piece that attaches to the chimney pipe.
There are also styles to help keep birds and other small animals from getting inside your chimney pipe. There are terra cotta chimney cowls that have a finer screen to eliminate the nasty business of having birds roost in your chimney pipe. There is even a version of a stainless steel chimney cowl that rotates to reduce the amount of downdraft your fireplace receives. You can also find chimney cowlings specially designed for use with gas fireplaces. The sizes of the units vary so you will want to measure the exterior of your chimney pipe to get an accurate fit.
There are some popular brands such as the Brewer or colt chimney cowl. There are also units designed to help prevent sparks from flying out through the top chimney piece. These pieces have a denser mesh to them than the typical bird guard units. They are specifically designed for homes that have a thatched or shingle roof that can catch fire. The prices of the various chimney pots cowls vary depending on the features and size of the unit. You can find them in the traditional clay terracotta color or silver metallic color.
Using a chimney cowl is also beneficial if you have a fireplace that does not get used a lot. It keeps dirt and debris from blowing in and creating a mess when you are not using it. This is beneficial if you have a cabin or vacation home that has a fireplace. In addition to keeping the birds and other small animals from roosting in the chimney while you are away, the cowl will also keep any unwanted materials from blowing in. The different designs available make the cowl an attractive addition to the chimney as well as a practical one.