FAQs about Chimneys
Tell me about Brewer Cowls
We’re a chimney cowl manufacturing company with more than 50 years’ experience. We pride ourselves on providing a wide variety of chimney cowl products alongside expert advice from our passionate and helpful team located in the South of England.
We’re proud to say that we’re the trusted chimney cowl manufacturer for a range of suppliers and we also manufacture our own chimney cowl products.
If you would like to enquire about a Brewer Cowls trade account – please take a look at our dedicated Trade enquiry page.
You can find more information about us here.
What is a chimney cowl?
A chimney cowl is a covering that is fitted to the chimney pot or flue to help prevent a number of issues such as downdraught, backflow and birds entering the chimney.
Chimney cowls come in all shapes, sizes and various colours so you can find something that matches your chimney and home’s exterior.
Brewer Cowls has over 50 years’ experience manufacturing and distributing a comprehensive range of chimney cowls, chimney birdguards and chimney cappers.
What is downdraught in a chimney?
Downdraught in a chimney is where wind for various reasons blows down the chimney. This prevents gases and smoke from rising up the chimney to the atmostphere.
How do I prevent downdraught in my chimney and flue?
Chimney downdraught is a common problem in many chimneys that is caused when air is blown back down the chimney. This can mean smoke can enter the home through the fireplace and build up inside the chimney flue.
You can help prevent chimney downdraught with the use of an anti-downdraught cowl. These types of chimney cowls prevent wind from entering the chimney in a number of ways. You can find out more about our fantastic selection of anti-downdraught chimney cowls here.
What’s the difference between an Anti downdraught cowl and a Birdguard?
A chimney birdguard is used to prevent birds, leaves and any other animals or debris from entering the chimney.
An antidowndraught cowl is designed to prevent downdraught caused by wind, there are various models to choose from to encourage the safe release of the gases created by your fireplace.
My fire smokes in certain wind directions and conditions?
This could either be pressure variation, or downdraught. For downdraught fit an anti-downdraught cowl such as the Brewer UFO.
How do I stop my chimney smoking?
Most people find an evening in front of their fireplace a relaxing experience, but this can be quickly spoiled by troublesome fireplace smoke issues.
This may be caused by the flue being blocked by mortar or something else. It might be useful to get the chimney swept to ensure it is clear of debris and in good condition.
The Brewer Cowls team recommends having your chimney swept at least twice a year.Chimney smoke gets worse over time, what should I do?
Your flue is likely to be partially blocked by soot or tar; try getting the chimney swept.
Chimney pressure variation – what is it?
If a chimney is filled with hot gas, this rises because it is less dense than the air outside the house. The rising hot gases create a pressure difference called draft that draws air down the chimney. Fitting the Brewer Aspirotor may help in this situation.
I have a large opening fireplace that smokes most of the time. What should I do?
- The opening may be too big for the flue - reduce the fire size to correct ratio and smoke level.
- You may have a blocked chimney; try getting it swept.
- If you have downdraught fit a Brewer U.F.O Cowl
My standard size fireplace smokes most of the time. What should I do?
- Your flue may be too large or too small; try changing to the correct ratio.
- You may have a badly formed throat/lintel. There must not be a flat surface directly over the fire.
- If you have downdraught fit a Brewer UFO Cowl.
What can I do about birds getting into my chimney?
As it implies the Brewer Birdguard is specifically designed to stop birds getting into the system. It is important that you install the correct type of Birdguard suitable for your chimney system i.e. gas, oil or solid fuel. The Brewer Birdguard also provides additional protection from the weather with its distinctive pressed raincap.
What precautions should I take if I no longer use my chimney?
It is important to protect these types of chimney, especially in the winter. The rain/freeze cycle can cause structural damage to the chimney or adjacent brickwork. By fitting a Brewer Chimney Capper, rain and birds are prevented entry, but it is important that nominal ventilation is maintained.
How often should I sweep my chimney?
We recommend that all systems should be swept annually. If you burn wood or coal and use the fire often, you are advised to have your chimney or flue swept at least twice a year and only use seasoned wood.
I have been told I have a leaky flue, what does this mean?
This is where two flues are built with a common dividing brick wall, which over the years could be breached so gases do not escape correctly. Leaky flues caused by deterioration can lead to problems that need attention by a suitably qualified chimney professional.
