Chimney cowls and bird guards from a chimney sweeps point of view

cowls and bird guards from a chimney sweeps point of view

When choosing your cowl it is always worth keeping in mind how your chimney sweep will clean your chimney once the cowl or bird guard has been installed.

Below is a list of cowls that I have come across as my time as a chimney sweep.

Cowls that require removing or being maintained from the roof.

H-Cowls
Spinning Cowls
Powered Cowls

Bird guards that require periodically removing to ensure a clear sweep.

Cone Top Birdguards
Many guards that pushes into the pot may need removing annually or bi-annually depending on your soot quality and quantity. This is to ensure a clear sweep can be performed.

Bird guards that can be swept in situate.

High Top Birdguard
In general, if it has a jubilee clip attaching it to the pot, your burning correctly and you have a good updraught then it usually can be safely swept from the ground.

Cowls for disused chimneys.

The clay hood cowl
This cowl is a vent to stop dampness occurring in you disused chimney stack. Unfortunately  I see this one a lot on live fires, which results in a 'do not use' notice that explains that the clay hood cowl needs removing before she can be signed off.

C-Cap Cowl
A cap disused chimneys

Cowls for gas.

GC1 - Gas Cowl
This is the most common terminal for gas appliances

Overview.

It's always worth thinking, “how can my sweep, sweep this?” when purchasing a cowl or bird guard, as by selecting a cowl that's difficult to sweep will in turn cost you more money in the annual maintenance of your chimney.

Always seek advice from a professional to ensure your cowl is suitable for your instillation.

Recommended article: #7 ways to tell if your firewood is seasoned and ready to burn

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

The chimney sweeps bird nest removal calendar

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Six

Below you will find the Chimney Sweep's bird nesting calendar.

If you have an active birds nest in your chimney then it is recommended that you wait until August to remove your birds nest. This is to avoid impact to nesting birds and infringement of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

If the nest removal must be undertaken during the nesting season, then a breeding bird survey needs to be carried out by a suitably qualified person, prior to the work commencing.

Any active nests identified should be protected until the young have fledged.

Breaching the Countryside Act 1981 can result in a fine of up to £5000.00 or up to 6 months in prison.

For more information on the Countryside Act 1981 please visit my previous article - The UK Law that is protecting wild birds.

Reference: Bird Nesting Advice Note PDF

Chimney Sweep's Bird Nesting Calendar

Recommended article: How Jim Chim-in-ey investigates a suspected birds nest in a chimney.

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!