DAMAGED COWL?

If your cowl is rusted, damaged or showing heavy creosote build-up, it may be time for a replacement. It’s also a good opportunity to have your flue cleaned and wood heater serviced.

Years of exposure to rain, wind, heat and smoke can take their toll, so a damaged cowl may be a sign that the rest of your flue system is due for inspection.

Years of exposure to rain, wind, heat and smoke can take their toll, so a damaged cowl may be a sign that the rest of your flue system is due for inspection. It’s also important to make sure your cowl is compliant to current.

It’s also important to make sure your cowl is compliant to current regulations. If your cowl is within 3m of your ridgeline or adjacent structures on your roof, it’s required to stand 600mm above that ridgeline or structure. If it’s further than 3m from your ridgline or adjacent structures then increase flue length as necessary until nothing is within 3m of the flue top (see below image).

Your cowl plays an important role in protecting the flue system from the weather while also helping your wood heater operate correctly. Over time exposure to rain, wind, heat and smoke can cause rust, corrosion and deterioration. Which may also affect the flue and woodheater below.

A cowl and flue system in good condition can help maintain proper flue draw allowing smoke and combustion gases to exit correctly and help your woodheater perform as intended, avoiding your room filling with smoke everytime you open the door. If your cowl is showing signs of rust, damage or heavy creosote build-up, it’s a good time to have the complete flue inspected and cleaned.

If you need a replacement cowl, simply provide us the internal & external flue dimensions as pictured below and we can provide the correct cowl.

NEED HELP?

We understand that not everyone is comfortable with heights or climbing a ladder. If you need someone to replace your cowl, please feel free to contact HP Fire Bass Coast or HP Fire Hallam. We can recommend a local chimney sweep who can replace your cowl, clean and inspect your flue and service your wood heater to help ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.

They can also assess the overall condition of your wood heater and flue and let you know if, due to age or deterioration, it may be better to consider replacing the wood heater and flue system altogether.