Anti-Backdraft Chimney Cowl

Yaayuh! · 6 Nov 2016 at 17:48

To start with I get quite a draft down my chimney, more so when it's windy. This also makes all downstairs stink if we've recently used the fire and it's not great when the fires on either and can get a bit smokey.

So I'm looking for a cowl as it's just open at the moment. I was going to go for the UFO type but I've been told a spinning one would be best, though they're much more expensive.

Any opinions/experiences?

This is a solid fuel open fire by the way.

a1ex2001 · 7 Nov 2016 at 08:21

I'd go with the UFO which will almost certainly improve the situation! If you use the fireplace infrequently consider stuffing some paper up from below we do and it makes a big difference just remember to remove it when lighting up!

Yaayuh! · 7 Nov 2016 at 08:32

a1ex2001 said:
I'd go with the UFO which will almost certainly improve the situation! If you use the fireplace infrequently consider stuffing some paper up from below we do and it makes a big difference just remember to remove it when lighting up!

Thanks!
Will the UFO type help with draw as well? It's hard to tell at the moment whether the lack of draw is becuase of the downdraft lol.

DXP55 · 7 Nov 2016 at 21:54

Rossi~ said:
Thanks!
Will the UFO type help with draw as well? It's hard to tell at the moment whether the lack of draw is becuase of the downdraft lol.

Have you got plastic windows and doors - if so it might be problem as fire isn't getting enough air to it - I fitted a Jetmaster open fire years ago and I lit the first fire - went out of room and closed door - went back in to smoke down to floor - opened a window and it all shot up chimney. Open fires are a pain.

Felix · 8 Nov 2016 at 08:32

DXP55 said:
Have you got plastic windows and doors - if so it might be problem as fire isn't getting enough air to it - I fitted a Jetmaster open fire years ago and I lit the first fire - went out of room and closed door - went back in to smoke down to floor - opened a window and it all shot up chimney. Open fires are a pain.

Depends on the size of the stove, under 5kw and you don't need an air vent.

Yaayuh! · 8 Nov 2016 at 09:10

The lounge door is open and the downstairs is quite open so there's a lot of air to be drawn.

Thanks for the input guys, apprecaited.

I'm leaning towards the UFO type after more research because the require a lot less maintenance. There's also a risk that the bearings go on the rotating cowls and they're rather expensive and a pain to clean.

Any ideas on reputable sellers? Do chimney pots have standard sizes?