Chimney cowl - confused

bizgirl

Afternoon all!

I'm hoping to install an open fire in my lounge to replace the old gas one. The chimney stack on my house has about six or seven pots, and the one that relates to the fire in the lounge currently has a cowl fitted over the top of it. It's the only pot with a cowl.

The cowl appears to be made of terracotta/clay and is shaped like a bridge over the chimney pot - so air can escape either side of it.

I'm confused as while I initially thought this would have to be removed in order to use an open fire, having done some research I've discovered that some cowls can be fitted to *help* the fire by preventing downdraft and increasing draw.

Does anyone know whether the type of cowl I have would need to be removed in order to use an open fire? Obviously I want to ensure the smoke will escape and not come back down the chimney into our lounge...!

Thanks in advance!

Grenage

It's really there to stop rain, it shouldn't affect your draw up the chimney.

bizgirl

Thank you. The advice seems really conflicting - I've seen one website say this type of cowl should not be used with a fire and others suggesting it's fine!

Grenage

I would leave the cowl in place unless you experience draw problems.