Chimneys are the most vulnerable part of the roof. Metal caps are an alternative to C-Caps and are another popular method of closing off disused chimneys. By now you should have a clearer idea of what method of capping your chimney is best suited to the needs of your property. Chimney cowls are also very useful in many of the same ways other cap types are, helping to protect your chimney from bugs, birds, damp and more. Pepper pot designs are available from many manufacturers, with plenty of different visual options available to those who are after a more defining look for their chimney tops, though it should be noted that they do lack several features enjoyed by more modern alternatives. Place the end of your tape measure against the side of the flue, which is the clay or metal tube coming out from the top of your chimney. Basically, its just an open square hole. There are a number of different options available when capping a chimney, depending on whether the chimney is in use or not. Before starting to brick up the fireplace or fitting the ventilation cowl, have the chimney swept one last time to remove as much soot as possible and dislodge any bird nests or other debris. Within a couple of days of making the top vent, the surface water inside the flue had gone, The problems… Left uncapped, disused chimneys are exposed to the elements, air-borne debris and nesting birds and can be a major waste of … It also needs to be done by a professional. Chimney cowls, also known as pot covers, come in a range of different styles and designs. Amazon.co.uk Today's Deals Warehouse Deals Outlet Subscribe & Save Vouchers Amazon Family Amazon Prime Prime Video Prime Student Mobile Apps Amazon Pickup Locations Amazon Assistant ... Chimney Pot Cap Capping Vent Cowl Colt Econolid disused Chimney. It also provides efficient ventilation that simply wouldn’t be achievable if the chimney was sealed outright. Your typical chimney crashers are birds, squirrels, and raccoons. It is available in multiple sizes and can be easily applied to the majority of UK chimneys. How Much Maintenance Do Chimney Caps Require? We can also devise solutions to increase draw and reduce down draft problems with a chimney in Ludlow. Bolt and strap fixings that most caps use is usually available to purchase on their own and can easily be applied to your cap to replace the old ones. Chimney caps are often designed to also function as spark arrestors. Order your materials today and pay over a timeframe that suits you with our hassle-free finance options. Extend the tape measure to find the total combined length of all the flues. However, cowls can also be used as an alternative to chimney capping, especially if you think the chimney may soon come back into use, especially if you plan on connecting to an appliance in the near future. The average cost to repoint a chimney is typically around £300 for a small chimney with easy access on a low roof. If you are unsure about any of the processes mentioned in this post, don’t hesitate to consult an expert for their advice or assistance on the matter. How to Close an Unused Chimney. Another way to cap your chimney is to use materials you may have lying around the home or garden, While not necessarily as reliable as specially made caps and similar products, a series of patio slabs or roof tiles, cut to size in order to avoid putting too much weight on the chimney, may provide the perfect solution for you. We get many questions about chimney caps here at NCC and while a chimney cap is a minor and relatively inexpensive item to install, many homeowners ask what is the purpose of a chimney cap and is it necessary to have one or not. The best way to keep track of your chimney is to check on it frequently to ensure that no new damage or wear has appeared. Another alternative is to simply seal the chimney altogether, though this is a practice rarely used today. So no surprise it gets damp as its raining inside the chimney. This is usually as simple as buying a new cap – thanks to the quick installation times enjoyed by the majority of caps on the market, you won’t be at risk of too much time and hassle spent on getting a new cap back on your roof. A chimney cap can provide the perfect solution if you are having problems with downdraught or up-draught, as they will increase the pull in the chimney for better extraction of fumes and smoke. They are extremely durable and are able to withstand a range of weather and temperature conditions without issue. Chimney pot caps are fitted to the top of chimneys to solve a wide range of common issues, whilst also improving the performance of the chimney. Chimney caps don’t usually require too much maintenance once they have been applied to your roof. Due to their position at the very top of the roof, most homeowners choose to call in a professional to cap their chimney. This provides better insulation and protection, from moisture and birds as well as draughts. Answer Save. C-Caps come with several different features included, such as insect filters designed to prevent bugs from getting into your chimney and creating a nest there. Choose a roof type that fit to your project and access all materials that we have to help you. 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