Chimney Cowls and Caps: Stop Downdraught, Rain and Nesting Birds

A chimney or flue that is open at the top invites problems: rain and debris fall in, birds nest in it, and on windy days the draught can reverse and push smoke or cold air back down into the room. A cowl or cap fixes all of that. Here is a plain guide to the STERR range.

STERR CWL150 rotating chimney cap

What a cowl actually does

A good chimney cap keeps rain, leaves and birds out of the flue, and just as importantly it helps the draught. A poor draught is what causes a smoky fire or a stove that will not draw. The right cowl improves the pull and stops wind-driven downdraught from reversing it.

Rotating, spherical and curved

  • The CWL rotating chimney cap spins with the wind to draw air out and actively resist downdraught, a strong choice for exposed or windy sites.
  • The SRC spherical rotating cap uses a rounded, wind-driven design that draws air from any direction, supplied with a base for mounting.
  • The RCP curved cap is a stainless steel cover that shelters larger masonry chimneys from rain while letting the flue breathe.

STERR SRC150AB spherical rotating ventilation cap

Getting the fit right

Round caps are sized by flue diameter, so measure the internal diameter of your flue or liner before ordering. If the cap size does not match your flue or chimney type, we stock base adapters and ceramic-flue adapters, plus reducers, so you can connect the cap securely to almost any chimney.

Built to survive the weather

Chimney caps live outside in the worst of it, so ours are made from stainless steel to resist rust and hold up to years of rain and wind. A well-fitted cap protects the chimney structure itself, which is far cheaper than repairing water damage later.

Find the right cap

Explore the full chimney cowl and cap collection, measure your flue, and add the adapter you need for a secure fit.