Chimney cowl - keep or remove?

[First_house]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to install an open fire in my living room to replace the old gas one. The chimney stack on the roof has seven or so pots, and the one that relates to the fire in the living room 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. It looks like this:

https://www.roofingoutlet.co.uk/products/192-redbank-clay-half-round-hood-top

I'm confused as while the chimney sweep said it should be removed in order to use the fire, having done some research online it seems that cowls can *help* the fire by preventing downdraft and improving draw.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

[Lower]

That sort of cowl is for disused flues only. That's why the sweep is suggesting you remove it.

 

[First_house]

Great - thanks for clarifying. Off it goes!