- Why is Windkat better than other anti-downdraught chimney cowls?
- Do I have to remove my existing chimney pot in order to fit the Windkat?
- Does the Windkat prevent downdraught?
- You have Windkat models with a Baseplate and others seem to have a Plug in version. Can you tell me which one is for what chimney/situation?
- Will the Windkat fit directly onto a twin walled flue?
- Would the Windkat fit a regular stainless steel chimney flue and would I need special fixings?
- Is the Windkat going to solve the problem given the chimney is lower than the roof pitch?
- I take it that the coloured Windkats are in fact made of stainless steel?
- Does the Windkat have any effect on wind noise?
- How do I find out what size I need?
- Do you have any recommended Windkat fitters?
- Is the Windkat suitable for gas fires and flues?
- Curing Aga oily smell on windy days?
- Fire goes out over night? Doesn't work well when turned down?
- Does the Windkat cowl work in low wind/still weather?
- Increasing Chimney Height
Why is Windkat better than other anti-downdraught chimney cowls?
Apart from stopping downdraught, Windkat will provide a constant even draw in your chimney unlike competitor products that either have little effect at all (many other static cowls) or can make your chimney draw too much or too little depending on the wind (spinning cowls). Constant draw makes for an efficient fire that’s a pleasure to use. Windkat is also a pot and cowl all in one so if you’re having a new fireplace or stove installed its worth fitting a Windkat straight away as you will need a pot/cowl anyway and the features of the Windkat will improve your fire’s efficiency and guard against any future weather related problems.
Do I have to remove my existing chimney pot in order to fit the Windkat?
Windkat is a chimney pot and cowl all in one so ideally your existing chimney pot should be removed. As we also offer Windkat with a plug-in configuration which can slide into a pot, there may also be the possibility of fitting Windkat on top of your existing pot, but particular attention must be paid to ensuring a firm, safe fit.
Does the Windkat prevent downdraught?
Yes, Windkat uses a system of injection nozzles to maintain constant negative pressure in any flue to which it is fitted and is the most effective anti-downdraught cowl on the market.
You have Windkat models with a Baseplate and others seem to have a Plug in version and yet another with Plug in for flexible liners. Can you tell me which one is for what chimney/situation?
The Plug-in version is for fitting your Windkat into flue pipes e.g. single or double
walled metal flue pipes. It can also sometimes be used to fit the
Windkat onto the top of chimney pots if they are sufficiently robust. The plug-in part slides inside the flue pipe or chimney pot.
The Baseplate model is for brick, stone or concrete chimney stacks with flat tops. It acts like a chimney pot on your chimney stack.
The Plug-in for flexible liner version is only used if you need to suspend a flexible flue liner from your windkat and should only be installed by professionals. If you do not need ot suspend a liner, opt for the Baseplate model instead.
Will the Windkat fit directly onto a twin walled flue?
Yes, the Windkat is perfect for fitting onto twin walled flues or single walled flues.
Would the Windkat fit a regular stainless steel chimney flue and would I need special fixings?
Yes, it is ideal for fitting directly into a metal flue and no special fixings are needed. We supply a tube of heat resistant silicone to seal the fit.
Is the Windkat going to solve the problem given the chimney is lower than the roof pitch?
We cannot guarantee it will definitely work, but you stand a much higher chance with the Windkat than any other cowl. We would also recommend using a 500mm extension to raise the Windkat away (but not necessarily above) the roof if the Windkat does not work on its own.
I take it that the coloured Windkats are in fact made of stainless steel?
Yes, but powder coated in either Terracotta, Black or Green.
Does the Windkat have any effect on wind noise?
We cannot guarantee that the Windkat will reduce all wind noise, but as Windkat gives all fires and stoves a more constant even draw excessive wind noise is likely to be reduced.
How do I find out what size I need?
By measuring the internal diameter of your chimney flue at the top and following the guidelines on Advice Centre.
Do you have any recommended Windkat fitters?
We would recommend you contact your local chimney sweep or local builder although the Windkat is simple to fit and can be a DIY job.
Is the Windkat suitable for gas fires and flues?
Yes it is suitable; however one would need to order the Windkat with wire mesh as this is a legal requirement.
Curing Aga oily smell on windy days?
One of the likely possible causes for an oily fume smell from your oil fired Aga on a windy day is downdraught. Fitting a Windkat has proven to be a reliable way of fixing this problem for a number of our customers and succeeds where other cowls fail. If it doesn't solve the problem to your satisfaction you can return the Windkat for a full refund within 60 days even if its been used
Fire goes out over night. Doesn't work well when turned down?
If you've tried to keep your stove burning low over night, but as soon as you turn it down it seems to go out then the Windkat could help. Its very disappointing coming down to a stone cold stove in the morning when what you were hoping for is gently smouldering embers that are effortlessly coaxed back into life.
When turned right down, stoves are more susceptible to poorly performing flues and without a steady even draw, fires easily go out. Its expensive and inconvenient to own a fire that only works well when its roaring through logs. The Windkat will maintain a steady even draw in your flue transforming troublesome fires into more manageable and useful appliances.
Not just for downdraught and weather related problems, the Windkat increases the efficiency and usability of open fires and wood burning stoves.
Does the Windkat cowl work in low wind and still weather?
Yes, the Windkat continues to work even in extremely still conditions with no wind long after spinning cowls have stopped and become a hindrance rather than a help. The Wndkat has extremely low resistance and as there is always some air movement even when the weather appears absolutely still, the Windkat will continue to channel that slight air movement upwards, which in turn draws air up the flue. No other cowl works as effectively.
Increasing Chimney Height?
If you have a chimney stack that's too low and you want to find the easiest way of increasing the height of your chimney, Windkat has the solution. Our Windkat with Base plate configuration allows an additional 0.5m or 1m extension to be easily added. Windkat extensions are made from high grade, twin walled, insulated, stainless steel flue pipe. Keeping flue gases warm is essential for good draw and nothing does that better than the Windkat extension. Windkats with 0.5m extensions are available for purchase here online. If you require a 1m extension, we ask that you contact us first as ensuring a secure installation requires consideration with the extra height and a plug-in (round or square) with base plate configuration may be necessary.
