As the chimneys are dark, warm and sheltered spaces, they are ideal for those small animals to for a brief nesting or rest. This is especially true when winters are approaching, and these small animals start looking for a warm, safe place. Thus, it is no surprise to find squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats, opossums, skunks, rats and other small animals a regular visitor of the common chimney. However, once they are inside, they can create problems. They often enter through the uncapped chimney and are unable to climb back out. The situation can be a dangerous fire hazard. Animals in the chimney can be a big problem.
How to know if there is an animal or bird inside the chimney
Listening to any noises coming from the chimney and those sounds indicate any animal or bird trying to nest or escape. Birds usually build their nests right above the fireplace and at times, there can be multiple bird nests inside the chimney. Thus, if you hear sounds or notice a strange smell from the chimney, it indicates that presence of an animal or bird.
Here are some tips on how to keep your chimney free of those animals, rodents, and birds.
- Place and secure chimney caps
You can rely on a correctly installed and sturdy chimney cap to keep not just the animals out but also any other debris. Get a small, metal peak fixed to the top of your chimney flue and secure it with a fine metal cage. The peak will keep the chimney safe from water while the mesh will keep out animals and debris. With a firm chimney cap in place, it is impossible for those animals to enter the chimney. - Install a Top-sealing damper
The top-sealing dampers open up when the fire is burning so that the smoke gets out and closes itself when the fire is out. These dampers are installed at the on top of the chimney crown and produce a tight seal around the chimney, which keeps the debris, animals, and birds away. This is a secure way to keep your chimney safe from any animal intrusion. - Inspect the Chimney regular
Although chimney inspections do not animals way, they will ensure that there are no animals nesting in your chimney and keep the chimney free of any blockages. Moreover, those inspections are essential to know if your chimney is in good condition and your house is safe from fires and carbon monoxide. Watch out for any noises or smells from your chimney that may indicate the presence of an animal or bird inside the chimney. Do chimney cleaning regularly to keep it safe.
The right solution would be to have a chimney professional install a chimney cap made of stainless steel and carrying wire mesh sides. The stainless steel cap is known to be the most durable and can stand even a tougher animal such as raccoon trying to rip it off. It is best to call in a professional and avoid messing up with the animals as some of them can be very aggressive.
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