How To Keep Animals Out Of Your Chimney
More and more trees are being cut down to make room for new real estate developments. In turn, this has forced birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals to find alternative nesting spots. One of these alternatives could be your chimney! These critters see chimneys as safe places to build nests for their families. So, it is important to make sure your chimney is protected from any animal invasions. Not only is an animal living in your chimney annoying, but it can also cause damage to your chimney and even spread diseases into your home.
Many species of birds, including chimney swifts, are protected by federal law in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This prevents them from being removed from their nesting sites; meaning you will be sharing your home with them until they leave in the fall. Atlas Chimney can help you keep wild animals and birds out of your chimney! We would like to tell you more about the best way to keep this from happening to your home.
How can I keep birds, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and other animals out of my chimney?
According to the Humane Society of the United States, the best way to keep wild animals and birds from getting into your chimney is to be sure the chimney opening is protected. How? By professionally installing an animal-proof chimney cap on the top of the chimney! Without a chimney cap installed, your chimney is an open door for these critters. Make sure to select a chimney cap that is equipped with animal guards. These are mesh metal sides on the cap that will prevent birds and animals intrusion. Atlas Chimney sells a wide variety of this type of chimney cap. In addition, we also provide professional installation services so that your chimney is properly protected.
What are the other functions of a chimney cap?
A chimney cap serves several different functions. First, it keeps birds and wild animals out of your chimney. Second, it stops water from rain and melted ice from getting inside the flue. This is a very important function, since water penetration can cause extensive and expensive damage to your chimney and your home! A chimney cap can also help prevent accidental roof and brush fires from occurring. The mesh metal sides prevent hot sparks from jumping out of the top of the chimney, igniting a fire where they land. Additionally, if you are having chimney draft issues, certain types of chimney caps are equipped with special side vents that direct the wind to draft properly.
Is your chimney uncapped? If so, it is at a high risk for animal and bird invasions, as well as water penetration damage. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about keeping animals out of your chimney with our chimney cap sales and professional installation services!