Chimney animal removal and entry repair in Dover

Capping a chimney used by swifts

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages homeowners not to cap or screen chimneys that swifts use, because the birds depend on them for nesting. The same guidance says a chimney with a metal liner should be capped, since animals can be trapped inside a smooth metal flue.

Some homeowners choose to leave a masonry chimney open for the birds, and others decide to cap it after the season. We explain both paths honestly and do the work you choose at the right time of year.

Whichever you choose, the chimney is swept before it is capped, so old nest material does not stay in the flue under a new cap.

Checking the damper after an animal visit

Animals and their nests can jam a damper, bend its plate or leave debris in its frame. A damper that no longer closes fully lets the next visitor into the room and lets conditioned air up the flue.

After cleaning, we open and close the damper, clear its frame and check the plate and handle. If it needs repair, the estimate explains the repair separately so you can decide.

Some homeowners take the chance to upgrade the cap or add a top-sealing damper at the same time. We explain the options without pressure and price each one separately.

Keeping animals out once the chimney is closed

A well-fitted cap does most of the work, but caps and screens can loosen, rust or collect debris. NFPA safety guidance recommends having chimneys inspected every year, and a yearly look is a good time to confirm the cap is still doing its job.

Between inspections, watch for new sounds, debris in the firebox or a cap that looks tilted from the ground. If something changes, call us rather than climbing up to check.

Our team can combine that yearly look with a sweep before the fireplace season, so the chimney is clean, clear of nests and closed at the top.

A top-sealing damper as an extra barrier

Some homeowners pair a cap with a top-sealing damper, a damper mounted at the top of the flue that closes the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. It adds a second barrier at the top and is a separate installation from the cap.

Whether it suits your chimney depends on the flue and the crown. We explain the option when it is relevant and price it separately, so you can decide without pressure.