Do you have a fireplace and are you thinking of lighting it up for a cosy, warm evening? It can be a log burner, a wood-burning stove, or a modern chimney. However, sometimes the chimney might get blocked without you even realising. What is blocking the chimney? The answer is simple – bird nests. This is a common situation which occurs irrespective of location. While the birds are lovely to watch, the nests inside the chimney can be a challenge for the homeowners.
With a professional chimney sweep in Derby, you can ensure complete bird-nest removal. They arrange safe chimney sweep services to clean the chimney and make it functional again.
Why do birds build nests in chimneys?
To birds, a chimney is a perfect house and a jackpot. Chimneys are tall and sheltered. They remain warm, which keeps the eggs comfortable in the nests. The best part – they are safe and predator-free. Hence, a few birds build nests and return a year later to rebuild them. Thus, if you have a cosy chimney, it is definitely a troublesome thing for your house.
What are the dangers of bird nests in a chimney?
Chimney blocks
If there’s a nest in the chimney, it will block airflow in the flue. When you start a chimney with the block, the smoke will flow back to your home. This increases the chances of suffocation and breathing issues. Excessive inflow of chimney air can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Also, read this blog: How a Professional Log Burner Installation Can Cut Your Heating Bills by 40%
Damp and pests
Nests are generally safe high up on the chimney. However, these nests attract insects like mites, fleas, and even maggots, especially if a baby bird dies. Over time, this leads to chimney damage, increased musty odours, and the appearance of damp patches.
Fire hazards
Along with the nest, the bird will stuff the chimney with items such as dried twigs, feathers, and leaves. They are highly flammable. Let’s suppose you light a fire beneath the next unknowingly, the small spark will ignite the debris and turn the chimney into a fire breakout.
How can professionals clear a bird’s nest with chimney sweeping services?
Removing the nest is not an easy task. Especially if the bird is the species that returns after a year to build the nest, you need to address the issue at its core. The professionals will use a CCTV inspection camera to locate the nest.
From a professional, you can expect:
- Thorough Inspection of the flue, chimney pot, and listen to chirping and movement of birds before sweeping.
- Conduct the extraction of nesting material by breaking the nest carefully with professional-grade chimney rods and heavy-duty nest removal brushes.
- Removal of chimney soot and dust using industrial vacuums to keep the chimney free of debris.
- Complete removal of all debris, such as twigs, feathers, dry leaves, dead birds, insects, and mites.
- Perform a complete chimney inspection by conducting a smoke test to ensure smooth airflow throughout the chimney.
Bird’s nests are inconvenient and hazardous as well. With the help of professional chimney sweeps, you can get rid of the same—contact DJ Sweeps. We are a family-run business specialising in stove installation and chimney sweeping.