Chimney swifts can be a pain. They can fly into your chimney, build nests on the walls of your flue, and create quite a ruckus while doing so. These birds historically nested in hollow trees across North America. Since their habitats have largely been removed and replaced with buildings (oftentimes with chimneys), they have adapted and became chimney swifts. The only way to prevent them from making a home in your chimney is to make sure it’s capped.What Are Chimney Swifts Image - Prince Frederick MD - Chesapeake Chimney

The Problem with Swifts

These little birds have lost their habitat for the most part, and are federally protected through the migratory bird act. This means that if you get a swift in your chimney, there isn’t anything you can do about it. Not even a professional chimney sweep can remove a chimney swift or their nests from your chimney, nor can they be harmed in anyway. This means no chimney services can be completed while they’re in the flue, and no fire can be lit either, until they leave on their own. This process can take up to 90 days, and in that time the swifts congregate in a nesting spot, sometimes hundreds, and they’re not quiet. When they do finally leave, they leave their mess of nests, feathers, droppings, and more. You may end up with damage to the flue liner and flammable debris in the chimney system that can cause major problems later.

Professional Protection

When you hire a professional chimney sweep company like Chesapeake Chimney and Co., you can rest assured that your chimney is in good shape and won’t leave your flue open to animals. Anything that can climb or fly onto your roof can end up inside your chimney if it’s not adequately capped. We sell and install Gelco chimney caps of galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper that carry a lifetime warranty. When you choose Chesapeake Chimney & Co. for your chimney cap install, you can count on it being a perfect fit that keeps the smallest birds and biggest critters out.

Your cap installation will also prevent water from entering the chimney system this spring and summer and will prevent downdrafts and keep sparks in the chimney this fall and winter. A stray spark can ignite debris on the roof and vegetation in your yard, but the spark suppressor on the chimney cap sends it right back down.

At Chesapeake Chimney & Co., we take safety seriously, and we offer the best services to keep your family and home safe. When you chose us for your comprehensive chimney care, we’ll prevent what’s preventable, starting with chimney swift habitation.

Call Chesapeake today at 410-535-0052.