Clean Sweep Vac Services 01462 671555
Chimney Services
HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR CHIMNEY LATELY?
There are many different types of cowls designed to solve different problems with your chimney. Tell us what your problem is and we will find a cowl to help you.
For example : If you would like to keep Jackdaws out of your chimney then we recommend you book us in March to August to fit a bird guard.
Or if your chimney is letting in water when it rains; you might need a rain cowl.
If smoke is coming down the chimney when another fire is lit, you might find
an anti-downdraft cowl solves the problem. See below for more problems and their solutions
Problem: Birds in Chimney
Jackdaws love a large open chimney in which to make their nests and tend to do this between April and July. If you have twigs falling into your fireplace and suspect there is a bird nesting in the chimney, then due to the The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 you will have to wait until the young have fledged before removing the nest. You will not be able to use the fire whilst waiting. For more information visit the RSPB's website
Pigeons love to explore chimneys and we often get calls from distressed customers with a sooty bird flying around and marking their soft furnishings. Doves have also been known to take a tumble down the chimney stack
Question: How long does it take to remove a birds nest from a chimney?
Answer: It depends on how much of the chimney the birds have filled with twigs and how bid your chimney is. Anything from half and hour to 3 hours extra.
Birds in Chimney Solution
The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 protects wild birds, their eggs and their nests. As it takes around a month for the Jackdaw fledglings to leave the nest, the safest time to sweep the chimney and remove the nest is August time.
You should not use your fire in this time. However, if you keep an eye out and are sure that the birds have left the nest before then give us a call in July.
You should then get a bird guard fitted to the chimney and have any unused chimneys capped off to stop them returning.
Contact us if you have birds in your chimney.
Problem: Cracked, Loose or Missing Chimney Pot
A loose chimney pot can fall and cause damage to the surrounding property. It may also cause injury and may indicate a larger maintenance problem on your roof. A missing chimney pot will reduce the draw of air for your fire and will stop it burning properly, it will also create an attractive entrance to your stack for wildlife and allow more rain to enter your property.
Question: Why is smoke coming down my chimney? [visit our sister blog]
Cracked, Loose or Missing Chimney Pot solution
We can replace the chimney pot for you and take photographs of the state of the chimney stack for you. We can rebuild the stack itself or remove it if it is not used.
We can provide decorative and functional chimney pots. We can then fit a bird guard whilst we are on the roof, to ensure that you ........
....avoid the Birds in Chimney problem
Problem: Rain in Chimney
If a fireplace and chimney are not used, you may find that you suffer with damp in the chimney breast caused the rain getting into the chimney. It may dislodge old cement in the brickwork and send parging down.
These problems can be eased by preventing the weather from entering the chimney by having a rain cowl fitted or having the unused chimney capped off.
Question : Is rain getting in my chimney?
Answer: If you have damp patches then you could have a problem with your gutters, lead flashing, roof tiles or need a cowl fitting. This kind of repair is best done in good weather and may need scaffolding, so get a quote in March / April.
Rain in Chimney problem solved
We can fit a simple rain cowl, or one with bird guard protection also to stop the rain entering a chimney in use. If the chimney is not used we can add a temporary cap or a permanent solution. A cap will also prevent second hand smoke coming down a second chimney not in use.
Question : Do I need a cowl on a lined chimney?
Answer: A cowl will stop birds nesting so advisable to fit one on every chimney in the house to avoid costly cleaning.
Problem: Which Cowl?
Hundreds of different cowls are on the market these days.
Their main purposes are to either stop birds getting in, stop rain and damp or aid air flow. Here are the main types explained.
DECORATIVE: Great for period properties. Stops birds entering chimney. Doesn't stop rain. Usually less than £95 fitted
RAIN COWL: Stops rain and birds from entering chimney. Usually less than £110 fitted.
LEAD CAP: Stops birds and rain from entering disused chimney. Allows airflow. Usually less than £100 fitted.
CAPPING COWL: Stops rain and birds from entering chimney not in use Allows airflow. Usually less than £95 fitted.
BALLOON NET: Stops birds from entering chimney but can sometimes be removed by larger birds. Less than £90 fitted.
Not just a chimney sweep!
Our sister company is HETAS registered and able to install Wood burners, bio mass, multifuel stoves, twin wall sytems and liners to meet building regulations. For more information visit the website for GTD installations ltd by following this link www.LogburnerInstallation.uk
