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We remove birds and other small animals from your chimney

What’s that scratching, scraping or chirping noise coming from your chimney? If you hear movement in your chimney, chances are there is an animal in your chimney. So how do you deal with animals in your chimney?

Animals in chimneys are more than a nuisance. Even when the chimney isn’t in use, animals cause problems. Animals and birds damage your chimney lining. They also bring in debris or build nests that entirely blocks the chimney opening. Animals and birds also introduce diseases to your home. Animals and the debris they bring into the chimney can fill your home with horrible odors.

What to do about an animal in your chimney

We remove birds and other small animals from your chimney - Indianapolis IN - Your Chimney SweepIf an animal is in your chimney, call our professionals right now. Larger animals require a professional animal control technician, but birds and small animals such as squirrels, can be removed by Your Chimney Sweep!

If you suspect an animal in your chimney, first you need to close the damper to prevent the animal from entering. Then, call in a professional, because our chimney technicians are trained to remove birds and animals safely. Once the animal is safely removed, your chimney needs to be swept and inspected to ensure no debris or damages are left behind.

About chimney swifts

However, there is one type of bird that cannot be removed from your chimney: the chimney swift. Chimney swifts are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Act, which makes it illegal to disturb their nests. They find homes on vertical surfaces of chimney flues in late spring or early summer, and they vacate their nests in the fall. They have cigar-shaped bodies and square tails, and they flap their wings swiftly, like bats. If swifts are nesting in your chimney, you have to wait until they leave in the fall. Then you should call our professionals to get your chimney swept and inspected.

If you have an animal or bird in your chimney, call Your Chimney Sweep for help! We can assess the problem, safely remove the animal and sweep and inspect your chimney to make sure it’s safe to use this fall. We can even outfit your chimney for the perfect chimney cap to keep birds, bats, and animals out for good!

By Joe Sauter on August 28th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Leave a Comment

The levels and process of a detailed chimney inspection

Chimney professionals know the importance of chimney inspections, and we sometimes even overstate the importance of it. While you might know the importance of annual chimney maintenance, but how exactly are chimney inspections performed and what are the differences between the three types of chimney inspections suggested by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Level 1 chimney inspection

The levels and process of a detailed chimney inspection - Indianapolis IN - Your Chimney SweepA Level 1 chimney inspection is the first and most necessary of all chimney inspections. This is an annual requirement for those homeowners who stay up-to-date on chimney maintenance. A level 1 inspections is for when there are no suspected damage. It’s also good for when there has not been changes for the fireplace or chimney system. A Level 1 chimney inspection is a visual inspection of the easily accessible portions of your chimney and hearth.

From the rooftop, your chimney sweep look down to check for any signs of damage. They also check for damage or missing pieces on the exterior of the chimney. The sweep look at the firebox and damper. They peer up the chimney to check for visible damages as well.

Level 2 chimney inspection

A Level 2 chimney inspection is a more thorough examination of your fireplace and chimney. A level 2 chimney inspection is for when the sweep notices signs of damages during a Level 1 chimney inspection. This level is also for when a property changes hands, there are any changes in your fireplace or chimney, or when there are suspected damages.

To perform a Level 2 chimney inspection, your chimney sweep performs everything from a Level 1 inspection. In addition, they also examine the all access and available portions of your chimney such as the attics, crawl spaces and access panels. Your sweep also insert a specialized camera up your flue to verify no signs of damage or obstruction.

Level 3 chimney inspection

A Level 3 chimney inspection is an invasive chimney inspection that involves opening your chimney to expose any hidden and hard to see damages. A Level 3 chimney inspection is for when damage is found within the chimney. It is also for when a level 2 reveals signs of a greater problem deep within the chimney. During a Level 3 inspections, portions of the chimney or home might be demolished or dismantled to expose problem areas.

If your chimney need a chimney inspection — whether it’s a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 chimney inspection — call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule an appointment! We can perform these inspections and make recommendations for repairs. With an inspection from Your Chimney Sweep, you can be confident of the true state of your chimney and enjoy your fireplace peacefully!

By Joe Sauter on August 14th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Leave a Comment