Who doesn’t love a wood-burning fireplace? It brings a lovely ambiance and literal warmth to the home. Unfortunately, the chimney can also be an unintentional welcome sign to neighbourhood wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and rodents. While calling wildlife control Ajax can help you remove a problem, installing a chimney screen is sometimes enough to prevent a problem from ever starting. There are several benefits to using a chimney screen, but you also need to take a few precautions when installing it.

Prevents Animal Entry

The primary benefit of using a chimney screen is it helps to prevent wildlife from entering the home. A chimney or bird screen often has a solid metal top with metal mesh sides, and it is secured to the roof. 

The screen protects your home and the animals it keeps at bay. It is not uncommon for wildlife to find a chimney inviting. Raccoons, mice, birds, and other species will often attempt to make homes in the open cavities of the chimney. Unfortunately, some animals are unable to make their way back out of the chimney. A trapped animal will often perish in the chimney, and it is not an easy way to go.

When an animal dies in your chimney, it results in a tremendous odour. The decaying animal will attract flies and become a breeding ground for maggots. You will need to contact someone to remove the carcass to rid the home of the smell and the impending insect problem. Fortunately, all can be avoided by installing the screen.

Keeps Debris Out

While the primary benefit of using a chimney screen is to prevent animal entry, the screen also works to avoid debris build-up. Chimneys often need to be cleaned of sticks, branches, leaves, and other environmental debris. A screen ensures that no such materials make it into the shaft of the chimney.

However, while the screen can prevent debris inside the chimney, you will need to clean around it to ensure adequate airflow. You will typically want to clean around the screen after every change of season, but especially going into the fall and winter when you are more likely to use your fireplace.

Blocks Downdrafts

A downdraft in a chimney is one of the worst experiences for fireplace owners. A storm or strong wind can lead to an abrupt downdraft, sending smoke, soot, and ash into the home. A chimney screen eliminates the risk of a downdraft with its cap. 

The presence of the solid metal cap eliminates the possibility of a downward gust. Wind can only come in through the sides of a screen; therefore, the air is always moving across the chimney. Therefore, homeowners can ensure their interior remains soot-free.

Hire a Professional

While a chimney screen seems like an easy enough device for DIY installation, it is strongly recommended that homeowners hire a professional for installation. A contractor can ensure the device is installed without compromising your roof structure. They can also ensure the item is secure and will not be easily removed by motivated wildlife.

Ensure No Animals Present

Before installing a chimney screen, ensure your home is not already home to wildlife. A chimney screen can either separate a mother from its babies or trap an animal, almost certainly ensuring its death. If you have heard scratches or noises coming from your chimney, or if you suspect you have an animal inside your property, contact a wildlife removal service.

If you want to install a chimney screen but want to make sure no animals could be hurt by its installation, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. The company will send technicians to your home to inspect the property.