Atlanta homeowners told to check chimneys for birds before installing caps

Clean Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney says Atlanta-area homeowners should inspect chimneys for chimney swifts before replacing or installing a cap this fall. The warning matters because a cap can trap protected birds inside and because a damaged or missing cap leaves the flue open to water, debris and animals.

Why it matters: - A missing or damaged chimney cap can let rain, leaves and animals into the flue. - A chimney cap that is installed before checking for birds can trap chimney swifts inside. - The company says Atlanta homeowners should address cap problems before starting the first fire of the season.

What happened: - Clean Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney is reminding Atlanta-area homeowners to inspect chimney caps before seasonal use. - The company serves Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Alpharetta. - The company says technicians check for birds in the flue before installing a new cap. - The company installs, replaces and custom-builds chimney caps in the Atlanta area.

The details: - Chimney caps cover the top of the flue while allowing smoke and combustion gases to escape. - Most caps use a metal hood and mesh screen to block rain, debris and animals. - A replacement cap must match the flue size, attachment points and the fireplace or appliance it serves. - A poor fit or torn screen reduces protection. - Caps can rust, shift in storms or blow off while fireplaces sit unused from spring through fall. - Visible warning signs include a missing cap, a leaning cap, a bent hood or a torn screen. - Indoor warning signs include scratching in the flue, leaves and twigs in the firebox, or water near the fireplace. - Water intrusion can also come from damaged flashing, cracked masonry or a worn chimney crown. - Homeowners do not need to climb onto the roof to report a problem. - Homeowners can describe what they noticed and schedule an inspection. - Before fitting a cap, the technician inspects the chimney top, the existing cap and accessible flue areas for damage, blockages and animal activity. - Cleaning or animal work happens before cap installation. - A new cap does not remove creosote buildup, fix a damaged flue or clear a blockage. - If the inspection finds any of those problems, the homeowner should address them before using the fireplace. - The company also offers chimney sweeping, inspections and repairs across Atlanta and nearby communities. - Homeowners can call (470) 706-6431 to report a missing or damaged cap, get an estimate or book service. - Clean Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney is based at 333 Sandy Springs Cir Unit 207, Atlanta, GA 30328. - The company’s website is Clean Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney.

Between the lines: - Chimney swifts often roost in chimneys during fall migration, and a cool day does not mean the birds have left. - A company representative said many calls about chirping turn out to be chimney swifts rather than mice or squirrels. - Federal law protects chimney swifts under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. - If technicians find swifts or an active nest, the cleaning or cap installation waits until the birds are gone. - Homeowners who hear chirping or see birds flying into the chimney should mention that when booking service. - The animal-removal approach depends on the species and on whether protected birds are involved.

What's next: - Homeowners planning to light their first fire of the season should schedule an inspection before using the fireplace. - The company says technicians will determine whether a cap replacement, cleaning, animal removal or another repair is needed first.

The bottom line: - In Atlanta, chimney cap work now starts with a bird check, not a hardware swap.