Our Company Blog

Keep Birds Out Of Your Chimney With A Bird Screen

As birds reappear in the sunny springtime, homeowners love to watch them outside, as it is an enjoyable and pleasant experience. Birds are lovely creatures, but that does not mean you want them in your chimney and home. Unfortunately, they are often drawn to this specific area of most homes.

However, the team at A-1 Chimney Specialist is ready to provide solutions that will last for the long haul. Learn more about the importance of preventing animal entry below, then contact us to install a bird screen for you today.

The Dangers Of Nesting Materials

A big reason to keep birds out of your chimney is due to the flammable nature of their nesting materials. Leaves, twigs, grass, and other materials like this can easily catch on fire and spread flames inside your chimney. This will cause a lot of damage to your brickwork and chimney liner, and it encourages the spread of flames to your roofing materials and adjacent woodwork, as well.

Along with this, nesting materials cause blockages. When your system is clogged up, smoke and other gases cannot escape and your family could face serious ailments as a result. One of the biggest threats is carbon monoxide, which is known to be fatal. Why take any chances? Do you best to avoid obstructions in your flue by investing in a bird screen today.

Finally, consider how the smells and sounds associated with these creatures could affect the aesthetic of your home. They leave behind foul-smelling feces, and all too often the birds themselves get stuck and pass away. This could easily lead to unpleasant issues throughout your living space, which are easily preventable with a bird screen in place.

Invest In A Solution Today

Bird screens are great at keeping unwanted visitors out, but they are not the only tool for this job. Both a chimney cap and a top-end damper work well for keeping out birds, raccoons, and other woodland creatures too. They also work to help prevent downdrafts, leaks, and debris buildup, too. If you are having issues with your chimney cap or if your throat damper needs an upgrade, reach out to our team right away.

Are The Birds In Your Flue Protected?

If you have birds in your chimney and you are eager to get them out, do not act too quickly. Some species, like the chimney swift, are federally protected and removing them or their young could land you in some trouble. If you find yourself in this predicament, your only option is to wait until the birds migrate, after which you can remove the abandoned nest. Ready to get started? Reach out to our team today!

We Serve The Winchester Community!

Here at A-1 Chimney Specialist, we have the privilege of serving a lot of wonderful communities, including the great city of Winchester. Between Harvey’s Garden, the Old Jail Museum, and the Oldham Theater, there are all kinds of exciting and one-of-a-kind spots that folks throughout the area love to visit, and those are just some of many.

You also won’t want to miss out on a meal at JD’s Kountry Kitchen or John T’s Barbecue, and shops like Whiffenpoofs, Wishing Well, and more are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

There’s no doubt about it… The long list of festivals, shopping opportunities, dining options, and more that Winchester has to offer keeps residents plenty busy, and the last thing anyone needs is to stress about chimney and fireplace care. That’s why residents depend on us! Give our CSIA certified team a call today, so that we can get you taken care of.

Our Service List Is Extensive

Whether you need some basic maintenance done, like a sweeping or inspection, or you are in need of some more elaborate repair work, our team is surely up to the task. We offer both level 1 and level 2 inspections, and our sweepings are in-depth and thorough, ensuring your system will remain free of any creosote buildup, clogs, or excess debris.

Need repairs, relining work, or restorations completed? We can do it all. No matter what state your chimney is in, our experienced and qualified experts can set you up right. We also address leaks and water damage, and we can provide the preventative maintenance necessary for avoiding these problems from occurring again down the line.

Interested in a new product for your home? We install fireplaces, stoves, inserts, gas logs, and more, so you can equip your household with exactly what you need to live a happier and more comfortable life. Just share your vision with us, and we will do everything we can to bring it to life.

To top it all off, we also offer dryer vent cleaning services. Ask our CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians about getting your vents free and clear of harmful debris today.

Have any questions regarding what we offer? Reach out to us, and we would be happy to address any concerns or inquiries.

Trust In Our Dedicated Team Today

If there’s one thing that makes us happy it’s a satisfied customer. We take pride in serving the folks of Winchester, Madison, New Market, Huntsville, and all of their surrounding areas, and we would love to add you to our list of satisfied customers. When it comes to your fireplace and chimney, you should never settle for less, so starting relying on our team for it all. Just give us a call, and we can set something up.

We Can Restore Your Chimney’s Masonry

A masonry chimney can boost your home’s curb appeal and add some significant value to the property when it comes time to sell, but not if it is cracked, crumbling, or broken down. If you need help restoring your masonry, there are a number of services our professional team could offer that will get you back to where you need to be.

Learn more about some of the things we provide by reading below, then give our crew a call today, so we can answer your questions and schedule an appointment. When it comes to quality care and ultimate satisfaction, the team A-1 Chimney Specialist has got you covered every step of the way!

Pointing Services

Repointing or tuckpointing is a smart investment for anyone who might be having problems with their mortar flaking or crumbling. Throughout this process, the sweep will remove the old, damaged mortar, then put new mortar in. This is a time-consuming and intricate process, and it is important that the materials of the old mortar match up appropriately with the new. This ensures the color stays consistent, and that the structural integrity of the system will not be compromised.

Chimney Crown Repair

When it comes to keeping water away from your brickwork and mortar, having a well-built crown is a must. Unfortunately, if it is worn down, it will not be able to function as efficiently, and you will likely notice water damage throughout your system before you know it. Our team is trained to repair, restore, or rebuild your crown, as necessary. Contact us today, so we can help you. Come fall, you won’t need to worry about a thing!

Keeping Water Away

All in all, keeping water away from your masonry chimney is a must, so let us take action and provide you with the preventative maintenance you need to get through these rainy months. Whether you need a new chimney cap installed, your flashing repaired, your masonry restored, or something else, we can get the job done right, so you don’t face dangerous issues down the line.

Need waterproofing completed? We can handle that, too! Getting waterproofing services done by a CSIA certified professional is a must if want your brickwork to last, so contact us today to get something set up. We use ChimneySaver which is strong enough to protect your masonry, yet light enough to ensure your chimney’s aesthetic is not compromised.

Our waterproofing products are also vapor-permeable ensuring any pre-absorbed moisture does not get trapped inside and trigger even more damage down the line. All in all, it is a much better option than any store-bought paints and sealers, and our professionals will make certain the job gets done correctly.

So, why wait? If you are ready to get your masonry in tip-top shape, then give our team a call today and make your appointment. We look forward to helping you out soon!

Keep the Birds Out This Spring with Bird Screens

When it comes to keeping birds and wildlife out of your flue and chimney, finding good solutions is a challenge. The masonry walls of your chimney offer a perfect spot to build nests, warmth, and to hide from potential predators. Many wild animals will flock to your chimney as a safe place this spring.

Because of this, homeowners are choosing to invest in bird screens. Learn more about these below, then trust in the A-1 Chimney Specialist crew to install one as soon as possible.

What Are Bird Screens? How Do They Work?

Bird screens are mesh screens that are placed over the top of the chimney or chimney cap. They work to keep birds out of your system. They are easy to install, and they provide added protection that your chimney needs- a well worthwhile investment!

What’s The Big Deal With Birds Nesting In My Chimney?

Now, it is common for customers to wonder if it is fine to let birds nest into the chimney, as long as they leave before the start of burning season. After all, what’s the harm? Well, a big issue is the threat that nesting materials and excess debris can pose for your household. These items can clog up the flue. They also increase the likelihood of poisonous gases like carbon monoxide to enter your home. They are also extremely flammable, increase the odds of a chimney fire. These events can all cause serious structural damage, and they leave gaps and openings in your brickwork through which flames, fumes, and smoke can easily escape into your home.

There is also the chance that you light a fire without knowing that the birds are present within your system, which is both inhumane and unsafe. Not to mention, some birds like chimney swift are protected by law, which means harming them could land you with some hefty fines. Another problem? Birds are noisy. If you have baby birds living in your chimney, you will be forced to listen to their high-pitched chirping day after day. If they are protected like chimney swift, you are stuck with them until they decide to leave on their own.

We Can Help You Out Today

There is no time to lose when it comes to keeping birds out of your chimney, so get in touch with us today! While we’re at it, ask about getting an inspection scheduled, so you can have your system swept, repaired, and taken care of well before we the cold strikes again. Come fall, you will be all set and ready to light fires!

We Are Proud To Serve Huntsville

If you live in or near Huntsville, then you know we have proudly served this area for years. But did you know that we now have an office right in town? This better equips us to offer you the personal care and attention you deserve. Huntsville is an area with countless restaurants, shops, and attractions, and we are so excited to continue serving the folks of this area for many years to come.

Our Sweeps Are CSIA Certified

Why should residents of Huntsville and its surrounding areas count on A-1 Chimney Specialist for help? We are CSIA trained and certified, ensuring we can handle any and all of your chimney-related needs. The CSIA is a highly-esteemed nonprofit organization that is dedicated to educating sweeps and the public on better chimney care.

Associating with the CSIA is one way sweeps can stay on top of everything chimney related, and it better equips them when it comes to serving their customers day after day.

We are also CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians. This means we are equipped to inspect, maintain, and clean your dryer vents. This is an important practice that many fail to invest in, and by having your vents cleared out at least once per year, you lower your risk of dryer fires and carbon monoxide exposure significantly.

We Are Members Of The NCSG

The National Chimney Sweep Guild helps sweeps become better at what they do by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their field. This community of sweeps is known for helping others in the industry advance. The organization itself helps sweeps stay up-to-date on any of the latest tools, technologies, and techniques in the trade.

We Have An Extensive List Of Services

From sweepings to inspections to installation work and more, we do our best to offer our customers the chimney care they need. We can troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing, then provide you with the services necessary for resolving them.

Need replacement parts? We can provide those, too. Whether you need caps, dampers, bird screens, or something else, our team can set you up right. We also do repairs and restoration work, so all your appliance can be working like new in no time.

Things like cracks, holes, creosote build-up, a faulty liner, and more can make a fireplace unsafe for regular use, and the longer repair work is put off, the worse these problems will become. Gain the peace of mind and comfort you deserve by counting our crew to help you out from start to finish. Come fall, you will be all set and ready to light fires evening after evening.

What Are You Waiting For?

If you are due for an inspection, then give our team a call now. Get your appointment set up today!