Animal removal from chimneys in Baldwin Park

When a wildlife specialist takes the lead

Some situations call for a wildlife specialist, such as an animal with young, a protected species or an animal that has to be captured. We explain why when that is the case and coordinate timing, so the chimney work follows without gaps. The specialist handles the animal under Florida's nuisance wildlife rule. We handle the chimney, from cleanup and inspection to the cap. You get one written plan that shows where the specialist's part ends and ours begins.

Screen sizes the residential code sets

The Florida residential code, in section R1003.9.2, sets the size of spark arrestor screen openings on masonry chimneys. The openings must not pass a sphere larger than half an inch and must not block a sphere smaller than three-eighths of an inch. That range keeps out birds, bats and squirrels while letting smoke through. Caps we install on masonry flues follow it. A screen with larger openings may look sturdier and still let bats and small birds slip through.

What the chimney inspection covers

Our free inspection for an animal problem looks at the chimney from the roof and from inside. The written findings say what we saw, what the rules allow and what we recommend, item by item. The inspection also notes anything we could not see, so you know what the findings cover.

• The cap, screen and crown or chase cover at the top
• Signs of nesting, droppings, fur or feathers
• The damper, smoke shelf and firebox from below
• Every flue in the chimney, including appliance flues

The order the work follows

Chimney animal jobs go wrong when steps are skipped, so we follow a set order. Each step waits for the one before it, and the estimate shows where your chimney stands in the sequence. Skipping to the cap is the one shortcut we refuse, because it is how animals end up trapped.

• Identify the animal and whether it is nesting
• Lawful removal, departure or exclusion
• Cleanup of nest material and droppings, then a sweep
• Flue and damper inspection
• A screened cap or other exclusion to keep it empty