Urban Wildlife Threatens Your Chimney: How Providence County Homeowners Can Protect Their Investment

In Providence County, Rhode Island, urban wildlife poses a growing threat to residential chimneys, causing thousands of dollars in damage each year. Animal intrusion is another frequent issue. Squirrels, birds, and other wildlife enter uncapped chimneys, creating dangerous blockages with nesting materials that can ignite during fireplace use. As development continues to encroach on natural habitats, homeowners are increasingly finding themselves sharing their properties with resourceful animals seeking shelter and nesting sites.

The Growing Wildlife Problem in Providence County

Many homeowners call us in the spring and complain of what they believe are “birds” in their chimney. These callers are shocked to find that those “birds” are actually baby raccoons! Yes in , mama raccoons use your chimney as a den and have their litters in there each year. A raccoon can easily scamper up and down a chimney flue tile, as it is just a large hollow tree to them.

Rhode Island’s urban wildlife includes numerous species that view chimneys as ideal nesting locations. Wildlife, including birds, raccoons, squirrels, and even bats, may see your chimney as a cozy nesting spot. Bats commonly follow air currents and may be found in attics, chimneys, vents, soffits, flashing, siding, roofs, and loose shingles and shutters.

The Costly Damage Wildlife Can Cause

When animals take up residence in your chimney, the consequences extend far beyond unwanted noise. Raccoons can cause damage to the smoke shelf, damper or flue tiles while in there and our trained Wildlife Specialists can remove the offending wildlife, identify any damage for you and fix it. The presence of wildlife in your chimney can lead to various hazards: Health Hazards: Many wild animals carry diseases, parasites, and bacteria that can pose significant health risks to humans and pets. Property Damage: Animals can damage the chimney structure, block flues, and create fire hazards with nesting materials or droppings. Compromised Safety: An intrusion can obstruct proper airflow, leading to a risky buildup of harmful gases inside your home.

Chimney expert Chuck Roydhouse says if your chimney is uncapped “you’re opening your home up to risks like rabies, fleas, ticks, round worm and bites. Also, histoplasmosis, which is a fungal infection of the lungs caused by bird fecal matter.” He warns that any clawing or pecking animal can damage the chimney itself.

Essential Animal-Proofing During Chimney Repairs

The most effective way to prevent wildlife intrusion is through proper animal-proofing measures implemented during chimney repairs. One of the most effective deterrents to wildlife intrusions is a chimney cap. What is a Chimney Cap?: A chimney cap is a protective cover placed on top of the chimney. It prevents animals from entering while allowing smoke and gases to escape.

If your chimney is not capped, screen it with one-half inch mesh hardware cloth, or cover it with a commercial cap. Professional installation ensures the cap actually works as intended, as Some homeowners try to solve animal problems with hardware store caps, but these often fail because they’re not sized correctly or don’t seal properly around the flue. Professional installation ensures the cap actually works as intended.

Above and Beyond Chimney Service: Your Local Protection Experts

For Providence County residents, Above and Beyond Chimney Service brings over 25 years of experience in protecting homes from wildlife damage. Reliable chimney company by Above and Beyond Chimney in Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol County, MA and Providence, RI. As a family owned and operated company, we have over 25 years of industry experience and are founded on strong internal values and uncompromising integrity – which means that with Above & Beyond Chimney Service, you can expect honest, ethical business practices and actions, no matter what.

Having served Norfolk and Plymouth Counties for years, we understand the impact of coastal moisture on chimney brickwork and the specific creosote buildup patterns resulting from the types of wood commonly burned in this region. This localized knowledge allows us to personalize our cleaning and maintenance techniques for optimal effectiveness in your area.

Comprehensive Animal-Proofing Solutions

When addressing wildlife issues, Above and Beyond Chimney Service provides comprehensive solutions that go beyond simple repairs. Yes, a properly installed chimney cap with appropriate screening will keep birds, squirrels, raccoons, and bats out of your chimney. The mesh size matters – we use screening that’s fine enough to exclude animals but won’t clog with debris during storms. If animals are already in your chimney, we need to remove them first before installing the cap. We can handle this safely and humanely, then install the cap to prevent future intrusions.

Professional Chimney Repairs Providence County, RI should always include animal-proofing measures to ensure long-term protection. Chimney cap installation in North Providence typically runs between $200-$800 depending on your chimney size, cap material, and any prep work needed. Basic stainless steel caps start around $200-300 installed, while custom copper caps can reach $600-800. The price includes the cap, professional installation, and our warranty.

Prevention Beyond Chimney Caps

Effective wildlife prevention requires a multi-faceted approach. Regularly trim tree branches that are close to the roof. Squirrels and raccoons can use these branches to access the chimney. First, check tree limbs. If any overhang the house, trim them back. Overhanging tree limbs are a major pathway for squirrels and raccoons to reach attics and chimneys, favorite nesting places for both species.

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your property for gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and foundations. Use weatherstripping, caulking, and other materials to seal these openings and prevent wildlife from getting inside. Install Screens and Barriers: Use durable screens on vents, chimneys, and other openings to prevent animals from entering. Installing barriers around your property can also deter wildlife from approaching.

When to Call Professional Help

Look for the following indicators that wildlife may be using your chimney as a home: Unusual Noises: Pay attention to any scratching, chirping, or flapping sounds coming from the chimney area, especially during morning or evening hours. If there is an animal in the chimney, you’ll hear lots of rustling, clawing, scratching and flapping. Chirping and even crying points to a nest of babies. You may also notice a foul odor coming from the fireplace, which is likely from feces or a decaying animal.

Contact a Professional: If you suspect wildlife in your chimney, it’s best to call a licensed professional to evaluate the situation. Removing the wild animal by yourself puts you at risk of different health hazards like rabies. The feces and other debris they leave also contain parasites and bacteria that can make you sick.

The Investment in Peace of Mind

Protecting your chimney from wildlife damage is ultimately an investment in your home’s safety and value. Most importantly, you avoid the kind of water damage that turns a $200 cap into a $5,000 repair nightmare. We consider the safety and well-being of your household our top priority, treating every chimney service with the same level of care and attention we would give to our own homes.

By working with experienced professionals who understand both wildlife behavior and chimney systems, Providence County homeowners can ensure their chimneys remain protected year-round. The combination of proper repairs, quality materials, and comprehensive animal-proofing creates a barrier that keeps wildlife out while maintaining optimal chimney performance for decades to come.