Chimney Sweep · Lancashire
Bird Nest & Blockage Removal
Blocked flue? We clear nests, debris and rubble and get you drawing again.
A blocked chimney is more than an inconvenience — a nest or a fall of rubble can push smoke and carbon monoxide back into the room. Jackdaws are the usual culprits: they drop twigs down unguarded pots each spring and can fill a flue with a nest several feet deep. We remove nests, fallen liner, spalled brick and other debris safely, sweep the flue clean, and can fit a bird guard or cowl to the pot so it does not happen again. Where access is awkward we use a CCTV camera to confirm the blockage is fully cleared before we sign the flue off.
What's included
- Inspection to locate and identify the blockage (nest, debris, fallen liner or soot fall)
- Safe removal of nesting material and debris from the flue
- Full sweep once the blockage is cleared
- Smoke draw test to confirm the flue is clear and drawing safely
- Supply and fit of a bird guard or cowl to prevent it recurring, where wanted
- CCTV confirmation of a clear flue where access or severity makes it sensible
The work up close
Bird guards and cowls of the kind we fit to keep jackdaws out for good.
Frequently asked questions
- I think a bird has nested in my chimney — what should I do?
- Stop using the fire and give us a call. Do not try to light it to "burn out" a nest — that risks a chimney fire and pushes smoke into the room. We will clear the nest properly and check the whole flue is clear before you use the appliance again.
- Is it legal to remove a bird’s nest?
- Nesting birds and their active nests are legally protected while in use, so we will not disturb a nest with eggs or chicks in it. Once the nesting season is over and the nest is no longer active, we can remove it and fit a guard to stop birds returning. We will always advise on the right timing.
- How do I stop birds nesting again?
- A properly fitted bird guard or cowl on the pot is the answer. It lets the flue draw and rain drain while keeping jackdaws out. We can supply and fit the right guard for your pot as part of the same visit.
- How do I know if my chimney is blocked?
- Common signs are a smoky room when you light the fire, a fire that will not draw or stay lit, soot or debris falling into the hearth, or nesting noise and mess in spring. A quick smoke test tells us straight away whether the flue is clear.
- Can you get a camera up there to check?
- Yes. For stubborn or hard-to-reach blockages we use a CCTV camera to see exactly what is in the flue and to confirm it is completely clear once we have finished.
Book your bird nest & blockage removal
Tell us what you need and we'll arrange a visit. Established 2018, fully insured, and every job finished with a certificate.