Chimney animal removal, clean-out and caps in Lauderdale Lakes
We confirm the chimney is empty before it is capped, so nothing is trapped inside to die.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Evidence of a raccoon, squirrel or bird
- Thumps or growling at night
- Droppings on the hearth or firebox floor
- Buzzing insects around the chimney top
- Branches touching the chimney or roof
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Chimney animal removal decisions
An animal in a flue serving another appliance
A chimney can hold a flue for an appliance other than the fireplace. If an animal or nest is in that flue, it can block the path the appliance uses to vent. Combustion gases may then have nowhere to go but back into the house.
If you suspect this, leave that appliance off until the flue has been looked at, and tell us which appliance it is. We identify the blocked flue and explain what needs to happen before the appliance is used again. The appliance itself may need its own service visit.
Why nest material must be gone before a fire
Twigs, leaves, grass and fur burn easily. A nest left in the flue can catch fire from the heat and sparks of an ordinary fire. It also narrows or blocks the passage the smoke needs.
Do not use the fireplace until the flue has been cleared and looked at. We tell you when it is ready and note it on the written record. If some material was out of reach, the record gives its location and whether it affects use.
Why the cap comes after the animal leaves
Fitting a cap first can feel like the fastest fix, but it traps anything still inside. Capping while swifts are using the chimney would harm protected birds, which USFWS says the law forbids, and the same logic applies to other animals.
So the order is fixed: resolve the animal, clean the flue, then cap. We explain where you are in that order at each stage. If the cap has to wait, keep the damper closed in the meantime. That keeps the animal out of the room while the order runs its course.
You saw an animal go into the chimney
Seeing an animal enter the chimney top is useful. Note what it looked like, what time it was and whether it came back out. If you saw it more than once, note that too.
Do not try to block the top or chase it away. Keep the damper closed and tell us what you saw. That sighting may let us plan the right approach before we even arrive. A description of its size, color and movement is often enough to narrow it down.
Animal removal work in Lauderdale Lakes, line by line
- Identification of the animal in the flue
- Damper operation checked after clean-out
- Entry points found and listed
- Multi-flue cap where several flues end
Common questions about birds, bats and raccoons
Can you remove an animal from my chimney right away?
It depends. The species, whether young are present and Florida's wildlife rules decide what can happen and when. After the free inspection we tell you what is allowed now and what the work involves.
How do you know the chimney is empty before capping?
We look into the flue from both ends where possible, listen, check that any one-way exit has been used and wait if needed. The written record notes how the flue was confirmed empty.
Why is there still a smell after the animal left?
Droppings and nest material soak into rough chimney surfaces, and a faint smell can linger for a while. A strong or growing smell suggests something was missed. Tell us and we come back to look.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Chase Cover ReplacementReplace the chase top with a properly planned cover and clearly defined pipe connections.
- Prefab and Zero-Clearance Fireplace RepairIdentify and repair manufactured fireplace components using the appropriate model information.
- Smoke Chamber RepairRepair identified smoke-chamber surfaces with the access and material requirements clearly defined.
- Chimney RebuildRebuild the affected chimney section with the retained structure, roof connection and passage included in the plan.
- Fireplace Hearth RepairRepair the hearth surface after considering the supporting assembly and fireplace requirements.
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Local service. Careful repairs. A fireplace worth coming home to.
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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo