Chimney Cap Installation Markham: Bird Nest Removal

Chimney cap installation Markham landlords needed came after tenants reported an ongoing problem: flies buzzing near the fireplace and birds audible inside the chimney. The complaints kept coming, so the property owner asked us to find the cause and fix it for good.

This case shows why a proper chimney cap installation, paired with a full cleaning, solves problems that a quick patch job can’t.

The Backstory: Two Chimneys, No Caps, Two Bird Problems

The property in Markham had two chimneys, and neither one had a functioning cap. An open chimney top is an open invitation for birds looking for a sheltered place to nest, especially in a rental property where the fireplace rarely gets used.

Tenants started noticing flies near the fireplace and hearing rustling and chirping sounds coming from inside the flue. They reported the issue to the landlord, who reached out to us for a full chimney inspection and cleanup.

Birds nesting in chimneys are a common issue across the Greater Toronto Area, particularly in older rental properties where chimney maintenance often gets overlooked between tenancies. Without a cap, a chimney functions like an uncovered chute straight into the building, and birds will use it.

What the Chimney Inspection Found

Our technicians inspected both chimneys before starting any work. The inspection confirmed:

• Two uncapped chimney tops, both fully open to the outside
• An active bird nest lodged in one flue
• Debris, feathers, and droppings built up in both chimneys
• No structural chimney damage, so a full cap installation could proceed right away

One detail mattered before any cleaning began: confirming whether the nest was still active. Several bird species that nest in Ontario chimneys, including the chimney swift, are protected under federal law. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, disturbing an active nest during breeding season can be an offence under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, so timing and species identification matter before removal work starts.

The Chimney Cleaning and Cap Installation Process

Once the inspection confirmed the nest was inactive and safe to remove, the team moved forward with a complete cleanup and chimney cap installation Markham tenants had been waiting for:

1. Nest and debris removal. Technicians cleared the nest, feathers, and droppings from both flues by hand and with specialized tools.
2. Full chimney sweep. Both chimneys were swept top to bottom to remove soot, debris, and any remaining organic material.
3. Sanitizing treatment. A cleaning and deodorizing pass addressed bacteria and lingering odor left behind by the nest.
4. Two new chimney caps installed. Custom-fitted caps went on both chimney tops, sized and screened to keep birds and other wildlife out without restricting proper airflow.

With both chimneys cleaned and capped, the flies disappeared, the noise stopped, and the tenants had no further complaints.

Why Rental Properties Need Regular Chimney Cap Checks

Rental properties are especially prone to this kind of issue. Tenants may not know who to contact when they hear noises in the chimney, and landlords often don’t think about chimney maintenance until a complaint comes in. A missing or damaged chimney cap is one of the most common, and most preventable, causes of bird and pest problems in a fireplace.

A properly installed chimney cap does three things:

• Keeps birds, squirrels, and other wildlife out of the flue
• Blocks rain and debris from entering the chimney
• Reduces downdrafts that can push odor and cold air into the home

For landlords managing multiple units, adding a chimney cap check to routine property inspections can prevent tenant complaints, protect the chimney structure, and avoid emergency callouts like this one.

Signs of a Bird Problem in Your Chimney

If you manage a rental property or own a home with an older chimney, watch for these signs:

• Flies or other insects near the fireplace
• Chirping, scratching, or rustling sounds from the flue
• Feathers or nesting material visible at the damper or firebox
• A chimney with no visible cap or a damaged one
• A smell that gets worse over time with no clear source

Any of these signs is a good reason to book a chimney inspection before the problem grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I remove a bird nest from my chimney myself? It’s not recommended. Some species that nest in Ontario chimneys are federally protected, and removing an active nest at the wrong time can be against the law. A professional inspection confirms what you’re dealing with before any removal happens.
• How much does chimney cap installation cost in Markham? Cost depends on chimney size, cap type, and whether cleaning or repairs are needed first. A full inspection gives an accurate quote before any chimney cap installation Markham job begins.
• Will a chimney cap stop birds from returning? Yes, when it’s properly sized and fitted. A loose or incorrectly sized cap can still leave gaps that birds and other wildlife can get through.
• Do rental properties need chimney inspections between tenants? It’s a good practice. An inspection between tenancies catches issues like missing caps, blockages, or nests before a new tenant moves in and reports a problem.

Chimney Cap Installation Markham: Serving the Greater Toronto Area

Our team provides chimney cleaning, chimney sweep, chimney inspection, and chimney cap installation across Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you’re a homeowner or manage a rental property, a properly capped and cleaned chimney prevents bird problems, odor, and costly emergency repairs.

If tenants or neighbors have reported flies, noise, or a smell near a fireplace, don’t wait. Book a chimney inspection and cap installation with our team.