Cement brick chimney next to boiler , debris and dead bird


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Old 01-13-17, 12:10 PM
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Cement brick chimney next to boiler , debris and dead bird

Hi.

I was poking around in the basement today and opened the (inspection port?) on the bottom of the cement brick type chimney that my boiler ties into. We don't have a chimney cap. Well, I was shocked to find a dead bird and a bunch of sand like (soot) material. Can I safely clean this stuff out myself?

Should the chimney be cleaned somehow? Should I get a chimney cap to keep more birds or whatever from getting in there?
 
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Old 01-13-17, 12:20 PM
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It is not that unusual for birds to perch on top of a chimney where they may be overcome by the fumes.

I suggest a wire cage type chimney cap is a good idea, not just for birds, but also to keep out raccoons (if you have them in your area) as the females find them attractive places to bear their young and it's a lot easier to keep them out then to get rid of them once they've moved in.
 
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Old 01-13-17, 06:05 PM
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Cleaning the chimney is never a bad idea. You say it is a brick chimney, but I assume there is a liner inside? Probably best to have it inspected first.

Yes, you can remove the debris from the cleanout port at the base.

Yes, you should add a screened chimney cap.
 
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Old 01-13-17, 07:46 PM
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Thanks everyone! I'll get a chimney cap.
 
 

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