Birds keep getting into our chimney every spring in Kanata — what type of cap prevents this permanently?

A chimney cap with 1/8-inch mesh screening is your best defence against birds and other wildlife getting into your chimney, especially during Ottawa's spring nesting season when birds are actively seeking sheltered cavities.

Here's why this matters in Ottawa specifically: Our region's mild springs (temperatures reaching 10 to 15 degrees Celsius in April and May) trigger nesting behaviour in starlings, sparrows, swallows, and other birds that view open chimneys as ideal nesting sites. Once birds nest inside your chimney, they block flue gases, create fire hazards, and leave debris that accumulates quickly. The problem gets worse if you don't address it early — by mid-May, some birds have already built nests deep in the flue where they're difficult to remove humanely.

The most effective solution is a top-mounted chimney cap with 1/8-inch stainless steel mesh on all four sides. This allows smoke and heat to escape while preventing any bird larger than a sparrow from entering. The mesh opening is small enough to block birds but large enough to maintain proper draft and avoid creosote accumulation. For a standard masonry chimney in Kanata or the surrounding area, installation costs $200 to $600 depending on chimney height and whether your existing cap needs replacement.

Important considerations: Some homeowners install simple spark arrestor caps (which have larger openings) thinking they will exclude birds — they won't. The mesh must be 1/8-inch or smaller. You should also ensure your chimney cap is properly secured and doesn't have gaps around the edges where determined birds can squeeze in. If birds have already nested in your chimney, you need a WETT-certified chimney sweep to remove the nest before installing a cap — never seal a nest inside with birds still present, as this creates a fire hazard and is inhumane.

Check your cap condition now, before the warm weather arrives and birds start nesting. If you're in Kanata or nearby areas and need a professional inspection or cap installation, you can browse fireplace and chimney contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory to find local specialists who can evaluate your specific chimney and recommend the right cap style for your setup.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Apple HVAC and mechanical
• The Egress Group Inc
• JMY Renovations
• Innovation Concrete Grind & Polish
• Coliseum concrete & interlock