Middlesex County, New Jersey
Chimney Caps and Animal Entry in Metuchen, NJ
Metuchen's housing is mostly mid-century and older. A missing cap is the easiest way for animals to move into a chimney.
Metuchen, in Middlesex County, is about 66% detached houses and 75% owner-occupied. The median build year is 1961, about 25% of homes predate 1950, and the ACS median home value is about $604,000.
This page is about the top of the chimney, where a missing or damaged cap lets in rain and animals.
Noises from a chimney, or a smell from a fireplace that is not in use, are often the first signs.
What we look at
What a cap does
Keeps out rain
A solid cover directs rain away from the flue opening.
Keeps out animals
Mesh sides allow airflow and stop most animals.
Catches sparks
Mesh helps stop embers leaving the chimney.
Keeps out debris
Leaves and nest material stay out of the flue.
Learn
When animals have moved in
Raccoons, squirrels, birds and bats can all use an open chimney. Their nests block the flue, and a fire lit under one is dangerous. A cap prevents most of it. If an animal is already inside, removal should be done humanely and before the cap goes on. Chimney swifts are protected under federal law, which can limit when and how their nests are removed, so a pro will check what is there first.
The signs are scratching, chirping, droppings in the firebox, and a smell. Do not light a fire if you suspect an animal. See animals in the chimney for the signs and the steps, and chimney caps for the fix.
Do not light a fire if there might be an animal in the flue.
Checklist
Check from the ground
- Is a cap visible at the top?
- Are there signs of nesting material around the chimney top?
- Do you hear noise from the flue, especially in the morning or evening?
- Are there stains on the brick below the top?
- Is there debris in the firebox?
Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Scratching or chirping in the flue | Animals | Cap installation after removal |
| Droppings or nest material in the firebox | Animals | Inspection |
| Smell when it rains or warms up | Moisture or debris | Sweep and cap |
| Pieces of tile in the firebox | Cracked flue | Flue inspection |
Flues
Cracked flue tile
Older chimneys have flue tiles that can crack from heat or age. A damaged tile cannot be seen from the room. Debris in the firebox is a clue. See do you need a chimney liner?.
Misconceptions
"Animals will leave on their own."
Some do, many do not, and their nests stay.
"A fire will drive them out."
It can harm the animal, damage the flue and start a house fire. Do not do it.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove animals?
Please call us to discuss it. What we can do depends on the animal and the situation.
Will a cap stop birds from nesting?
A properly fitted cap with mesh does.
Is a bird nest dangerous?
It can block the flue, so do not light a fire.
Service areas
Other areas we serve
Chimney Academy
Guides that go with this page
Questions about your chimney in Metuchen?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.