It may not occur to you that strange sounds coming from the chimney are not caused merely by the settling of the house, but may potentially be caused by birds, racoons, or other critters. Chimney Swifts are protected by the Federal Law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This treaty states that it is illegal to remove active nests of these birds. Only after the baby birds have flown away from the nest with their parents is it legal to remove a nest. Companies and homeowners found violating this act can face huge fines from the federal government.
These birds get into chimneys and build nests which are very flammable. Chimney caps prevent this occurrence.
Chimney Swifts use their glue like saliva to construct nests right off of the side wall of your flue system. This warm, sheltered area is the perfect nesting spot for their young. Using their saliva they make nests of of sticks, twigs, and other debris that is absolutely flammable and may cause a chimney fire.
With all this being said, it is important to select a chimney sweeping company who is reputable and will not illegally remove the Swifts, which can cause you unbelievable trouble. If you may have a Chimney Swift problem, be sure to inquire about their practices in these situations. Remember that Chimney Swift removal blatantly violates the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Stainless steel chimney caps are vital for any chimney.
Once the birds have flown away, it is prudent to have a chimney cap installed on your chimney to prevent this situation from occurring again. Chimney Swifts can be particularly annoying during the morning hours, and their removal can cost a homeowner or chimney company up to $10,000 per bird or egg. After they have flown away it is also necessary to have the chimney swept before you burn a fire. If you do not, the debris and nesting material lodged in the flue system can catch fire and cause a chimney fire to occur.
ugh to fit through the wire mesh of some 
Regardless of whether you use your chimney or not, every chimney needs a cap. A chimney cap does several things. It keeps animals like racoons, bats, and squirrels from entering the chimney. It also prevents rain and other moisture from dripping down into the chimney flue or seeping into the insulation between a metal flue liner and the masonry surface. A chimney cap can prevent heat loss in the winter and loss of your air conditioning in the summer months and will protect your chimney’s crown from the elements, including ice, extending its life and decreasing the risk and likelihood of cracks.
There are many different types of 
If you use gas logs, you may consider using a copper chimney cap. This type of cap can withstand the corrosive exhaust from the gas logs. Copper chimney caps are the most expensive type and while they look very nice when first installed, after a few storms they begin to look like an old penny.
Another type of chimney cap is designed for draft increase. If you have draft problems in your chimney, you may want to consider this type of cap. They are designed to increase the draw in your chimney, preventing smoke from entering your home. Stay away from mechanical caps which rely on windvanes or turbines. The creosote and smoke coming out of your fireplace will clog up the mechanics and quickly gum up the workings of these caps.
Some caps come equipped with internal damper systems. While more pricey, these types of caps can be great at preventing energy loss in your home. 
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