Gas boiler roof vent: bird nesting problem

[PerranOak]

We have one on those standard "pipe/vent" in the roof from the gas boiler. Birds tend to want to build a nest in the angle between the pipe and the roof. We have bird spikes there but these just seem to help them anchor their twigs in place!
Is it possible:
a. to get a "venting solution" that avoids this ideal nest-building angle
or
b. is is possible to vent though the existing block chimney that was once used for a coal fire but is now unused.

We are in a bungalow so heights for flues, etc. are not very great.

Thank you,

R.

 

[polesapart]

Photos would be helpful.

 

[gas112]

edit

 

[ETAF]

yep, we have the same issue now - had a nest between roof and chimney - put spikes up a few weeks ago , and now i see bird nesting material in the spikes , so i think you are right , and look forward to the suggestion solution - also in a bungalow near sea - last year had 3 chicks and parents all over the roof - and seagulls are a protected species!!!!!!

 

[PerranOak]

We've only just moved here and I think the twigs were from last year. Anyway, I went up to see what type of screws held the spikes on and they basically fell off in my hand - see photo - no spikes!
I'd rather have a proper solution.
Cheers.

 

[ETAF]

ours are from screwfix and used CT1 to fix

https://www.screwfix.com/p/pest-stop-stainless-steel-bird-spikes-500mm-10-pack/41902

was going to use stanless screws - BUT they were on the lead flashing / roof tiles

 

[gas112]

gas boiler flue nope there is nothing you can alter there other than sticking some spikes like on the chimney onto the tiles
And no you cannot use the old chimney to flue the boiler

 

[PerranOak]

gas112, thanks for the reply. Could I get a flue installed in the wall rather than the roof? Unfortunately, the boiler is right in the middle of the house so it would require extending the part in the loft to the gable.

 

[gas112]

gas112, thanks for the reply. Could I get a flue installed in the wall rather than the roof? Unfortunately, the boiler is right in the middle of the house so it would require extending the part in the loft to the gable.

yes that should be ok to rise off top of boiler and then run horizontal in the loft to the gable end the flue needs to be on an upward incline till it exits the gable .
Only limitation is the length of flue the manufacturers allow , most allow up to about ten metres in total .
Flue terminal around 100 quid
50/60 quid for each 1 metre flue extensions your existing maybe able to be reused depending on age and condition of the seals (even just replace the seals)
Elbow about 50 quid
so price without labour soon adds up

 

[polesapart]

We talking the boiler flue on the pitched roof or the terminal on the masonry chimmney?

It would take a stork's nest worth of twigs to adversely affect safe operation of the former.

 

[PerranOak]

Currently, on the pitched roof. It's not about safe operation but about the birds: noise, poo, etc.!

 

[polesapart]

Shotgun!




Yeah, neighbours, legality, blah..

 

[PerranOak]