How does the Defender Chimney Crown® work and other questions answered?
How do I stop pigeons perching and gulls nesting on my chimney pot?
The Defender Crown® Birdguard is designed to stop pigeons, gulls and other birds from perching and nesting on chimney pots and cowls. It uses a dense crown of multi angled pins to protect the rim, edge, chimney opening and centre area, making it difficult for birds to land or build a nest.
It is a practical solution for chimney pots that attract persistent birds, including pigeons, gulls, jackdaws, rooks, magpies and crows.
What is the best bird deterrent for chimney pots?
The best bird deterrent for chimney pots is one that protects the whole landing area, not just the outer rim. The Defender Crown® Birdguard is designed specifically for chimney pots and offers four rows of protection, with concentric circles of pins that spread out at different angles.
This helps protect open chimney pots, capped pots, cowls and birdguards, giving wider coverage than standard straight bird spikes.
Can bird spikes be fitted to all chimney pots, including birdguards?
The Defender Crown® Birdguard is designed as a one size fits all solution for all open chimney pots, capped pots and cowls. It can also be used with multiple types of birdguard.
For larger chimney pots, the base includes snapping grooves on opposite sides. These allow the central circle to be widened so the crown can fit some of the widest pots.
Do I need to clean the chimney pot before fitting bird spikes?
Yes. Before fitting bird spikes to a chimney pot, the surface must be clean and dry. This helps create a strong, secure fix with the silicone.
Remove bird droppings, dust, lichen and loose debris from the rim of the chimney pot or the top of the capped pot. Use a wire brush where needed to clear stubborn lichen and debris. If the area is heavily soiled with bird droppings, dampen it first with a suitable bird dropping disinfectant before cleaning.
How do I fit bird spikes to a chimney pot?
The Defender Crown® Birdguard is supplied as a complete moulded unit, ready to install. There are no awkward pieces to snap, size or assemble before fitting.
Apply Defender® silicone to the full circumference of the base, then press the crown firmly onto the chimney pot, cap, cowl and birdguard. The base includes silicone locking holes that help secure the product in place for a strong and reliable installation. If the chimney is active and could reach high temperatures, use fire silicone to install.
Can I fit the chimney Crown® myself?
The Defender Crown® Birdguard is designed to be fast and simple to install, with no complicated assembly needed. However, fitting any product to a chimney involves working at height, so it should only be installed by someone with safe access and the right equipment.
If you are unsure, it is safer to use a qualified professional.
Will Defender Crown® block my chimney?
The Defender Crown® Birdguard is designed to stop birds from perching and nesting without creating a blockage. Its pin layout protects the chimney pot opening and landing points while still leaving space around the pins.
Is it safe to use the birdguard Crown® on a working chimney?
It is safe to use on working chimneys and our Defender Silicone is perfect for installation. However for cowls and pots that reach higher temperatures, fire silicone can be used
What should I do if birds are already nesting on my chimney?
If birds are already nesting on your chimney, do not disturb the nest while it is active. In the UK, wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law.
Wait until the nest is no longer active, then remove nesting material safely, clean the area thoroughly and fit the Defender Crown® Birdguard to help stop birds returning.
Are bird spikes a humane way to stop pigeons and gulls?
Yes. Bird spikes are a humane bird deterrent when fitted correctly. They do not trap birds or cause harm. Instead, they make the surface uncomfortable and unsuitable for landing, perching or nesting.
The Defender Crown® Birdguard helps move pigeons and gulls away from chimney pots without the need for harmful control methods.
How long do chimney pot bird spikes last?
The Defender Crown® Birdguard is made from high performance UV stabilised polycarbonate, designed for long lasting outdoor use. It is built to withstand exposure to the weather and provide season after season of chimney protection when installed correctly. It comes with a reassuring 15 year material warranty when installed in the UK.
How to install Defender Chimney Crown® Birdguard Cowl
The Defender Crown® is designed to fit open chimney pots, capped pots, birdguards and cowls. Its concentric pattern of multi angled pins helps stop pigeons and gulls from perching or nesting on chimney pots.
The pins are positioned to protect the rim and edges, as well as the chimney pot opening and the centre of capped pots. Supplied as a complete one piece moulded unit, the Defender Crown® is ready to install straight away.
Step 1 – Safety: Your safety should always come first. Before attempting to reach your chimney pots, make sure you can do so without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. If you are unsure, we recommend using a professional who is experienced in working at height, such as a builder or roofer.
Step 2 – Removal: Clear away any remains of old or abandoned nests that may be obstructing the chimney pot, as these could pose a fire risk if left.
Step 3 – Clean the Area: Before installation, make sure the chimney pot rim, or the top of the capped pot, is completely clean and dry. This will help ensure a strong, secure fix with the silicone. Scrape, brush and wipe away any bird droppings, dust, lichen or loose debris from the surface, using a wire brush where needed to remove stubborn build up. Once the surface has been cleared, wash it down with warm soapy water and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before installation.
Step 4 – Apply Silicone: Apply the silicone directly around the full circumference of the chimney crown, then press it firmly into place either directly on the rim of the chimney pot or onto the cap or birdguard. Along the base, there are 36 cross shaped holes. As the crown is pushed down onto the chimney pot or cap, the silicone passes through these holes and forms cross shaped rivets, helping to lock the spike securely into position.
You will need a caulking gun (not provided) to use our Defender® Bird Spike Fixing Silicone. Use the caulking gun to squeeze a bead of silicone about 8 mm wide along the base of the Crown.
Our Defender® Silicone will adhere to metal, ceramics, concrete, and many more surfaces. However, it is always important to check the suitability of surfaces for use with Defender® Silicone. For more information, please visit the product page Defender® Bird Spike Fixing Silicone. If the pot is active you may prefer to use Fire Silicone especially if high temperatures are anticipated.
High Quality Chimney Crown® Birdguard
Accessing roofs and chimney stacks can be hard, so being able to rely on a quality product that lasts for years is key. The Defender Chimney Crown® Birdguard comes with a reassuring 15 year material warranty when installed in the UK. Once installed on birdguards or cowls, it will stop perching and nesting gulls and pigeons for many years.
Chimney Pot Spikes Made in the UK
All our Defender® Bird Spikes, including the Crown® are designed and patented by David Jones here in the UK. With full control of the design and manufacturing process, we can ensure a high quality product reaches you. Jones and Son Pest Control Supplies Ltd creates durable steel bird spikes, seagull spikes and plastic pigeon spikes to help protect chimneys and roofs from unwanted bird activity.
For full terms and conditions of the Defender® Bird Spikes UK Warranty please see our Warranty Information Page.
Order by 3 pm (Monday - Friday) for same-day despatch.
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Orders outside of the UK Mainland – Please call us for a shipping quote.
All our products are manufactured in Devon, UK, and we keep high stock levels ready to go. For larger orders, we can often despatch on the same working day.If you have any questions about delivery, please call us on 01626 835055 and we will be happy to help.