Roof window and chimneyChimney sweeps and other professionals should make consumers aware of the benefits of fitting a chimney cap, which they could pick up when they go out to buy flue accessories.

According to the Ask The Chimney Sweep blog, caps do a vital job in protecting the whole structure, as they keep rain from flowing down the flue system and also stop birds from nesting in them.

The threat from birds is a particularly serious one, with the source stating that they will bring lots of combustible material into the chimney which poses a threat to everyone in the home.

Another advantage is that they are relatively cheap to buy, meaning people can get adequate protection for a small outlay.

"Standard, single flue stainless steel chimney caps are generally [easy] to install and [are] relatively cheap," the site added.

The Goodman Air Conditioners blog recently made a similar point, stating that chimney caps do an important job of keeping the system clear and safe.