My professional fireplace company has two options, of which we've implemented one for our clients in the past. If you want to essentially permanently block it off, there is something like an "air pillow" which will blow up inside the flue to block it.

The solution we've used is a spring-loaded chimney cap. It sits on top of your masonry chimney flue above the roof. It has a long chain which comes into your fireplace. You use the chain to release it when you want to burn a fire. You pull the chain down to seal it when you are not having a fire.

Added advantage: better energy efficiency and indoor air quality! Keeps air from blowing out the chimney or being sucked backward through the chimney into the house!

I have seen some extremely nice patio umbrellas with large bases that can cover quite a large area on a patio. These do not attach to the home and usually do not attract HOA disaprovals. I'd also recommend observing some of your neighbors and see what they have done to create shade on their patio. Finally contact your HOA and see what they suggest.   

Both, more than likely. The mason should replace the masonry products and the roofer should work with the mason to achieve a regletted counterflashing and flash the roof under counterflashings.

Plyfast is a leading system for proper windborne debree protection. There is a less cost intensive way. Your options are functional shutters, OSB pre drilled and ready to set or a hybrid. Http://gaviganhomes.com either way ensure your plan is ready Andy easy to install. I'd suggest a waterproof membrane over OSB And pre lagged easy to apply system. Test before you need it. 

Security mods may be done for man made situations also. Be prepared and leave early in a potential Natural disaster 

Respectfully- 

Billy Gavigan 

Pres Gavigan 

A gutter installer.  Some times a siding installer will, but usually it's a separate trade.

Stores like menards and home depots, etc. do in fact sell some things like these. If you're looking to have someone out to install, and do everything for you, you can try US Patio Systems. They have great products, great staff, and they're great with timing!

Gutters are installed by specialized gutter contractors. They will make the gutters to fit your home with the least amount of seams.

On the squirrel removal, best to call a trapper or get a trap. 

That area agains the home can be covered with some heavy guage counter flashing and sealed up prior to that with some fast setting mortar. 

Hey John, 

A few questions first.

Is the chimney functional?  Is the flu venting anything in the home (i.e. furnace)?  Does the chimney go through the roof, or next to the roof on the eave or rake?

If the chimney is not functional and it does not vent anything in the home, you may want to address the problem at the roof by closing it off.  This will make sure no bugs or water can enter into the home.  If the chimney is through the roof, you will need to tear the structure down below the sheathing, install blocking around the chimney box, and install new sheathing over top the chimney.  Exterminators are always the best experts to call for bug problems.  If they keep coming back, it may be time to try a different company. Hope this helps!

Eric Consuegra

AROCON Roofing and Construction, LLC

John,

When you see the wasps around, look at the exterior of the chimney and possibly from a ladder.

What you may see is that they are not coming down into the chimney through the top or chimney termination but in through small cracks in the brick where the mortor has come loose.  I would spray the area for the wasps, wait a resonable amount of time and seal the crack and then purchase and install a http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Chimney/Top-Sealing-Chimney-Dampers/Chimalator-Top-Sealing-Chimney-Damper  lock top type chimney cap. 

Thanks

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling.