Debris from chimney

[stufurm]

Our living room fireplace has been disused for around 10 years, but is not closed off in any way (and the chimneys aren't capped either). We get a fair amount of debris (dust, dirt, soot, stones?!) coming down and making a mess of the carpet.

What choices do we have to try to stop this debris? I've seen a lot about chimney balloons, air bricks and chimney caps but they're mostly talking about ventilation whereas that's a secondary thing for us. Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[saladdays]

Sweep the chimney and put a bird guard up top.

 

[dann09]

As above.

Perhaps, after sweeping do a smoke test and then fit a combined terminal cap and bird guard.

Consider before any work what, if any, your final proposal might be for the fire opening?

Flue ventilation problems can cause so much aggro and expense that you would weep. Be grateful, and keep your flue(s) well vented.