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How to prevent sparrows from nesting under roof air conditioner unit?

We found that birds had been nesting both in the unit and in the box underneath the unit which they were accessing under a tin platform which had a small gap in it. Although the A/C technician had sealed the A/C unit,, the birds still access the roof via the corrugated roofing as well. What should I do?

Some people had suggested installing gutter guards to prevent birds from landing on the roof. Please advise, thank you

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @Sunny18,

It seems the air conditioner unit has some visible damage, with panels not aligning properly and the front panel missing. Was the unit struck by something, or has it been affected by weather or wear over time? If the missing panel can be replaced, that would be a good first step to secure the unit. If the unit can’t be fully restored, you may need to install steel mesh to cover any open areas that birds could use as entry points. Ensure the mesh is secured with adhesive and doesn’t interfere with the unit’s operation or airflow.

Regarding birds accessing the roof cavity through the corrugated roofing, gutter guards might deter them from entering those areas. Alternatively, gaps can be sealed using expanding foam or by fitting wire mesh underneath the roofing to block their entry.

If you’re not comfortable working on the roof or installing these measures, it’s best to contact a pest prevention expert who can assess and resolve the issue professionally.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47437#Comment_47437

Hi MitchellMc

Thank you for your reply.

Air conditioning technician undertook an examination of the evaporative cooling system. He found that the system was in a state of general disrepair and badly needed a service.

Then he undertook this service. The unit itself was semi full with mud, sludge and leave and other materials including bird nesting materials.

He managed to remove all of this and upon checking the functionality of the system found it to now be working extremely well. It was not working well

prior.

He also found that the ducting in the roof was in good condition and the residue coming down the ducting was due to the access the birds had gained to the evaporative system and not the ducting in the roof.

He found that birds had been nesting both in the unit and in the box underneath the unit which they were accessing under a tin platform which had a small gap in it. He did seal this gap to stop this although he believes it is possible the birds may try to pick there way into this again next year.

He removed all the contaminants that were in the ducting - both heating and cooling ducts - bringing them back to excellent condition.

He cleaned all ducted outlets both for the evaporative system and the ducted heating system. All came up to excellent condition.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85777#Comment_85777

That's good to hear @Sunny18.

Did you take this picture before he re-assembled the unit? It's just that it's leaning over to the right. The top panel doesn't appear to be connected to the left-hand panel, and generally, it looks like it's in a partially disassembled state.

The reason I ask is because it would be difficult to keep birds out of a unit in this condition with large gaps in its panelling. I would imagine that if assembled correctly, the manufacturer would have designed it to be relatively birdproof. Is there a missing panel at the front or is that opening part of the design?

Mitchell

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108147#Comment_108147

Hi MitchellMc

You are right. After he cleaned, a few days later the air conditioning has come apart bits on the ground thinks from the winds looks like the one on the roof is about to collapse. So the tenant took that photo and notified me. please find the attached photos for reference.

Fortunately, he fixed it later. He went back to the property and sealed up around the entire roofline of the AC using a silicone sealant, also got back in the roof and ensured there was no bird activity in the unit and ducts, System is working ok now. However, the birds are still enter via other access points.

Best Regards
Sunny

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121337#Comment_121337

Hello @Sunny18

Thank you for sharing those extra pictures. I'm glad to hear that the air conditioning unit is now functional. In regards to the other entry points, I suggest following Mitchell's suggestions of using self-expanding foam in combination with steel mesh to cut off all entry points into your roof.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121337#Comment_121337

After fixing the air conditioner another problem came up, Not the best but to show you the leaks apparently there’s a slow leak and one that’s coming out pretty quick.

Air conditioning cleaner told me that the evaporative AC works by water flowing into 4 cardboard pads in the system that sits on the roof. The cardboard pads act as a sponge from which moisture is drawn out via the units fan and the the fan sends tiny micro sized droplets of water through the ducting which cools the house.

One of the pads is rotten and damaged. He discovered this when he first serviced the unit and put it back together. However the pad is now collapsing which means the water that is supposed to be being absorbed into the pad is flowing directly into the unit below and eventually finds its way into the house.

He told me that this problem is fixed by simply replacing the pads. If I replace all the pads that will alleviate this problem occurring in the other pads in due course. However if I can replace the pad that would be OK too.

The issue is that usually the pads are only sold in sets of 4 however he will check that and hopefully he can get 1 only.

As he was busy with other work, this issue has not been resolved.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129607#Comment_129607

Hi @Sunny18

From a repair point of view, it would be prudent to replace all four at the same time. In this manner you'll get maximum functionality from the air con unit. All four pads would age at the same time, and you would get the best use out of them.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134831#Comment_134831

Hi Eric

Thank you for your reply.

Should I wait for him to replace the pads and then install gutter guards to prevent birds from getting inside the roof.

Please see the attached photo for reference.

Do you think the material can provide a 5 year warranty?

Please advise, thanks

Best Regards

sunny

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138249#Comment_138249

Hello @Sunny18

If you are confident that you can replace the pads safely then I suggest putting new ones in, but if the technician has mentioned that they will be the ones replacing it, it would be best to leave it to the professionals. The product has been tested for Australian weather conditions, it's therefore designed to last at least 5 years. Should it fail before the 5 years are up you can claim your warranty for the product.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140541#Comment_140541

Hi Eric,

Thank you very much for your assistance.

House front: 13 metres
Back: 13 metres

Left side: 23 metres

Right side: 23 metres

Do you know roughly how much material I need to buy? Please suggest different types of materials? Thanks

Best Regards

sunny

Best Regards

Sunny

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142214#Comment_142214

Hello @Sunny18

There are quite a few brands in regards to gutter guard, I suggest visiting your local store and having a look to see which one is suitable for your needs. Some of the mesh types come in 8-meter rolls others come shorter. Just keep in mind that the total length you'll need is 72 meters, you may add an extra meter for overlays and adjustments.

For example, one of the longest packs available is the Jack 180mm x 15m Plastic Super Gutter Guard. It is UV stabilized and can withstand harsh weather.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142214#Comment_142214

Thanks Eric, I will keep you updated

Best Regards

Sunny

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47437#Comment_47437

Hi Team

can you please advise which product is better

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47437#Comment_47437

Hi Team

I hope you’re well

Tradie told me that Jack 110mm Gutterguard Outdoor Fire Retardant

Bristle Guard would suit the colour bond roof more galvanised wire , Jack 110mm Gutterguard Outdoor Fire Retardant because

Bristle Guard Bristle Guard will fit in snug in between the gutters as colour bond roofs usually fall closer to the gutter than tiled roofs.

This product also makes it easier to clean the gutters as you just pull them out and rinse them and put them back in as you can re use them!
Can you please confirm it is true ? Thank you

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140541#Comment_140541

Hi Eric

I hope you’re well

Just to let you know that the Tradie told me that Jack 110mm Gutterguard

Outdoor Fire Retardant

Bristle Guard

would suit the colour bond roof more than install the galvanised wire , Jack 110mm Gutterguard Outdoor Fire Retardant because Bristle Guard Bristle Guard will fit in snug in between the gutters as colour bond roofs usually fall closer to the gutter than tiled roofs.

This product also makes it easier to clean the gutters as you just pull them out and rinse them and put them back in as you can re use them!

I’m not sure which product is better to choose .

Can you please advise? Thank you

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142244#Comment_142244

Hello @Sunny18

I recommend using the Jack 125mm Outdoor Fire Retardant Gutter Bristles. Not only is it easy to install, but it is also easy to take out and clean, simply use the jet function on your garden hose gun and hose off any mud or debris that might have attached itself to the bristles.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86452#Comment_86452

Thank you Eric,

Jack 110mm Gutterguard Outdoor Fire Retardant

Bristle Guard

How many do you need to put in?

Thank you

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108592#Comment_108592

Hello @Sunny18

You will need 72 meters; this is in accordance with the measurements you provided. It would be better to get the Jack 125mm Outdoor Fire Retardant Gutter Bristle - 6 Pack as it more economical. It will require eight packs to cover the gutters.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121581#Comment_121581

Thanks Eric. I clicked the link. Please find the attached photo. 'Jack 125mm Outdoor FireRetardant Gutter Bristle - 6 Pack'- is no longer available, we can only use the similar product “Jack 110mm Outdoor Fire Retardant Gutter Bristle - 6 Pack” so how many in total I need to buy which including the covers as well.

Please advise , thanks

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121581#Comment_121581

Hi Eric

Thank you for your reply.

I wish to clarify that I need to buy 1 package

'Jack 110mm Outdoor Fire Retardant Gutter Bristle - 6 Pack'

Plus 2 x 110mm “outdoor Fire Retardant Gutter Bristle”

so In total I should buy 8 x110mm Outdoor Fire Retardant Gutter Bristle, right?

My second question is when I order it online how long takes to receive?

Thank you

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129771#Comment_129771

Hello @Sunny18

You will still need to buy eight packs. You will receive an email or notification indicating the estimated time of delivery. Which store are you planning to order this from? I can give them a call just to make sure that there is stock of the product.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

Sunny18

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134933#Comment_134933

Thanks Eric, let me think about and get back to you

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