Does Home Insurance Cover Chimney Damage
When it comes to chimney damage and home insurance, the short answer is that yes, your chimney is covered. However, your chimney will only be covered if the damage occurs from a covered loss. Regular wear and tear on your chimney is not covered by home insurance.
What Is Considered a Covered Loss?
Typically, unexpected events, such as a lightning strike or fire, will be covered by your home’s insurance. Events that you cannot are considered to be “unexpected” and are typically covered by your insurance can include:
- Earthquakes
- Falling trees and branches
- Powerful winds
- Hailstorms
- Some chimney fires
What Damages Are Not Covered by Insurance?
Damage that is considered “expected” is typically not covered. Your everyday wear and tear from using your chimney and fireplace as well as damage caused by a lack of upkeep are not considered unexpected and usually will not be included in your insurance coverage. Some examples of “expected” events can include:
- Chimney fires due to excess creosote or cracked/broken chimney liners
- Brick and mortar deterioration
- Chimney collapse
- Severe water damage
- Interior damage caused by creosote buildup
What Can You Do to Help Prevent Chimney Damage?
Although there are some things you can’t prepare for, like the natural disasters stated above, there is a lot you can do to keep your chimney in great shape and reduce the risk of severe damage.
Keep up with Your Annual Chimney Maintenance
Having your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional chimney sweep can help limit the buildup of flammable creosote, reduce your risk of severe damage by catching broken chimney components early in the stages of deterioration, and ensure that your chimney is in top notch condition.
Chimney professionals have the means and knowledge to spot problems that your naked eye can’t. During an inspection they’ll know to check for any hidden damage or signs of deterioration that you may not be aware of and know how to address the issues in order to return your chimney to a safer, more efficiently functioning state.
Schedule Repairs When Needed
Minor chimney damage won’t resolve itself. By ignoring chimney repairs, you’re allowing the issue to escalate. With time, smaller issues can become major hazards. It’s best to call in the pros to evaluate and fix any minor issues before they can become major damages.
Understand the Proper Use of Your Fireplace and Chimney
By understanding certain things about your chimney and fireplace like damper use, burning the correct firewood, and spotting signs of trouble, you can help limit some of the damage that your chimney and fireplace may suffer throughout the year.
Felgemacher Masonry and Chimney Can Help
Whether your damages are covered by insurance or not, Felgemacher can help you determine the best course of action for existing damage as well as helping with the preventative measures to keep your chimney operating at its best. Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule inspections, cleanings, repairs and more!
