Insurance Claims for Chimney Repairs in Rhode Island

Chimney Damage & Homeowners Insurance Claims

As RI’s top chimney inspection, chimney repair, and chimney cleaning services company, here at Elite Chimney Solutions, we’re all too familiar with jobs covered by homeowners insurance. Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover the cost to replace a chimney that has been damaged by fire, lightning, or other sudden occurrences.

Your home insurance policy likely covers the replacement or repair of certain chimney damages.

• Heavy hail storms
• Major wind storms
• Falling trees and branches
• Lightning strikes
• Some chimney fires
• Earthquakes

Damage to a chimney can be expensive and all too often after an unexpected event, certain chimney damages are not covered by insurance. That’s when homeowners are left with unexpected and high costs. To avoid this, make sure that you know what your homeowner's insurance covers - and what it doesn’t.

 

• A chimney that leans to one side
• Total or partial chimney collapse
• Deteriorated bricks and mortar
• System-wide water leaks
• Damage to the chimney crown, chimney cap and chimney flashing
• Interior flue damage due to excess buildup of acidic creosote
• Chimneys with no past inspection documentation

One of the biggest impacting factors in coverage is chimney neglect. The most common causes of chimney damage are neglecting to clean or inspect the chimney, allowing debris to accumulate in the flue, and burning the wrong fuel. To avoid this damage, homeowners should have their chimneys inspected annually by a professional like our team at Elite Chimney Solutions. When you do not have documentation of consistent chimney inspections your homeowners insurance may deny your claim and blame you for negligence.

Neglecting a chimney can lead to various problems that can escalate into disasters if left unchecked. Damage from neglect can include cracked masonry, excessive creosote buildup, wood rot, combustible gases entering the home, and odors. If your chimney has been neglected, it could have damage from soot. When you neglect to sweep or inspect your chimney, soot can build up inside the flue and create a risk for a dangerous chimney fire. You should have your chimney sweeping done annually to avoid long-term damage.

Get Your Chimney Inspected Annually

When a homeowner neglects their fireplace, they increase the risk of chimney damage if not addressed. The building materials and components that make up a fireplace can be damaged or degraded by soot, creosote, and chimney fires. This includes the damper, brick liner, firebox lining, fireplace screen, and metal trim. In order to avoid these risks, schedule annual visits from a professional chimney sweep and inspector like Elite Chimney Solutions to take care of these tasks for you.

Schedule Chimney Repairs - Don’t Wait

 Homeowners' insurance claims for chimney damage are on the rise. One of the most common causes of this type of damage is that people wait too long. Sediment and other debris can accumulate in the chimney, clogging it up and eventually causing it to disintegrate. To avoid this, homeowners should have their chimneys swept or inspected annually. They should also schedule repairs when needed to make sure that the integrity of the structure is intact. A chimney can be damaged by neglect due to mold, leaves, and other debris. Important signs of damage are cracks in the bricks or mortar, a sagging fireplace damper, or a cracked crown. If you see any of these signs, you may need to schedule a chimney repair service with Elite Chimney Solutions in RI asap.

Unsure of Your Previous Inspection?

 The experts at Elite Chimney Solutions can provide a second opinion on chimney repairs. If you've been told your home needs a chimney repair, call us for a free evaluation. We'll also tell you if we think the repair is worth it or not and how much it might cost, so you can make an informed decision. Our experts have been evaluating and repairing chimneys for more than 30 years, employing the latest in technology and techniques. Call today to schedule a free evaluation from one of our experts! (844) 354-8385