Chimney Damage That Is Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance Policies

When a chimney has suffered damage, the homeowner isn’t always certain if the damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance. Insurance companies are in business to help you in times of need, but they’re also in business to stay in business. For this reason, they won’t cover every conceivable type of chimney damage.

Here are some things to know from the chimney experts at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio.

Common Damage Covered by Insurance

Chimneys can be damaged in many different ways and for many different reasons. Your insurance provider likely has written your homeowner’s insurance policy to cover “unexpected” events that might include:

• Hail damage
• Lightning damage
• Earthquake damage
• Wind damage
• Chimney or house fires
• Damage from falling trees/branches during a storm

You should have no problem having insurance coverage for these and similar chimney damage.

What Homeowner’s Insurance May Not Cover

Your insurance adjuster is happy to help you with unexpected chimney damage, but he or she will not authorize payment for damage that results from years of neglect and improper maintenance.

Many chimney damage issues involve the masonry structure. Dubuque Fireplace & Patio chimney technicians perform a lot of masonry and structural repair that’s required simply because homeowners didn’t keep their chimneys cleaned, inspected and maintained. Insurance providers expect you to do your part to ensure that your chimney is in good shape.

Unaddressed cracks in the structure can cause a chimney to suffer ongoing water damage. Cracks in the concrete chimney crown and deteriorated flashing also can allow water to move into the system. Minor brick and mortar damage can progress to the point the chimney is unsafe to live around or use and may eventually collapse.

Have Your Chimney Repaired when it Needs It

Whether or not your chimney damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance, it’s critical that you see to the needed repairs. As with most things, the damage won’t get better on its own.

Our experienced chimney repair team provides all the services you need to restore soundness to your chimney including:

• Masonry repair/brick repair
• Tuckpointing
• Chimney liner repair
• Firebox repair
• Smoke chamber parging
• Chimney leak repair
• Chimney crown repair/rebuilding
• Chimney cap repair/replacement
• Partial and complete chimney rebuilding

We also offer full-service chimney sweeping and thorough chimney inspections as part of a sound maintenance plan. This work will save you money over the long run and keep your chimney safe and highly functional.

Quotes & Second Opinions

If you’ve gotten a quote for repairs from another company and you feel that the estimate may be too high or is more work than necessary is being called for, we are happy to give you a second estimate and a second opinion.

We do a lot of estimates for insurance chimney repair throughout the Dubuque area, and we regularly provide homeowners with second opinions on work. Like with medical services, qualified second opinions can be invaluable.

Quality Results from Chimney Professionals

Dubuque Fireplace & Patio is in business to help our customers keep their chimneys and families safe all year long. The technicians who work on your chimney – whether or not the job is covered by your homeowner’s insurance – are highly experienced and understand your chimney system inside and out. Trust us to give you a fair deal and superior results every time.

Reach a licensed chimney expert today at (563) 582-5156.