Chimney Inspection and Cleaning
According to the latest statistics available, there are over 25,000 Chimney Fires per year in the US that are responsible for over 125 million dollars in property damage.
This has caused many insurance companies to require annual cleaning and inspection of your chimney in order to keep ypur insurance in force. If your insurance is cancelled, your mortgage company has the right to pay for and add insurance to your property and raise your monthly mortgage payment. They can even foreclose on your home at their discretion.
Some insurance companies require the inspection, even if you never use your chimney. This is because birds and other critters next in your chimney. Also, every five years, you should have your chimney waterproofed. Some insurance companies require this to insure your chimney is not damaged, especially if you use your fireplace alot. You may want to review your homeowners policy or call your insurance company to verify. If you do not comply and you file a claim for a fire, you may not be compensated, resulting in a long drawn out fight with the insurance company. Don't let this happen to you. We recommend you have your chimeny inspected by a pro ever year in September or October. Every 5 years, you should have your chimney water proofed. If you use the same pro, or use wetcrow.com, we will remind you when you are due for waterproofing and cleaning / inspection.
During an annual chimney inspection, the chimney pro will inspect the inside of your chimney, as well as the flashing around your chimney on your roof. If you have a leak inside your home, you want to call your chimney pro to come out and fix the problem right away. Not all roofing pros install the flashing around your chimney properly, blaming the chimney pro if a problem arises. Make sure you have a clause in your roofing contract that protects you in case of a leak. let your chimney pro know to check for this on their first visit to your home for an inspection. When you purchase a home, make sure your home inspector checks for these type of things. Many do not, causing numerous problems for new home owners.
Another thing to keep in mind is if you have a chimney fire and lose your home and did not have an annual inspection, and your insurance company denies your claim, they will report this on your credut report and you will be unable to get another mortgasge until you pay off your first one. In addition, in some states, the money you owe the previous lender becomes a first lien on your new property. Some leders miss this and then get surprised when their lien on your new proeprty gets put in fron of your new loan. This is why underwriters check for this before approving a new mortgage. Most times they decline you or require you to pay off the previous loan. Don't let this happen to you.
What is Included in this service?
- Inspect 1 chimney to check for leaks, moisture, flasshing, lining, ventilation.
- Clean chimney to remove soot, birds, nests, etc.
- Write up an inspection report to send to your insurance company.
- Give you any recommendations for repairs, waterproofing, etc.
- Schedule an appointment for any repairs if inspection repoirt cannot be issued.