A misplaced potholder near the stove, an overheated outlet, an unattended candle – a simple mistake or accident can lead to a house fire. When it comes to fires in the home, two common types you might hear about are structure fires and chimney fires. While both can have serious consequences, knowing more about them and how to prevent and respond to them can make a tremendous difference in protecting your home and family.
What’s the Difference Between a Structure Fire & a Chimney Fire?
What is a structure fire?
A structural fire is any fire that occurs within the walls of the building – whether it’s a house, an apartment, a commercial building, etc.
This is a pretty broad category. A structure fire can start from a host of different sources, such as electrical malfunctions, accidents in the kitchen, failures in heating equipment, or other mishaps, and because structures fires can differ so much one to another, the way they spread and cause damage can also vary. Regardless, though, they are notorious for their potential to spread rapidly and put properties – and their occupants – at serious risk.
What is a chimney fire?
A chimney fire is a more specific type of fire that happens in the chimney flue. Usually blockages or buildup is to blame – especially buildup of highly flammable creosote that can accumulate on the interior walls of a chimney over time.
When this creosote buildup gets too hot or meets a spark, you might find yourself with a chimney fire on your hands. Chimney fires can be intense, and though they may remain confined to the chimney itself, they can also spread to nearby combustible materials. In either case, it’s possible that they’ll cause structural damage to the chimney and roof.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Structure & Chimney Fires?
Insurance coverage can differ significantly depending on the type of fire that occurred and the specifics of your policy.
Generally, homeowner’s insurance policies will cover structure fires. These are usually considered sudden and accidental events. That means that if a fire started up due to an electrical issue or other accident, your insurance should provide coverage for any resulting damage to your home and personal property – and maybe even cover temporary living expenses if you need to relocate during repairs. However, it’s important to check the specifics of your policy to understand any limits and exclusions that apply.
Many homeowners policies do cover chimney fire damage, as well, but they might have specific conditions that relate to maintenance. If, for instance, it’s determined that the chimney fire was due to a lack of maintenance or neglect, the insurance company might argue that the fire wasn’t sudden or accidental – and that could impact your claim. Some policies even require proof of regular chimney inspections and cleanings to ensure coverage. Again, the key is to read your policy with care and consult your insurance provider to clear up any concerns to ensure that you understand what your policy requires, so you can follow necessary maintenance requirements.
How Can I Prevent Home & Chimney Fires?
As the old proverb goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Or, in this case, investing in appropriate preventive maintenance ahead of time can save you repair costs (at the most) or the headache of filing a claim and having invasive repairs completed (at the least). Because chimney and structure fires are different, though, tips for preventing themselves will be different too.
Preventing structure fires means attending to any open flame in your home – from fireplace to stove to candlelit table. Have a licensed electrician inspect wiring and electrical systems periodically and resolve any issues. Your heating systems, too, should be maintained regularly. Make sure any fire-related equipment is being used per manufacturer guidelines and keep combustible material – like blankets and furniture – away from heating appliances
Preventing chimney fires also requires diligence, but also some fireplace-specific steps. Your chimney should be inspected and swept by a certified chimney specialist. Chimney pros will remove creosote and check for any issues with the structure. You should also only burn well-seasoned firewood in a wood-burning fireplace or stove, since wet or green wood generates more creosote. Remember – more creosote means greater risk. If your chimney cap is missing or in rough shape, getting it replaced will reduce risk too.
Overall, be diligent about fire safety in your home. Take proactive steps to keep all home systems in good repair, and enlist the services of pros you trust (such as our reliable team) for the technical stuff. And as an additional and vital line of protection, be sure to have an arsenal of well-placed, frequently-tested fire alarms in your home.
Reach Out Today
A safely contained fire can add beauty, ambiance, and comfort to your home. Reach out today and schedule your fireplace inspection, sweeping, or repairs. You’ll love the peace of mind that comes with entrusting your fireplace to our team of experienced professionals!