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Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors

Chimney Fire Claims

A chimney stack with a crack down the side, on a tiled roof
Illustrative images only.

A chimney fire, also called a flue fire, is a fire inside the chimney. Some chimney fires burn slowly and are not noticed. Cracks in a chimney stack can be a sign that one has happened. A damaged chimney can let carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide has no colour and no smell. If you think carbon monoxide is in your home, get everyone into fresh air and call the emergency services.

Common causes and signs

A white rendered chimney stack with cracks across its sides, against a blue sky
Illustrative images only.

Soot and tar build up inside a flue. A hot fire, damp or unseasoned fuel, or a flue that is not swept often enough can set that build-up alight.

Look for:

  • a crack in the chimney stack or in the render around it
  • loose pieces of mortar or flue lining in the grate or hearth
  • stained or blistered plaster on the chimney breast
  • stains on a ceiling or wall beside the chimney
  • a smell of smoke when the fire or stove is not lit

Is a chimney fire covered?

It depends on your policy. Many home policies cover fire, but the terms differ. Some set conditions, for example on how often the flue is swept or on what type of appliance you use. Your policy wording says what applies to you.

A claim can include repair or rebuilding of the chimney and flue, repair of smoke and heat damage inside the home, and the cost of work to make the chimney safe, depending on your policy.

What to do first?

A chimney stack with cracked render above a roof
Illustrative images only.
  1. Do not use the fire or stove until a competent person has checked the flue.
  2. Take photos of cracks and stains, inside and outside, if it is safe to do so.
  3. Keep your sweeping records and any invoices for flue or stove work.
  4. Keep receipts for any emergency costs.
  5. Read your policy for notice conditions. Tell your insurer as soon as you can, and within any time limit in your policy.

If you see a crack or any other sign of damage, we can arrange a free CCTV survey of your chimney flue to find out whether it is damaged.

Where chimney fire claims get difficult

  • No one saw it. A slow chimney fire leaves no clear date. It can be hard to show when the damage happened.
  • Wear and tear. An insurer may say the cracks come from age and weather, not from a fire.
  • Hidden damage. Damage to the flue lining and behind plaster does not show without a check inside the flue.
  • Policy conditions. Terms on sweeping, fuel and appliances can become the main point in dispute.
  • Scope of work. Relining a flue or rebuilding a stack can cost far more than a small repair. You and the insurer may disagree on which one is needed.

How we help

As Loss Assessors, we act for you, not for your insurer. If there is damage, we report the claim, meet the loss adjuster at your property, put together the detailed costs of the work, and deal with your insurer until the claim is settled.

Not sure which claim fits? Contact us and tell us what happened.