Ok, this is my current situation...

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linc1216

linc1216

Member
Dec 6, 2014
86
Southern, New Jersey
I ordered my Harman Accentra 52i on 12-10-14 after having a site inspection by the dealer. At that time I had a woodstove insert (that I sold last week on CL). The dealership where I'm getting my pellet stove from required that I have a sweep of my chimney and a level 2 inspection. Well, I had that done a few days ago and it was found that I have:

1) "Rapid expansion of the flue liners during a chimney fire or similiar event that has caused them to crack." = $1,920.00

2) "Cracked cement on the top crown of chimney" = $350.00

The chimney service told me I could make a claim to my homeowners insurance, so I did. But, they then said the repair of # (1) wasn't necessary since I'm getting a pellet stove insert. And I could do the cement repair myself or have a handyman do it once the weather gets warmer.

I do plan on having the repairs done since I've put in a claim with my insurance company and I don't want my house to burn down. So minus $1,000 my deductable, I'll have to come out my pocketbook to make up the difference for the total repair of the flue liners. My question is... does the above sound reasonable? Or should I had not involved my insurance company with an unnecessary claim or is this truly necessary?

Oh, I also asked my insurance company (State Farm) if my homeowners insurance would increase with a pellet stove insert and was told no, but it had to be installed by a certified installer and then inspected. When I had the woodstove installed years ago by a different dealership nothing was mentioned about chimney sweep or inspection prior to its install and I never even thought about reporting I had a woodstove insert to my insurance company, never thought I had to. Yes, I must say... I've learned alot from this website. Thanks for reading!
 
Before I installed my pellet stove(an insert) I had my chimney looked at. It needed repointing badly. I didn't want to run the vent up the chimney and have the top be sketchy. Do it right from the beginning w/ no half-assing.

They had to go down about 3' from the top to do the replacement. The
 
Earl, thanks for your reply. I plan to go ahead with the repairs.
 
No increase with Liberty Mutual.
 
linc1216 said:
I ordered my Harman Accentra 52i on 12-10-14 after having a site inspection by the dealer. At that time I had a woodstove insert (that I sold last week on CL). The dealership where I'm getting my pellet stove from required that I have a sweep of my chimney and a level 2 inspection. Well, I had that done a few days ago and it was found that I have:

1) "Rapid expansion of the flue liners during a chimney fire or similiar event that has caused them to crack." = $1,920.00

2) "Cracked cement on the top crown of chimney" = $350.00

The chimney service told me I could make a claim to my homeowners insurance, so I did. But, they then said the repair of # (1) wasn't necessary since I'm getting a pellet stove insert. And I could do the cement repair myself or have a handyman do it once the weather gets warmer.

I do plan on having the repairs done since I've put in a claim with my insurance company and I don't want my house to burn down. So minus $1,000 my deductable, I'll have to come out my pocketbook to make up the difference for the total repair of the flue liners. My question is... does the above sound reasonable? Or should I had not involved my insurance company with an unnecessary claim or is this truly necessary?

Oh, I also asked my insurance company (State Farm) if my homeowners insurance would increase with a pellet stove insert and was told no, but it had to be installed by a certified installer and then inspected. When I had the woodstove installed years ago by a different dealership nothing was mentioned about chimney sweep or inspection prior to its install and I never even thought about reporting I had a woodstove insert to my insurance company, never thought I had to. Yes, I must say... I've learned alot from this website. Thanks for reading!
Click to expand...
Not sure how or why an insurance company would pay for this...I seriously doubt it unless you reported the damage immediately after the event. For example, let's say the damage was the result of an earthquake, such coverage is an addendum to your normal/routene HO policy. Without the additional premium/coverage, your on your own. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but insurance companies want a direct connect from damage to your policy.
 
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linc1216 said:
I ordered my Harman Accentra 52i on 12-10-14 after having a site inspection by the dealer. At that time I had a woodstove insert (that I sold last week on CL). The dealership where I'm getting my pellet stove from required that I have a sweep of my chimney and a level 2 inspection. Well, I had that done a few days ago and it was found that I have:

1) "Rapid expansion of the flue liners during a chimney fire or similiar event that has caused them to crack." = $1,920.00

2) "Cracked cement on the top crown of chimney" = $350.00

The chimney service told me I could make a claim to my homeowners insurance, so I did. But, they then said the repair of # (1) wasn't necessary since I'm getting a pellet stove insert. And I could do the cement repair myself or have a handyman do it once the weather gets warmer.

I do plan on having the repairs done since I've put in a claim with my insurance company and I don't want my house to burn down. So minus $1,000 my deductable, I'll have to come out my pocketbook to make up the difference for the total repair of the flue liners. My question is... does the above sound reasonable? Or should I had not involved my insurance company with an unnecessary claim or is this truly necessary?

Oh, I also asked my insurance company (State Farm) if my homeowners insurance would increase with a pellet stove insert and was told no, but it had to be installed by a certified installer and then inspected. When I had the woodstove installed years ago by a different dealership nothing was mentioned about chimney sweep or inspection prior to its install and I never even thought about reporting I had a woodstove insert to my insurance company, never thought I had to. Yes, I must say... I've learned alot from this website. Thanks for reading!
Click to expand...
Why couldn't you just put a liner down the chimney? That's what I saw on this old house. The crown you could fix.
 
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Watcher1, the chimney people said the fix wasn't necessary once my pellet stove was installed, because my chimney itself would serve only as a shell since I will be getting a liner with my pellet stove. My dillema is I made a claim. My insuarance adjuster told me today after I sent via email attachments of the video pictures of flue liners and the picture of my cracked chimney crown that State Farm was drafting me a check today. The chimney people wrote that the cracks are the result of rapid expansion caused by chimney fire or other events.
 
linc1216 said:
Watcher1, the chimney people said the fix wasn't necessary once my pellet stove was installed, because my chimney itself would serve only as a shell since I will be getting a liner with my pellet stove. My dillema is I made a claim. My insuarance adjuster told me today after I sent via email attachments of the video pictures of flue liners and the picture of my cracked chimney crown that State Farm was drafting me a check today. The chimney people wrote that the cracks are the result of rapid expansion caused by chimney fire or other events.
Click to expand...
So your dilemma is do you keep the check fix the chimney? Keep the check? or return the check? I can't help you with that my friend.;) But:) I would use the funds to fix the cap and get a good top closer made to go where the liner comes out, at least that way everything is right. If you sell the house someday you should of course disclose to the buyers that the main chimney needs work for wood fire use. Hope that helps.
 
The check is compensation for the damage to the house. You don't have to use it to fix the chimney. If the house is destroyed they pay you for it and you don't have to build a new house.

But... get that chimney repaired. If you ever go to sell the place the buyer is gonna force the repair. Long after you have spent the money on something else.
 
It's usually about 2 times and then they will drop you. And when you go for new insurance, it will be twice as mutch. My sister made 2 lagitamit claims for damage from storms; and that's what happened to her.
 
dave2112 said:
It's usually about 2 times and then they will drop you. And when you go for new insurance, it will be twice as mutch. My sister made 2 lagitamit claims for damage from storms; and that's what happened to her.
Click to expand...

Yup True that. I made a claim 18 years ago then another one last year. Insurance went up from 650.. year to 2300. year. when I paid they came did a external inspection, said the roof needed repair and dropped me.
 
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No, my dilemma is... do I need the cracks in my flue liner fixed at the quoted price? Liner and insulation included in pellet stove installation. I want to be SAFE and HONEST. The cracked cement on top crown of the chimney I can have fixed on my own for far less than $350.
 
If you all ready have the check, just have it fixed. For ease of cleaning etc, run a liner through there. Shop around for reputable companies and get the best price. Put the extra money towards some pellets. Haha
 
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I had a very badly worn chimney and a firebox that would fail an inspection if done to current code. I have a ranch with about 4 feet of chimney protrusion. I rebuilt my chimney and had 2 liners installed (one for a new insert and one for the eater heater).

My biggest fear was if I did not bring the chimney up to snuff, I would get roof leaks.

Do the right thing and forget about the insurance company.
 
If you can't withdraw the claim without penalty or risk of it counting against you in the future for other possible claims, then you might as well keep the money.

If you keep the money, the question becomes whether to effect the repair, put it toward the installation cost, or buy something nice. There is the question of how not doing the repair might affect Resale of the home.

I installed a pellet insert myself last year, and since I used double wall stainless pipe straight up the chase, I couldn't care less what the lining looks like and have not reported the stove to the insurance company since they know there was already an existing fireplace which is a he'll of a lot more risk than a pellet stove. If anything, they should give me a refund. Then again, I live in Northeastern PA (having moved from NJ) , so things are a little more 'relaxed' around there parts. Your situation may be different.

By the way, is the cat in your avatar a Chartreux?
 
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If you are worried that your insurance premium will get jacked up or that you could get dropped if you have a future claim, then you need to talk to your agent. That's his job and those are reasonable questions to ask.

Personally, I think I'd get it repaired. If the pellet thing doesn't work out it will be easy to switch back to wood. And as someone else already mentioned, you won't have to deal with it if you ever decide to sell.

It would buy a lot of pellets, though!
 
I'm not sure I would spend any money on trying to fix cracked flue tiles in the chimney, unless you're thinking of restoring the fireplace for normal use. A wood insert should have a full length 6" SS liner, preferably insulated if the chimney is on an outside wall. The pellet insert should get a similar treatment, except nobody seems to insulate their pellet vent liners. I think they should be.

Re-pointing the outside or re-cementing the top I would place a priority on. The guys who install your pellet liner & cap can probably do it, even in Dec. If you want to wait till spring time, that should be fine too. Nothing will be touching the cracked cement crown. The metal top plate will be load bearing for the vent liner, and will be formed around the existing tile flue liner sticking out of your present chimney.

Use the insurance money to offset the install cost of the pellet vent. You'll probably have money left over.
 
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I have a new pellet stove ordered. So, the lining situation will be resolved with a new stainless steel liner. I plan to get the permit as advised by the dealership and report the repair and stove to my insurance company.

As I stated previously I want to be honest. My concern was maybe I shouldn't have reported the claim as suggested by the chimney sweep company.

Btw, I've had State Farm many years and have submitted 4 claims.: car (twice), totaled motorcycle, & fallen tree. My policy never increased. Not that I'm implying it won't with current HO claim.

*RKBAGUY, my avatar picture is of my cat, Smokey she died last winter. I don't know what type she was.

*CaptSpiff, thanks I'll be sure to ask about the cement top crown repair and the liner will be insulated and covered with a high density mesh wire per ordered contract.
 
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linc1216 said:
I have a new pellet stove ordered. So, the lining situation will be resolved with a new stainless steel liner. I plan to get the permit as advised by the dealership and report the repair and stove to my insurance company.

As I stated previously I want to be honest. My concern was maybe I shouldn't have reported the claim as suggested by the chimney sweep company.

Btw, I've had State Farm many years and have submitted 4 claims.: car (twice), totaled motorcycle, & fallen tree. My policy never increased. Not that I'm implying it won't with current HO claim.

*RKBAGUY, my avatar picture is of my cat, Smokey she died last winter. I don't know what type she was.

*CaptSpiff, thanks I'll be sure to ask about the cement top crown repair and the liner will be insulated and covered with a high density mesh wire per ordered contract.
Click to expand...
Repointing is part of maintenance and should be done. I don't see the sense in retiling the inside of the chimney since you are having a stainless liner put in anyway. Additionally any future install of a wood stove requires a stainless liner as well these days. In fact locally the repair for your situation would be to drop in a stainless liner. That said, Pellet liner code around here doesn't require an insulated stainless liner, maybe it's not cold enough on Cape Cod but nobody insulates them inside of a masonry chimney here.. Mine is not insulated, it runs up 26 ft and I have 0 issues with it. It's inside of a re pointed brick chimney with a metal cap to support the liner and seal the chimney from weather..

Usually installers want the chimney cleaned so as to not have a mess on their hands during the install. The inspection is for structural integrity and that it will pass inspection when they are done installing. Around here the installers pull the permit, unless of course you do it yourself then you get the permit obviously. The town building dept would inspect it here.. But the last thing an installer wants to do is install into a crumbling chimney and have it fail inspection, they would come up looking like a doofus...
 
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Love the kitty. Reminds me of our 15 yr old rescue, "Baby Wow" and I agree on the Russian Blue.

Now on to stove stuff. The chimney liner repair is, IMNTBHO, not needed ad you are going to install a double wall SS flue pipe. Assuming you are going to leave the stove when and if you move *shrug* I doubt they're going to make a big deal of inspecting the original liner but if it makes you feel better, do it. I'd definitely do the repointing myself and, having deemed the lining repair unnecessary, I'd not have filed a claim. Can you call back the bullet? Dunno. Talk to your agent. Good luck and enjoy your stove!! You bought the very best! ==c
 
*F4jock, just wondering ;hm what does IMNTBHO mean;? I know of IMHO (In my honest opinion). ()
 
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