Chimney Cleaning & Inspection: Home Insurance in New Bedford
There are many things that New Bedford homeowners need to do in preparation for the winter months. Having a plan of action for shoveling snow, melting ice, and keeping the driveway clear so you can get to your garage is one of those strategies that are essential. However, taking the time to contact a professional for seasonal services and inspections is also extremely crucial to protect not just your real estate investment but your family and everything you keep inside. Home insurance in New Bedford is designed to protect you in the event of a claim, but the best type of MA homeowners insurance is prevention. The more you can do to avoid ever having to work with insurance companies in New Bedford on settling a claim, the better life will be. Checking your HVAC system and cutting dead tree limbs are just some of the typical seasonal chores we do every year, but when was the last time that you had your chimney cleaned and inspected?
Annual Inspections for Safety
A home with a fireplace can be a warm and cozy retreat in the winter months for homeowners in New England. There are many benefits associated with having a fireplace and helping to warm the space where you spend most of your time. However, studies show that Americans are not as diligent with cleaning and inspections for their chimneys as they should be to make sure that everything is in good working order before use. Safety and efficient operation are just two of the advantages of hiring a professional to inspect and care for your chimney. Consider having a contractor come out at least once a year in the late summer or early fall to take a look at its condition. All operational chimneys should be free from deposits, provide the correct clearness, and be structurally sound before they are used.
Even if you only use your fireplace a few times out of the year, regular inspections and cleanings are necessary. If you only use your fireplace and chimney sporadically, you might be even more at-risk for issues like animals nesting inside and using it as a home, as well as a build-up of leaves, twigs, acorns, and pine needles, if there are a lot of trees in your neighborhood. Your MA homeowners insurance agent can provide even more statistics and information about the importance of safety when it comes to fireplaces and chimneys. This is an excellent time to also make sure that your New Bedford homeowners insurance policy is up to date. Home insurance in New Bedford is more than just having coverage that is required by the lender but protecting your home from damage and destruction throughout the year. Borden Insurance is proud to serve our customers and to have earned a solid reputation as one of the top insurance companies in New Bedford.
What to Expect in a Service
When you contact a professional chimney cleaning and inspection service, you should make sure that they take the time to clear any debris from your chimney that could block smoke from venting away from the house. Regular cleanings will help keep the chimney clean and in good working order. Creosote, a dangerous by-product that comes from burning a wood fire, must also be removed regularly. This substance sticks to the inside walls of the chimney as a fire burns and, when exposed to intense heat from future fires, can also catch on fire itself and spread to the rest of your home. So-called creosote-removing logs and other products are not as effective as hiring a professional to perform regular cleaning. Make sure to tell your MA homeowners insurance provider about the services that you hire to protect and prevent common problems around your home.
Another part of hiring a professional chimney service is getting an annual inspection. The contractor should check the chimney to make sure that it is free from cracks and excessive wear. They should also check the inside of the fireplace itself to ensure that there are no cracks or problems. If there are any cracks or other types of damage, which can be caused by your home settling, pooling water from rainstorms, and other kinds of issues, it could result in damage throughout the house. The formation of mold and mildew, damage to drywall and other construction elements, and breaks within the system can even cause smoke to vent into your home. Make sure to check references and hire a reputable chimney cleaning and inspection company that you can trust to inspect for any potential issues. Have all parts cleaned, repaired, and checked each year before using your fireplace again in the fall.
Get a FREE Quote for Home Insurance in New Bedford
If you are interested in learning more about the options available for New Bedford homeowners insurance or would like to find out about your current MA homeowners insurance policy, give us a call at 508-999-3636. We can answer any questions you might have about Borden Insurance companies in New Bedford and the surrounding South Coast area. Call today for a FREE quote or to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents.