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Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.

Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.

No, a chimney crown is not the same as a chimney cap. A chimney crown is a flat cement area on top of a masonry chimney. It starts where the masonry part of the chimney ends at the very top and domes upward toward the flue opening. A chimney cap sits on top of the crown over the flue. It is usually made of metal and allows smoke to escape without letting in rainwater.

Chimney crowns are located above the final brick layer at the top of a chimney. It’s important to get regular chimney maintenance and inspection, because it is near impossible to spot chimney crown damage without getting on your roof.

Homeowners insurance may cover chimney leaks, repairs, or replacement, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage. If the chimney is damaged by a sudden, covered peril like a lightning strike, storm, hail, fallen tree, or an unexpected fire, your policy is likely to cover the costs. However, insurance generally does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, old age, or a lack of proper maintenance, such as failing to perform regular cleanings and inspections. If a fire or other damage is caused by a known issue you didn't address, the claim may be denied. Additionally, some policies may have specific exclusions for events like high winds or earthquakes.