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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.

Metal roofs are dangerous to walk on, even for professionals. Metal shake does offer some texture to help with grip, but metal itself is extremely slippery, especially at a medium to steep pitch, so call in a pro rather than getting up on the roof yourself. They’ll have the necessary safety equipment and experience to avoid injury.

Hail damage on a roof varies depending on the roofing material. On asphalt shingles, it can appear as dark or white chalky circles where granules have been knocked off, or as cracks, dents, or bruises. For wood shingles, hail may cause the wood to split and crack. On metal roofs, hail damage is often easier to spot and looks like dings and dents. The age and condition of your roof can also affect the appearance of the damage. Regardless of what you see, it's recommended to have a professional inspect your roof after a major storm to fully assess the extent of the damage.

Homeowners insurance typically covers roof repairs or replacement if the damage is caused by a sudden, accidental event or a covered peril, such as a storm, wind, hail, fire, or a falling tree. However, insurance will not cover repairs or replacement for issues stemming from a lack of maintenance, normal wear and tear, or a roof that is simply old and at the end of its lifespan. If a leak or damage occurs due to neglect, you will likely have to pay for repairs out of pocket.