How much does a chimney repair cost?

It's nice to gather around a warm fireplace on chilly days. But remember that behind every roaring fireplace is a chimney that handles the dirty work of sucking out all the smoke and hot flue gases. This makes it prone to damages that need to be repaired immediately. 

The cost of chimney repair can be as low as $100 for simple damages like minor cracks to as high as $10,000 for a total chimney replacement.

If your chimney needs to be repaired, whether because of wear and tear, corrosion, or other structural problems, you're in the right place. This guide shows the average cost of chimney repair, so you know much to set aside for this project.

Chimney repair price list

Chimney issues that significantly affect any of its components may require chimney repair. Even if you think a problem is evident, a professional can accurately diagnose the issue and advise you on the best course of action. Listed below are a few common types of chimney repair, along with their average cost.

Chimney crown repair

Chimney crown repair costs can run you $150 to $300. The concrete slab atop a chimney is known as a chimney crown (sometimes referred to as a chimney cap or cover). They prevent rain from entering your home, protect the chimney's masonry and mortar, and deter vermin. Getting your roof cleaned regularly is good maintenance to avoid a repair. 

Aside from keeping things out, it also holds them in, keeping sparks from your chimney from flying out and falling on your roof.

Leaking chimney repair

Chimney leak repair costs between $150 and $350. Water can enter a structure through fractures, leading to wood rot and mold. When flashing and sealers fail and allow rainwater to leak inside, these fractures typically appear at the roofline. 

Chimney flashing repair

Depending on the size of the chimney and the extent of the damage, chimney flashing repair costs can be anywhere from $200 to $500. You may spend up to $2,000 on a repair for larger stone or brick chimneys that need flank flashing and its involved installation process.

Cracked chimney repair

While little cracks may only cost $500 to patch, bigger fractures or ones that affect a sizable area may cost as much as $1,500.

Leaning chimney repair

Repairing leaning chimneys typically starts at $3,000. A slanted or tilting chimney stack usually points to a problem with the foundation. If the chimney has horizontal mortar joints that are level, a contractor can determine whether the problem is with the foundation by inspecting the chimney.

Chimney flue repair

Chimney flue repair cost shouldn't be more than $200 if a flue tile is easily accessible. Repairing a fractured flue liner, however, is simply a stopgap measure. It will eventually require replacement which can cost you at least $5,000.

Factors that chimney repair cost

Chimney type

The entire cost of chimney repairs depends on the type of chimney and the materials used to construct it. Some materials are more affordable and convenient to work with than others. Metal and prefabricated chimney repair usually cost between $250 and $1,200, while masonry chimney can be around $300 to $1,500.

Chimney repair solution

The techniques and fixes employed by the repair professional can also dictate the total chimney repair cost. For example, if the mortar portions of the chimney are damaged, they might choose one of the most affordable solutions, which is to re-mortar it instead of restoration or repointing. Repointing chimney costs can be expensive, especially for huge chimneys. 

Labor costs

For chimney repairs, labor prices might range from $50 to $150 per hour. Ensure that you’re working with professionals who are knowledgeable about the specifics of fixing chimneys. Chimney repair is dangerous due to the difficulty accessing chimneys and the potential for worker exposure to chemicals and creosote. 

Location

The cost to repair a chimney also depends on where you live. The most expensive professional contractors will probably be found in New York, California, and Washington, DC. They may also tack on extra fees for far-flung travel.

Accessibility

It could be necessary to put up scaffolding to make it easier to access the chimney. Scaffolding for chimney repairs might increase the overall cost by $50 to $200.

Signs your chimney needs repair

Aside from soot, gases, and smoke, there are further signs that help your know your chimney is in bad shape. 

Excessive creosote

Creosote, the dark, tar-like substance you can see inside your flue, is normal. This is cleaned out when you have your regular chimney sweep. But if you see creosote outside your fireplace, you might want to consult an expert. Too much of it can indicate your chimney has a problem. For instance, excessive smoke from your fireplace could mean the liner needs to be repaired or replaced.

Efflorescence

You should take fast action if you notice a white color on your chimney because this indicates it needs repair immediately. This discoloration typically happens when your chimney has excess moisture that starts to harm the joints between the brick and mortar. A chimney may begin to lean or even collapse once this happens.

Rust

It's time to get new metal components for your chimney if you see signs of rust. Rust can be a straightforward indicator of atmospheric moisture and natural deterioration. However, it might also be a blatant indication that your chimney is being exposed to moisture due to leaks. 

Additionally, rust is a sign that your components are not as strong as they should be. It's usually preferable to replace these parts whether the issue is a rusty metal that has cracked or flaked due to natural weathering or a leak.

Deteriorating mortar joints

A quick inspection by a chimney specialist can tell you if the mortal seams between the chimney masonry should be repaired. The mortar-filled area between your chimney's bricks is a mortar joint. Failure of the mortar joints can speed up chimney degradation by exposing the bricks to more moisture. You risk your chimney collapsing if you don't fix the issue.

Shaling flue tiles

You have an issue if pieces of your chimney tile start to appear inside your fireplace. The flue lining must be in good condition to use the fireplace safely. Any gaps might quickly ignite a home fire. 

The easiest way to tell whether your flue liner is cracked is to look for flue tile fragments. However, many cracks go undetected until you engage a chimney specialist to perform a video inspection of your chimney.

Spalling

There is spalling when you detect masonry fragments around the bottom of the chimney from the outside. Water can leak into bricks if your chimney is not waterproof. When that occurs, the brick, concrete, or even stone surface may be forced to peel off, pop out, or flake. You risk your chimney collapsing if you don't fix this.

Crown damage

A chimney crown crack is frequently the starting point for shaling and spalling. Since the crown is your chimney's first line of defense against external elements, it must be in excellent shape. Small cracks naturally develop around the chimney crown over time. However, these fractures may widen, allowing more water and other debris to seep into your house or liner. 

Leaks

Sometimes, all it takes is a missing cap to cause leaks. However, it can occasionally be the beginning of a rather significant issue. The chimney is not as water-resistant as you probably anticipated. When it's raining and you hear water, you must get it checked immediately to prevent serious leaks and damage.

Post a task for chimney repair

There you have it. Once you understand the cost factors and when you need to get your chimney repaired, it's time to post a task. To get more precise quotes when looking for a Tasker, you can include details like your budget, location, chimney type, and problem. 

Make sure to look at their profiles, ratings, and reviews to select the suitable professional for your chimney repair needs. 

If you lack the required equipment and expertise, it can be dangerous to climb onto the roof to repair a chimney. So, contact a chimney repair specialist to get it done right the first time and ensure your safety!