Chimney replacement costs an average of $9,300
Replacing a chimney costs between $3,100 and $15,400, with an average cost of $9,300.
Materials, the extent of the rebuild, and whether you’re making any repairs can influence chimney replacement costs.
Timely repairs or replacements prevent hazards and more costly future repairs.
Hiring a chimney professional ensures safe and proper chimney replacement.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Replacing a chimney costs an average of $9,300, with most homeowners spending between $3,100 and $15,400, depending on the materials used. Whether your chimney is old and deteriorating or has sustained damage, understanding the factors that influence the cost can help you budget effectively for your chimney replacement project.
The materials you choose for your chimney significantly impact the replacement cost. Here are typical costs per linear foot based on material:
Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
---|---|
Brick | $60–$200 |
Stone | $80–$250 |
Metal | $40–$120 |
Below are the costs associated with various types of chimney rebuilding tasks.
The chimney stack—the visible part of your chimney above the roofline—plays a crucial role in venting gases and smoke safely out of your home. Damage to the chimney stack, such as popping bricks or structural deterioration, can compromise its function and safety. Rebuilding a chimney stack typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000.
Extending your chimney stack to improve ventilation or meet building codes typically costs between $500 and $3,000, depending on the materials, additional height required, and any existing damage.
On average, a full chimney replacement costs around $9,300. For larger or more complex projects—such as those involving fire damage, a leaning chimney, or extensive mortar deterioration—costs can exceed $20,000.
Not all homeowners will need a total chimney replacement. A partial chimney rebuild might be for you if you only have damage at the top of your chimney, like a few missing, cracked, or crumbling bricks on your chimney stack. This method is best for small chimneys that don’t require scaffolding. The price of a partial chimney rebuild costs about $1,500 to $4,000.
Deciding between repairing and replacing your chimney depends on the extent of the damage. For minor issues like a few loose bricks, repairing is often the best option, with chimney repairs costing homeowners around $460 on average. However, if your older chimney has significant structural damage—such as large cracks or a broken flue liner—replacing it might be more cost-effective in the long run.
While it might be tempting to tackle chimney projects yourself, the high risk of injury and potential for improper construction make it wiser to hire a professional. An incorrectly built chimney can lead to leaks, leaning stacks, cracks, and dangerous structural issues—resulting in fire risks and costly repairs. To ensure safe and proper replacement, it's best to hire a chimney professional near you with the expertise to do the job right.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your chimney safe and efficient. One of the most important tasks is cleaning creosote buildup, a flammable byproduct of burning wood that can increase the risk of chimney fires. Hiring a chimney sweep costs around $250 and often includes an inspection of other system components.
Yes, sealing your chimney is important to prevent moisture and water damage. A quality sealant stops water from infiltrating and damaging the bricks and mortar, which can compromise the structural integrity of your chimney. Regular inspections and timely resealing help maintain your chimney's performance and protect it from costly weather-related repairs.