Repairing your chimney costs an average of $455
Chimney repairs cost an average of $455 and range from $160 to $750 for standard repairs—with simple fixes starting as low as $100, while a full chimney replacement may reach $15,000.
Timely chimney repairs prevent further damage, improve safety, and reduce fire risks.
Chimney repairs require professional knowledge of masonry, ensuring safety and preventing further damage.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, homeowners spend $455 on chimney repairs, with most paying between $160 to $750. Extensive work like a total chimney replacement can reach up to $15,000. Addressing chimney issues promptly is crucial—not only can timely repairs save you money in the long run, but they also ensure your home's safety by preventing further damage.
Chimney repair costs vary widely based on several factors, and knowing them helps you budget effectively and hire the right professional for your chimney repair needs. Here are the factors that combine to inform your total cost:
Extent of Damage: Minor cracks are less expensive to fix than major structural issues.
Type of Repair Needed: Specific repairs like crown or flue repairs impact the overall cost.
Chimney Material: Repair costs differ for brick, stucco, metal, or prefab chimneys.
Foundation Issues: Problems with your home's foundation can significantly increase repair expenses.
Labor: A chimney sweep will identify your repair needs and will charge between $130 to $380 for their work.
Your total chimney repair costs will depend largely on the type of repairs that you require. Chimneys can develop various issues that affect their performance and safety. While you might notice some problems yourself, a professional can accurately diagnose and address them. Here are a few common chimney repairs and their costs.
Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crown repair | $150–$350 |
Crown replacement | $220–$3,000 |
Cap replacement | $300 |
Cracked flue tiles | $65–$100 per square foot |
Flue liner repair | $625–$7,000 |
Leak repair | $150–$500 |
Repairing a chimney crown costs between $150 and $350. The chimney crown is the slab of concrete at the top of your chimney (not to be confused with the chimney cap). It protects the brick and mortar from weather damage and keeps pests out. Additionally, it prevents sparks from escaping your chimney and landing on your roof, reducing fire risks.
You’ll pay anywhere between $220 and $3,000 to replace the chimney crown. Cracks that form in the crown can be particularly costly if left unrepaired. Water can get into the cracks and cause significant damage to mortar, bricks, and even the wooden frame of your house. Eventually, these cracks will compromise the integrity of your chimney and fireplace, requiring a total replacement or removal. This can cost thousands of dollars. As such, it’s to your benefit to repair or replace the crown as soon as there’s a problem.
On average, you can expect to pay around $300 for a chimney cap replacement. The cover (sometimes called a cap) protects your flue and is at the very top of the chimney.
Repairing a single flue tile will likely cost no more than $200 if it’s easily accessible. Fixing cracked tiles in your flue costs anywhere from $65 to $100 per square foot. However, repairing a cracked flue liner is only a temporary solution. Eventually, it will need replacing. Installing (or replacing) a chimney flue liner costs between $625 and $7,000.
Repairing a leaking chimney costs between $150 and $500. Water can enter through cracks in the chimney, leading to mold growth and wood rot. These cracks often occur at the roofline when flashing or sealants fail, allowing rainwater to seep inside. Sealing these cracks with mortar prevents further water damage and protects your home.
The material your chimney is made of will affect your final repair cost. Here’s how these costs break down.
Material | Cost Range |
---|---|
Brick | $300–$4,000 |
Stucco | $900–$4,000 |
Metal | $250–$1,200 |
Repairing brick chimneys costs $300 to $15,000, on average. More extensive damage could run upwards of $4,000 and a total chimney replacement can reach up to $15,000.
Keep in mind that some contractors may charge more for projects above 10 feet. Brick chimney work might cost less if the location for repairs is closer to the ground.
Depending on the extent of the damage, repairing a stucco chimney costs between $900 and $4,000. Stucco chimneys can develop cracks and water damage that require professional repair to restore their appearance and structural integrity.
It will cost between $250 and $1,200 to repair a metal chimney. This material is highly durable but can dent during major storms. If you just need to replace the flashing on a metal chimney, this will cost around $300.
A prefabricated chimney will cost you about $250 to $1,200, as it is typically made of metal and shares the same repair costs. This price range reflects a general range for minor issues to severe damage.
In addition to the common chimney problems mentioned above, your chimney may suffer from other issues. Here are some additional repair costs to consider.
Depending on how extensive the wood rot is, you could pay a few hundred dollars or several thousand. If the damage is confined to one spot that’s easy to access, you might only pay $100 to $300. A bigger area of wood rot might cost $2,500 to $4,000 to fix. If wood rot is too far gone, expect to replace your chimney for $10,000.
Chimney parging coats the smoke chamber with mortar and costs $1,000 to $2,000. It smooths over the smoke chamber so that any residue in uneven crevices doesn’t leak out or combust.
Repointing brick costs between $4 and $25 per square foot, with total project costs ranging from $500 to $2,500. The mortar between bricks wears down over time; repointing repairs the mortar to prevent your chimney from collapsing.
Similar to repointing, tuckpointing a chimney ranges from $500 to $2,500. While repointing removes and repairs the mortar, tuckpointing is the process of filling in mortar and making it aesthetically appealing. This involves blending in the mortar to match the bricks. While repointing and tuckpointing are technically different, they’re often lumped into the same service. Talk to a fireplace contractor near you for an estimate on repointing or tuckpointing your chimney.
Annual chimney cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your chimney functioning safely and efficiently. Regular visits from a professional chimney sweep help prevent soot and creosote buildup, reducing the risk of chimney fires and ensuring proper ventilation.
A chimney sweep costs around $250, ranging from $130 to $380. Aim to schedule cleanings at least annually for safety and to cut costs later. A neglected chimney could cost around $800 to clean.
It may be tempting to repair your chimney yourself, but this is not advisable for safety reasons. While certified chimney sweeps handle cleaning and routine inspections, chimney repairs should be performed by specialized masonry contractors. Chimney repair professionals have the expertise to repair, rebuild, or replace your chimney safely, ensuring structural integrity and preventing future hazards.
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.
Deciding whether to remove or repair your chimney depends on the extent of the damage and your budget. For minor issues, repairing the chimney is typically the best option. If your chimney has extensive damage or you're considering a major aesthetic change, you might opt for a full chimney removal.
Yes, a cracked chimney is dangerous and compromises your home’s safety and structure. Cracks allow moisture to penetrate the masonry, weakening the building materials and accelerating deterioration. This damage can lead to partial collapse and foster conditions that increase fire hazards. Immediate professional repair is essential to secure the structure and protect your home.
Indoor smoke signals a malfunction in the chimney’s venting system. This condition indicates that components such as the damper, flue, or draft fan may be compromised. A comprehensive inspection by an experienced chimney repair professional is necessary to identify the exact issue and recommend the proper repair. Addressing the problem promptly ensures effective ventilation and maintains household safety.