Imagine this: while you’re cooking or relaxing by your fireplace, a sudden smoke lingers around the house. Have you ever wondered why? It’s a sign that your chimney needs repair.
I know what you’re thinking – repair means expenses! Don’t worry, you’re not alone; we’re all on the same page, which leads us to the question, “How much does chimney repair cost?”
Average Chimney Repair Costs
The average cost of chimney repair ranges from $100 – $7,000, depending on the scope of the project.
Simple chimney problems may be priced at much lower rates compared to complex restorations, as it varies significantly on several factors. Below, we’ll discuss each factor, and the associated expense for each.
Types of Chimneys
In determining the cost of chimney services, the first thing that professionals assess is the type of chimney installed in your home.
By the word “type,” means the “material” that your chimney is made of – prefabricated materials and metal, can be expensed at cheaper rates compared to more refined and sturdy materials like brick and stucco.
Prefabricated and Metal Chimney
The extreme weather-immune type; typically costs around $950 – $7,000.
Brick Chimney
The popular type due to its attractive appearance; typically costs around $950 – $11,500.
Stucco Chimney
The waterproof and UV ray-immune type; typically costs around $950 – $15,000.
Types of Chimney Repairs
The type of repair can significantly affect the chimney repair cost, as it can depend on how big or damaged your chimney is. Simple repairs, such as fixing the cap and crown cost the least. While complex issues, like leaning stack and spalling services cost the most.
Liner Repair
Chimney Liners vary, dependent on the fuel being burned, BTU’s and the chimney’s height. Generally liner cost ranges from $80 – $195 per linear foot.
Flue Repair
Flue repair typically costs around $275 – $1,000 per square foot.
Click here to see what flue tiles look like
Wood Repair
Typically costs around $150 – $4,000, depending on the extent of repair needed.
Repointing or Tuckpointing
Repointing or tuckpointing typically costs around $550 – $2,500, depending on the extent of repair needed.
Read about: How to spot Masonry Damages
Spalling Repair
On average a spalling chimney typically costs around $1,000 – $3,000. The price will vary depending on the extent of repairs needed.
It will be more costly if the size of the surface area is larger or if the damages are so extreme that a complete rebuild is necessary. It is wise to fix spalling bricks immediately and not allow one or two bad bricks destroy the whole stack!
Cap Replacement
While a generic one-size-fits-all chimney cap can be found at your local hardware store for around $150, everyone eventually learns why they’re so cheap and are not recommended by professionals.
A high-quality cap starts at $350 and will be properly sized and attached to fit your chimney securely to allow smoke exhaust and toxic gases out while not allowing the rain and pests in. Watch the video!
Chimney Accessibility
Houses are built and designed uniquely, which means that the chimney is logically constructed depending on the structure of the estate. Some may be placed in an accessible location with a lower height, making it more accessible, but others are in complete opposite.
In such instances, the cost of chimney services can vary depending on height and location of the chimney. For example, if the top of your chimney is low enough to reach by ladder, then the total expense might be cheaper than those repairs which might need the use of scaffolding.
Height:
- Single-Story Chimney Repair: typically costs around $500 – $3,000.
- Two-Story Chimney Repair: typically costs around $1,500 – $5,000.
- Three-Story or Higher Chimney Repair: typically costs around $3,000 – $10,000.
Location:
- Interior Chimney Repair: typically costs around $500 – $2,500.
- Exterior Chimney Repair: typically costs around $1,000 – $5,000.
- Roof Access Chimney Repair: typically costs around $1,000 – $4,000.
- Chimney Repair with Difficult Access: typically costs around $2,000 – $8,000.
Extent of Damage
The extent of damage significantly influences the overall cost of chimney repair. Similar to other structural elements, the severity of the issues at hand plays a role in determining the complexity of the necessary repairs.
This means that a more damaged chimney can have multiple problems, making it more challenging to mend, thus will be priced at a higher rate. Remember, more complex means more expensive.
- Minor Repairs: such as small cracks, loose bricks, typically costs around $200 – $800.
- Moderate Damage: such as damaged flue, crown issues, typically costs around $800 – $2,500.
- Significant Damage: such as extensive spalling, leaning stack, typically costs around $2,500 – $8,000.
- Structural Damage: such as collapsing chimney, typically costs around $5,000 – $15,000 or higher.
Emergency Services for Repairs
Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. No one knows when and how it can happen. House chimneys are commonly constructed from the inside of the estate, and go up through the roof, making them prone to damages, like what could happen during a storm for instance.
If it’s a REAL EMERGENCY like a fire or carbon Monoxide concern get out of the home and call 911.
If it’s anything that isn’t a dire emergency but something you know will require immediate attention and repair; this is where emergency services come in handy. Suppose you notice an unexpected break in your chimney, whether minor or major, consider it as a threat to your home and safety.
In this case, and assuming nobody is in danger, the best action to take is to search for “chimney service near me”. Look for a company who employs certified technicians and reach out as soon as possible. This way, they can immediately respond to the situation, and assess the repair needed.
Emergency or same-day repairs usually cost more than standard maintenance, and typically range from $300 – $500 for the service call; usually not including repairs.
If you’re in our KCMO and KS service area, we’re here to help Monday-Friday 8am-5pm!
If you are outside of our local service area please visit the CSIA website to use their search tool to find a certified chimney sweep service provider near you.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, chimney repairs can be costly, but when it comes to your safety, there’s no such thing as “expensive.”
Remember, prevention is better than cure; it is ideal to mend the problem as early as possible before it turns into a complete disaster, leading to much more complex and expensive repairs.
If you’re ready to repair your chimney, give our Certified Pros a call today at 913-642-6171 or request a call below for assistance.
DISCLAIMER: What you see on this page is not a “price list”.
We cannot and will not quote any repair costs without a full inspection of a homes unique chimney and fireplace system.
(If someone quotes you a price for repairs without ever seeing your chimney in person, we would advise you to be wary of moving forward with that individual and contact the certifying agency to verify their credentials. To be safe, please always verify your inspectors certification badge is valid.)
The costs shown on this post are rough estimates and are not a guarantee for pricing or accuracy. Price ranges may be more or less and will always vary depending on factors such as: different geographic locations, various or multiple services required, as well as the fireplace and chimney service provider you choose. The extent of damages from one home to the next (even in the same neighborhood) may vary drastically and could be a factor that increases your costs.
This is why we always tell our clients that it pays off to get your annual inspection every year and never allow small damages to get beyond your control.
Call (913) 642-6171 for help in Kansas City.
