What is The Cost of Chimney Repair?

With the cost of everything going up, people are concerned with how they will pay for necessities, such as home improvement and repairs.

When it comes to chimney repair and maintenance, you want to ensure the job is done right, but you want to be cautious about how much you spend.

This blog post addresses the factors that affect chimney repair costs and how you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

What You Need to Know About Chimney Repairs

Unlike purchasing an appliance with a fixed cost, the price to repair a chimney hinges on various factors, including the type of damage, the contractor, the availability of materials, etc.

Having said that, the average cost to fix a chimney can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

What Causes Chimney Damage?

Although chimneys are sturdy structures made with bricks and mortar, they’re not indestructible. Exposure to the elements puts them at risk of water damage as moisture absorbs into the bricks and mortar joints, freezes during winter, causing cracks to form.

If you don’t keep up with routine maintenance, these cracks get bigger every season until you end up with spalling damage where the brick’s surface cracks or falls away.

Moisture also damages mortar joints, leading to loose brickwork, weakening the entire structure.

These are the visible signs of chimney damage. However, what you don’t see is just as bad.

Internal cracks in the masonry can allow dangerous exhaust to reach the combustible materials in your home, putting you at risk of a fire.

So, how much will it cost to fix these problems?

Average Chimney Repair Costs

Your chimney is made up of several parts, and all of them can suffer damage. While repair costs vary, here are some average prices you can expect to pay depending on what kind of repair you need.

Leaking Chimney Repairs
As we’ve seen, water damage can wreak havoc on your chimney and fireplace, so you’ll want to deal with it as soon as possible if you detect it.

The average cost to repair a leaking chimney is between $150 and $350; however, these prices will vary depending on the materials needed and market prices.

Chimney Crown Replacement
The chimney crown is the slab of concrete that sits atop your chimney to prevent water from running down inside the flue. And, because it’s made of concrete, it’s also susceptible to water damage.

Repairing a chimney crown can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 while replacing it could run you up to $2,000.

Chimney Flue Liner Repair
The flue liner is a crucial chimney component that provides a barrier between the hot gasses coming up from the fireplace and your masonry materials.

Over time, the hot gasses and acidic nature of fossil fuels can cause the liner to crack, leading to a chimney fire.

Chimney liners are made from metal or clay tiles.

If there are minor cracks in the tile, you can expect to pay approximately $200 per tile for repairs. However, if the chimney requires re-lining, the average cost is between $2,500 and $5,000.

Chimney Rebuilding
In the worst-case scenario, a significantly damaged chimney will need to be rebuilt, and this is where things get pricey.

A complete rebuild can cost upwards of $20,000 depending on how much work you need and the cost of materials.

Other factors also affect the cost to repair your chimney, such as whether you have a prefab one or a masonry chimney and whether your chimney is for an appliance or an actual fireplace.

Protecting Your Chimney

As you can see, repairing chimney damage can be expensive, which is why we like the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The Chimney Safety Institute of America encourages homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect their chimneys from the elements and water damage as much as possible, and here’s how you can do that.

Get Regular Inspections & Maintenance
Hiring a certified chimney sweep for annual maintenance and inspection is the most important thing you can do to repair the minor damage that comes naturally and ensure your chimney and fireplace are safe and efficient.

Professional chimney inspectors check for damaged bricks and mortar joints, creosote buildup, flue damage and blockages, leaks, and other issues that put you at risk of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Waterproofing
Because water is your chimney’s number one enemy, it’s wise to invest in having it waterproofed by a trained professional.

Applying a chimney sealant stops the moisture from absorbing into the masonry materials, causing cracks that lead to water leaks and spalling brickwork.

Most chimney sealing products come with a five or ten-year guarantee, making them a wise, low-cost investment considering the alternative.

Also, the Chimney Safety Institute of America says that installing a chimney cap is one of the least expensive ways to prevent water from running down the flue and causing water damage.

Above & Beyond Chimney Services is a full-service chimney sweep and repair company serving residents throughout southern Massachusetts. We’re family-owned and operated with over 25 years of industry experience.

Whether you need chimney repair, maintenance, or would like to discuss ways to protect your chimney against water damage, call us at 781-383-0415 or fill out our online form.