How Much Do Chimney Repairs Cost in 2025?
The average cost of chimney repairs is $455
Most homeowners spend between $160 and $750 for chimney repairs, with an average cost of $455.
The top cost factors include damage extent, repair type, and chimney material.
Hiring a chimney professional promptly helps maintain safety and reduce long-term expenses.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Chimney repairs cost most homeowners an average of $455, though prices fall between $160 and $750. Your total costs depend on the type of repair required, local labor rates, and the style of your chimney. Budgeting for professional help ensures structural integrity and prevents costly damage. Thorough planning encompasses every aspect of your system, safeguarding both your comfort and your finances.
Chimney Repair Cost Factors
Chimney repair costs vary widely based on several factors, and understanding these factors helps you budget effectively and hire the right professional for your specific 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, such as 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 and $380 for their work.
Costs by Type of Repair
Your total chimney repair costs will depend largely on the type of repairs required. 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.
Chimney Crown Repair Cost
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.
Chimney Crown Replacement Cost
Replacing a damaged crown can cost up to $3,000. Cracks allow water to seep into the brickwork and framing, so schedule the repair as soon as you notice an issue. Acting early keeps repair bills lower and shields your home from costly water damage.
Chimney Chase Cover or Cap Replacement Cost
On average, you can expect to pay $300 for a chimney cap replacement. The cover (sometimes called a cap) protects your flue and is at the very top of the chimney.
Chimney Flue Repair Cost
Fixing cracked tiles in your flue runs from $65 to $100 per square foot. A few broken tiles may cost $200 to $400, but more extensive damage may necessitate replacing the entire flue liner. Fix cracked flue tiles immediately—tiny gaps can allow toxic fumes to seep into your home. A patch is usually a stop-gap; plan on replacing the liner down the road to keep your fireplace running safely and efficiently. Installing (or replacing) a chimney flue liner costs between $625 and $7,000.
Leaking Chimney Repair Cost
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 into the building. Sealing these cracks with mortar prevents further water damage and protects your home from further deterioration.
Chimney Repair Costs by Material
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–$15,000 |
| Stucco | $900–$4,000 |
| Metal | $250–$1,200 |
Brick
Repairing brick chimneys costs an average of $300 to $15,000. 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.
Stucco
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.
Metal
Repairing a metal chimney will cost between $250 and $1,200. This material is highly durable but can dent during major storms. If you only need to replace the flashing on a metal chimney, the cost is $300.
Prefabricated
A prefabricated chimney will cost you between $250 and $1,200, as it is often made of metal and shares similar repair costs. This price range reflects a general range for minor issues to severe damage.
Additional Chimney Repair Costs
In addition to the common chimney problems mentioned above, your chimney may suffer from other issues. Here are some additional repair costs to consider.
Chimney Wood Rot Repair Cost
Minor wood-rot patches cost a few hundred dollars, but widespread damage can range from $2,500 to $4,000. If the framing is beyond repair, a complete chimney replacement—about $10,000—may be the safest play.
Cost to Parge Chimney
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.
Cost to Repoint a Chimney
Repointing brick costs between $4 and $25 per square foot. The mortar between bricks wears down over time; repointing repairs the mortar to prevent your chimney from collapsing.
Chimney Cleaning & Maintenance Costs
Annual chimney cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring your chimney operates safely and efficiently. Regular visits from a professional chimney sweep help prevent the buildup of soot and creosote, reducing the risk of chimney fires and ensuring proper ventilation.
Chimney Cleaning Costs
Professional chimney sweeps charge $130 to $380. Book a cleaning at least once a year to clear creosote, catch minor issues early, and prevent more significant repair bills later.
DIY Chimney Repairs vs. Hiring a Pro
Skip the DIY ladder climb—chimney repair is specialty work best left to certified masons and sweeps. While certified chimney sweeps handle cleaning and routine inspections, chimney repairs should be performed by specialized masonry contractors. Chimney repair professionals possess the expertise to safely repair, rebuild, or replace your chimney, ensuring its structural integrity and preventing future hazards.
Line up a local chimney repair professional to keep your chimney—and everyone under your roof—safe and draft-ready.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with a professional inspection. If damage is limited to a few bricks or the crown, a targeted repair helps keep costs and disruption to a minimum. Severe leaning, widespread mortar failure, or major fire damage usually signals it’s time for a complete teardown and rebuild. Your contractor will outline both price tags, but remember that rebuilding a failing stack is often cheaper than repeated patch jobs and the water leaks or fire hazards they allow.
Cracks provide water with an easy path into the masonry, weakening the bricks and mortar and increasing the risk of collapse or fire. Gaps can also let hot gases and sparks escape into attic spaces. Call a chimney pro as soon as you see cracking so they can seal small joints or recommend a larger rebuild before minor damage turns into a costly emergency.
Smoke rolling back into the room often indicates a blocked flue, a broken damper, or a drafting issue. Have a sweep inspect the damper, flue liner, and any obstructions right away. Most fixes involve clearing debris, repairing the liner, or adjusting the damper so the fireplace pulls air correctly. Don’t light another fire until a professional pinpoints the cause and confirms your system is venting safely.
Most policies cover chimney repairs caused by a sudden, covered event, such as lightning, a fallen tree, or a house fire. They won’t cover damage that stems from neglected maintenance or everyday wear. Review your policy or contact your agent before scheduling work to determine what documentation your insurer requires and what costs you will be responsible for.
Component life spans vary. Clay tile or cast-in-place liners last close to 50 years, while stainless-steel liners last 15 to 20 years. Mortar requires attention every 25 to 30 years, while crowns last 50 to 75 years. Use these numbers as a maintenance roadmap: schedule regular inspections, budget for future upgrades, and replace parts before age-related cracks develop into more significant problems.
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