As we’re now in the midst of winter, those of us with an open fire or stove will be certainly getting our money’s worth as we keep our homes warm for the next several months.
If you have an open fire or stove of any kind, it’s essential that you ensure that your chimney is in the best condition it can be. A leaking, blocked, or damaged chimney will not only be less efficient, but more serious than that, it will also pose a serious health risk.
Chimneys are vital for open flame heat sources, but they don’t last forever. Eventually they will need repairs and maintenance work carried out, which could be costly if left unaddressed. How much these repair works cost will depend on a number of different factors, including the repair type and the materials required.
To help you get a better idea of these costs here is our look at understanding chimney repair costs by type and material.
Average Chimney Repair Costs in 2024/25
Needless to say, if your chimney is in need of repairs and maintenance work being carried out, you’ll probably want to get a rough idea of how much it is going to cost. We understand that times are tough at the moment, and not everybody is blessed with disposable income, but chimney repair and maintenance is an essential expense.
So, how much does it cost? Well, there is no one true answer to this question because it depends on a whole host of different things. Things such as location, materials used, and the type of repair required will all have an impact on the price you pay.
We’ll be looking at the cost of chimney repairs in more detail a little later on, but first we’re going to provide a very rough overview. According to research, in 2024 the average cost of a chimney repair across the US was between $600 and $1,500.
Does that mean that you can expect to pay between $600 and $1.500? Absolutely not. Some minor repairs for example, cost less than that, whereas more complex and extensive repairs cost even more.
While we can’t see into the future, it is likely that those numbers are not going to change drastically in 2025.
Chimney Repair Materials
As well as the type of repair required, another important factor when it comes to the cost of a chimney repair is the types of materials used.
Different materials cost different prices, so how much you spend will depend on what kind of materials you are using. A simple flashing repair for example, will require flashing, a caulk gun, and a waterproof sealant. There is, however, also the cost of safety equipment to consider.
Bricks and mortar can be costly, as well as masonry materials. If you need a chimney cap replacement, the material it is made from will also affect the price. A stainless steel cap for example, will cost more than an aluminum one.
Types of Chimney Repairs
One of the biggest factors when it comes to the average cost of a chimney repair is the type of repair required.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of chimney repair and roughly how much they will cost.
Chimney Cap Repairs
One of the most common examples of a chimney repair is one which is carried out on the chimney cap.
A chimney cap sits at the top of your chimney and is designed to help protect your chimney, flue, and fireplace from the elements. It offers shelter from wind, rain, snow, ice, and other extreme weather. Not only that, but it also helps to prevent animals and insects from getting inside your chimney.
How much a chimney cap repair will cost will depend on the size of the cap, and what it’s made of. If the cap is damaged too extensively, a contractor may instead recommend a replacement.
Typically, chimney cap repairs range from $100 – $800.
Flashing Repairs
In order to ensure that your chimney is watertight, and that it doesn’t allow air to get in or out, flashing is placed around the edges to seal any gaps.
If your flashing is leaking, or damaged and wearing away, it will need to be replaced immediately. Thankfully this is a simple fix, especially for a contractor. If caught early on, it will cost roughly $200. If you have a leak, however, this could set you back around $800 so it’s always best to act fast.
Chimney Brick Replacements
Decades ago, bricks were plentiful and very affordable. Today, however, things are different, and brickwork can be costly.
If the bricks on your chimney are chipped, broken, or worn away, they are going to need replacing. Not only could this cause a leaking chimney, it could jeopardize the stability of the chimney, which is a very serious issue. Not only that, but damaged bricks look unsightly and can harm the aesthetics of your home.
Roughly, you can expect to pay around $300 – $1,000 to repair/replace bricks on your chimney. Of course, the more bricks that need repairing/replacing, the more you can expect to spend.
Chimney Mortar Repairs
As time goes by, mortar joints on your chimney’s brickwork will gradually wear down, especially if you live somewhere with extreme weather. In particular, rain damage and temperature fluctuations can take their toll.
If left unaddressed, mortar damage will gradually become worse and eventually, it could harm the integrity of your entire chimney.
Luckily, repairing the mortar on a chimney is an easy fix and is fairly inexpensive. On average, it will cost between $150 and $500, and can be completed in a couple of hours, or even less.
Chimney Foundation Repair
Finally, we have what will likely be the most expensive repair of all when it comes to your chimney, and that is a chimney foundation repair.
If your chimney is loose, it will need to be repaired immediately. A loose chimney is incredibly dangerous and so this is a repair that you absolutely must not put off.
On average, a chimney repair will cost between $1,000 and $3,000.