Repairing Guides

how much does it cost to repair a brick chimney

by Dr. Dane Hoppe Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Chimney Repair Cost

Repair Average Cost
Relining or Replacing Flue $900 – $7,000
Rebuild Crumbling Brick / Spalling $1,000 – $3,500
Sealing / Waterproofing $150 – $400
Flashing Repair $200 – $500
Apr 27 2022

Brick Chimney Repair Cost
Repairing brick chimneys costs $175 to $1,000 on average. More extensive damage could run upwards of $4,000 and a total chimney replacement is about $10,000. Keep in mind, some contractors may charge more for projects above 10 feet.
Jan 18, 2022

Full Answer

How much does it cost to rebuild a chimney?

When you hire a chimney contractor to perform your rebuild, then it’s a prime time to get flue liner repair or replacement. It can even save you money in the long run, to have it all refinished at once. How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild a Chimney? It could range between $1,000-$30,000.

How do you repair a brick chimney?

  • Use a hammer or cold chisel to remove crumbling mortar from the joints of the brick.
  • Mix up enough mortar that will last you 15-20 minutes at a time.
  • With the mortar bag in hand, add the mortar into the empty joints.
  • Again, allow the mortar to dry for about an hour.

How to replace bricks in a chimney?

Repointing Crumbling Mortar

  1. Chisel cracked or crumbling mortar from the joints with a hammer and cold chisel. Clean each joint of loose mortar and dust with a wire brush.
  2. Mix your mortar according to the manufacturer’s label instructions. Make only enough to work for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
  3. Pour the mortar into a mortar bag. ...

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What are the best chimney crown repair products?

How to Repair a Chimney Crown

  1. Concreting Cracks If you do not want to make a new crown, you could simply fill up the cracks that are visible. ...
  2. Caulking A good alternative to concreting is sealing or caulking up crown cracks. Clean up the cracked area and remove the rock pieces. ...
  3. Detaching the Crown In order to effect the necessary repairs, you need to take off the damaged crown. ...

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How much does it cost to repair chimney top?

Fixing the chimney crown itself can be anywhere from between $150 to $300 on average. In contrast, a full replacement can cost you between $220 to $2000, a steep increase. Leaving a crown on that requires repair can go so far as to damage the fireplace, requiring a replacement for that as well.

How much does it cost to brick a chimney?

A new brick chimney costs anywhere from $60 to $200 per linear foot. A 15-foot chimney would cost $900 to $3,000. Installing a brick fireplace adds another $2,000 to $5,000 to the project, totaling $2,900 to $8,000.

How much does it cost to re mortar a chimney?

Cost to Re-Mortar a Chimney The average cost for re-mortaring a chimney ranges from $150 to $500. Costs are lower if mortar issues are spotted early, and homeowners pay less if the damage is minor.

How do you repair a brick chimney?

Replace the Old Bricks Get the area nice and damp before applying a layer of new mortar to the sides and base of the hole with your trowel. Slowly slide the replacement brick into the hole until it lines up with your older bricks. Use the trowel to make your mortar work uniform with the rest of the chimney.

How long should a brick chimney last?

50 to 100 yearsIf a chimney has been correctly built and cared for, it can be expected to last for 50 to 100 years!

Do chimneys need to be rebuilt?

A total or complete chimney rebuild includes replacing the outside brick as well as the crown. Total rebuilding is often recommended when you're dealing with extensive damage. Structural flaws, such as when a chimney is leaning or falling apart, usually require total rebuilds.

How much does it cost to reinforce a chimney?

Repairing brick chimneys costs $175 to $1,000 on average. More extensive damage could run upwards of $4,000 and a total chimney replacement is about $10,000....Brick Chimney Repair Cost.RepairCost to FixCracked Bricks (less than 10 bricks)$175 - $500Cracked Bricks (more than 10 bricks)$750 - $1,5002 more rows•Jan 18, 2022

How do I know if my chimney needs repointing?

When Does a Chimney Need Repointing? Whenever you start to notice cracks appearing on the outer surface of your chimney joints, you should contact a masonry professional to schedule an inspection. Once a crack appears, no matter what size, the chances of water entering the fixture become incredibly high.

What does repointing a chimney mean?

What is Repointing? When a masonry wall or chimney develops damaged joints, allowing moisture entry, it is recommended to remove the damaged portions and replace them with proper materials. This repair is known as “repointing”.

Can crumbling bricks be repaired?

If your brick has already started to crumble, can it be repaired? Yes, it can. You may DIY, however, it's recommended that a professional does this so further structural damage doesn't occur. Crumbling and cracked bricks can be replaced with newer bricks and then sealed back into place.

Why do chimney bricks crumble?

This can happen for several reasons, but the most common reason is the weather. When moisture becomes trapped inside the bricks and then the temperature drops below freezing, the water in the bricks freezes. Since frozen water expands, when those bricks thaw, they become brittle and flake apart.

Why is my chimney crumbling?

One of the biggest reasons for crumbly, damaged chimney masonry is water infiltration. If your chimney has small cracks, water can get in and will freeze and expand when the temperature drops. This will lead to further damage and start a cycle that can eventually cause major structural and safety issues.

How much does it cost to build a masonry chimney?

A traditional masonry chimney can cost between $100 and $200 per linear foot to install. Engineered chimneys are slightly more affordable at a cost of $60 to $100 per linear foot. That means that the average cost for a 10' chimney can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or $600 to $1,000, respectively.

Why is tuckpointing so expensive?

Labor. The biggest contributing factor to the cost of tuckpointing for your home will be the labor cost involved. It's a laborious process and even if the contractor or mason is using electrical equipment there is a lot of hand mixing and handwork that needs to be done as well.

What is the difference between repointing and tuckpointing?

Repointing is the process of removing damaged mortar joints and renewing them. Tuckpointing is quite similar but is not always completed for damage control. Tuckpointing by definition is a style that uses two different colors of mortar to alter the appearance of mortar joints, this is an important distinction.

How long does it take to Tuckpoint?

Tuckpointing a 20 sq. ft. area of a chimney wall costs $200 to $500 and takes around 4 hours for one mason. Labor makes up 50% or more of the total tuckpointing cost.

Cost to Repair a Chimney by Type of Chimney

Chimneys are made of different materials, and the total costs of chimney repairs are influenced by the chimney type. Some materials are cheaper and easier to work with than others. The table below shows common chimney types and the average repair costs for each.

Cost to Repair a Chimney by Type of Repair

Chimneys may seem simple, but they are complex structures with multiple parts like the crown, cap, and flashing. Damage can occur to various parts of the chimney, and a range of repairs may be needed to fix each problem. The table below shows common chimney repair types and their average costs.

Chimney Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

Depending on the chimney damage, parts of sections may need to be replaced rather than repaired. The cost to replace chimney parts varies wildly, depending on the part and how much work is required. The table shows common chimney replacements and average costs for each, including parts and labor.

Cost to Repair a Chimney by Type of Problem

Many problems arise with a chimney, and some problems are more severe than others. Minor cracks in the flue do not cost much or take long to fix, but a leaning chimney stack requires more extensive repairs and costs more. The table below shows common chimney problems and the average costs to fix each.

Average Cost of Chimney Repairs by Solution

Depending on the problem, repairmen may use various repair methods and solutions. Usually, a repairman must visit the home and inspect the chimney to diagnose the problem and decide on the best course of action. They may decide to re-mortar the chimney if mortar sections are damaged or recommend other services like repointing or restoration.

Labor Costs to Repair a Chimney

The labor costs for chimney repair range from $50 to $150 per hour. Work with professional chimney repair companies or specialists who understand the unique aspects of fixing chimneys.

Emergency Chimney Repair

Homeowners may require urgent, same-day chimney repairs. This can occur if a chimney suffers severe damages after a storm or smoke is coming into the house after lighting a fire.

How much does it cost to replace a chimney stack?

This means you are tearing down the full stack. A stack replacement costs between $1,000 to $3,500 and is required when your chimney has significant deteriorations, such as giant vertical cracks.

How much does it cost to fix mortar?

Mortar repair often uses an hourly rate, starting at $50. Alternatively, you may also pay $2 to $4 per square foot for the materials. Assuming you caught mortar issues during an early stage, the repair cost will fall between $200 to $400.

How often should I clean my chimney?

According to the National Fire Protection Association Standard 211, your fireplace and chimney need to be inspected at least once a year for soundness, safety, and integrity.

How much does it cost to replace flashing?

A simple flashing repair only costs $20 to $120. However, in most cases, the flashing needs a full replacement when a homeowner calls for help. By then, you are looking at spending $200 to $500.

How much does it cost to repair a leaning chimney?

Depending on the size and design of the chimney and the extent of the damage, repairs for a leaning chimney fall between $1,200 and $3,000.

How much does it cost to repair a chimney crown?

Depending on the extent of the damage, your crown repair can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000. More extensive damage can increase your repair costs.

What is the purpose of flashing a chimney?

The primary purpose of flashing is to act as a waterproofing sealer that prevents moisture from leaking around your chimney and roofline into your roofing, insulation, and interior.

Why is the chimney cap on the top of the chimney?

Your chimney cap is the metal cap perched at the top of the flue that prevents water leaks that can damage the interior of your chimney. Caps can become damaged due to extended exposure to moisture, high winds, hail, ice, and other inclement weather conditions.

What is the cause of most problems experienced by chimney owners?

Water leaks are the cause of most problems experienced by chimney owners. The cost of fixing a leak depends greatly on the location of the leak, the extent of the damage, and the type of material that must be repaired or replaced.

Why is my chimney flue leaking water?

Its purpose is to direct heat and fumes out of your home without causing damage to the surrounding area. Over time, your flue can be damaged by leaking water due to exterior deterioration, structural damage from an impact or earthquake, or extended exposure to high temperatures and smoke from chimney use.

What is a chimney crown?

Chimney crowns are the first part of your chimney to be exposed to the elements, and unchecked damage can result in increasingly expensive damage to the rest of your chimney. The crown of your chimney is a slab of concrete that protects your chimney's flue, brick, and mortar from rain, pest intrusion, and keeping your roof safe from flying sparks.

How much does it cost to rebuild a chimney?

A complete chimney rebuild costs $1,000 to $3,500 to rebrick the stack above the roofline. A partial rebuild costs $600 to $1,000 to redo a small chimney or the top few feet of a large stack. A complete chimney replacement costs $4,000 to $15,000 to rebuild above and below the roofline.

How much does it cost to replace a cracked brick?

Cracked bricks cost $20 to $30 per brick to remove and replace. Replacing the top few feet of bricks and repairing the crown costs $600 to $1,000 on average. Repointing a chimney costs $500 to $2,500 or $20 to $50 per row.

What is a complete rebuild from the roofline up?

A complete rebuild from the roofline up includes scaffolding and replacing any damaged flashing. Professionals match the color and consistency of the existing mortar and bricks and try to reuse any bricks that are still in good condition.

How much does it cost to remove a fireplace?

Removing a fireplace costs $500 to $2,500 on average, depending on it's size, if the chimney breast needs demolishing, and if a gas or electric line needs capping. A partial removal that leaves the stack may require structural support for the chimney breast.

When to do a partial chimney rebuild?

Partial Chimney Rebuild – Recommended when only a few bricks are cracked, missing, or crumbling (spalling). A partial replacement rebuilds a full small chimney or the top few feet or courses of a large chimney above the roofline without scaffolding.

When do chimneys need to be rebuilt?

A chimney needs to be rebuilt when it's severely cracked and crumbling, spalling, leaning, deteriorating, or no longer structurally sound. Hire a chimney sweep or structural engineer to inspect and determine if the chimney needs rebuilding.

Is it dangerous to rebuild a chimney?

Rebuilding a chimney is dangerous, even with safety measures in place. The majority of masonry chimneys involved in fires had one or more construction defects. Plus, more than 500,000 people fall off a roof or ladder each year.

Chimney Parging Cost

This type of repair involves coating the smoke chamber of a chimney with mortar for greater efficiency. The cost for carrying out such a project ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.

Chimney Repointing Cost

If you’ve had a chimney for a significant period of time, you’ll discover that over time, the mortar between bricks gets worn out. With repointing, fresh mortar is applied to empty spaces between bricks.

Chimney Crack Repair Cost

Temperature fluctuations play a major role in the appearance of chimney cracks.

Brick Chimney Repair Cost

Brick chimneys are common and could develop problems. This leads to conditions of disrepair such as masonry cracks, cracked bricks, and crumbling bricks.

Chimney Crown Replacement Cost

Sometimes, chimney repair may include replacement of worn-out or defective parts.

Chimney Re-Mortar Costs

Another cost detail you’ll need to consider involves chimney re-mortar.

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