How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost?
Determining the cost of chimney repair is difficult because many variables can impact it. No matter the cost, chimney repair isn't something that you can pass up on. A chimney serves a significant function in your home, and you need a well-functioning chimney to regulate the temperature in your home and make it energy-efficient. On the other hand, a damaged chimney can be hazardous. This guide will discuss the different types of chimney repair and their estimated cost to help you determine the budget.
What is the Average Chimney Repair Cost?
According to Bob Vila, the national average for chimney repair in the US is $450. However, the cost can range from $300 to $1,700, depending on the extent of the damage and the repair required.
Given the massive gap in this price range, you should consult an expert chimney repair technician to assess the extent of the damage and the specific cost involved in repairing it. It will give you a more accurate assessment of the budget needed to complete the repair.
And while we're at it, only hire licensed professionals to repair your chimney. Otherwise, you could pay more for repairs for a faulty job by an inexperienced technician.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Chimney Repair
Several factors affect the cost of chimney repair. When you hire a professional to repair your chimney, it pays to know these factors so you have an idea of the quoted cost for repair.
Chimney Type
The chimney type determines the potential damage that could be incurred. This factor alone can significantly impact the cost of repair. For example, a brick chimney commonly requires replacement for damaged portions of the brick and mortar. It involves a low repair cost since you can repair it by replacing the damaged bricks instead of the whole chimney. Replacing bricks will cost approximately $300, while the entire chimney replacement costs $15,000.
In addition, prefabricated chimneys are more affordable to repair or replace than other chimney types, such as those made of stucco. Hence, consider the repair costs when choosing the chimney type based on your budget.
Stucco chimneys are the costliest to repair since they average $800 to $4,000, depending on the type of damage.
Labor Cost
The labor cost covers a chimney repair technician's professional service and expertise. After all, repairing a chimney is a dangerous job, and it also requires years of study and training. Hiring a professional ensures that the problem is addressed and the structural integrity of the chimney is protected, so it is worth every penny you spend.
Most chimney repair technicians charge an hourly rate that ranges from $50 to $200 per hour. The more extensive the damage, the more costly the repair will be.
Chimney Height and Accessibility
Chimneys are difficult to access without proper tools and equipment. When you hire chimney repair pros to fix them, they will require such special equipment. The repair cost also considers the risk associated with the job, and they could charge a higher price based on the height and pitch of the roof, as these factors can make their job extra challenging and dangerous.
Emergency Repair
The cost of emergency chimney repair is higher than non-emergency repair. The reason for this is apparent: emergency repairs require urgent attention. Therefore, chimney repair technicians drive up their rates for emergency scenarios. For example, a chimney requires urgent repair because it can be hazardous to the family living in the home or threaten the structural integrity of the home.
Emergency repairs cost more if you call them on weekends, off-duty hours, or holidays.
Extent of Damage
As we will determine later, there are several types of chimney repairs. However, the extent of damage for each type of repair could also impact the final quote that your repair technician will give you. A minor repair job will cost less to fix than one that requires a significant fix.
Scheduled inspection and maintenance is a wiser investment if you want to save on costly repairs. It will ensure your chimney is in good working order. So, don’t wait until you need emergency repair before you hire a professional to inspect your chimneys. It might cost more or be too late to repair your chimney if it needs replacement.
Type of Damage
The following are the most common types of chimney damage that require repair and their estimated costs:
Flue Repair – Repairing broken tiles in the flue can vary from $100 to $400, depending on the number of cracked tiles. If the damage is extensive, you might need to replace the entire flue.
Flue Liner Repair – If the flue liner is damaged, it is best to replace it. The cost of replacement ranges from $600 to $7,000.
Wood Rot – The extent of damage would determine if the cost will be $100 or $4,000. The cost varies according to the size of the damaged area.
Repointing – When the brick and mortar in the chimney becomes damaged and structurally weak, you must repoint it to restore structural integrity. The cost is $4-$25 per square foot, plus labor costs.
Chimney Crown Repair – The chimney crown is crucial in protecting the entire chimney structure. If it's damaged, you must repair it, and the cost ranges from $150 to $300. However, excessive chimney crown damage requires replacement estimated to cost $3,000.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
Knowing the signs to watch out for that your chimney needs repair is crucial as it could save you money in the long run.
The biggest tell-tale sign that your chimney needs repair is that there is an unusual odor coming from the fireplace, especially when it is accompanied by smoke. You should also call a technician if you see visible cracks or gaps in the chimney. If there are signs of water damage, you should also repair it.
Other things to consider are a sudden increase in energy bills and difficulty lighting your fireplace (or keeping it lit). Any of the above are good indicators that your chimney is damaged and requires repair. Do not delay; you could pay more or have to have your entire chimney replaced (which is also expensive).