Chimney Repair Costs - A Quick Guide

For many people, a chimney is not something worth thinking about unless they have a fire place at home. What many don't realize is that any structure that burns fuel requires a chimney. From apartment buildings to large boats, a good thing to remember, if it burns any type of fuel than it needs a chimney. (One exception being motor vehicles, they require exhaust pipes which are horizontal where as chimneys are vertical).

Chances are good if you're reading this article than you not only have a chimney but are interested in learning about chimney repair costs. As there are many different types of chimneys and on top of that many different repairs that could be needed for every type of chimney, this article will be focused toward personal chimneys as apposed to industrial or commercial chimneys (think huge steam or coal burning plants. Those huge stacks you see are also chimneys.)

Please remember that chimney repair costs can very from state to state and also from contractor to contractor. Also it can depend on how much you are willing to do yourself.

Let's start with the basics. To clean, sweep or evaluate a chimney it will usually run about $150 to $300. To tuckpoint a chimney from above the roof line is usually a minimum of $175. A chimney rebuild can certainly get a little costly. I mean come on, it doesn't get much more serious than a full on rebuild; that naturally will get a little more costly at around $700 to $1000 and up. To rebuild the exterior only that'll be a little cheaper at $75 to $125 per linear foot.

Next you've got chimney flashing which helps prevent water damage at the point where the chimney meets the house, this could run you around $150 to $350 for each. If your chimney has a metal cap on it than a new one installed would cost $150 to $300 each. To underpin or align a masonry chimney is where it gets a little scary, for that we're talking about $2,500 to $3,000.

These are the most common chimney repair costs out there and remember to please consult a professional who has experience working with the exact type of chimney you have. Also remember that it can help you save many costs on chimney repairs to simply have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year.