How much does chimney repair cost?
Short answer. Chimney repair cost depends almost entirely on which part failed: caps, sealers and small crown cracks are minor jobs, reflashing and building a cricket are mid-size roofing repairs, and repointing, rebuilding the top of the chimney or relining the flue are larger masonry or chimney specialist projects. Getting the diagnosis right matters more than the price, because the wrong repair fixes nothing.
Repairs from smallest to largest
- Cap installation or replacement. Usually the least expensive fix.
- Crown sealing. An elastomeric crown coating over hairline cracks.
- Water repellent. A breathable siloxane sealer for porous brick.
- Reflashing. New step flashing, apron, back pan and counterflashing set into the mortar. A common and effective fix for leaks beside the chimney.
- Adding a cricket. Framing, sheathing, membrane or metal and new shingles behind a wide chimney.
- Crown rebuild. Breaking out a failed mortar crown and forming a proper one with an overhang.
- Repointing. Grinding out and refilling mortar joints, priced by area and height.
- Rebuilding above the roofline. Taking the chimney down to sound masonry and relaying it, which also means new flashing.
- Relining the flue. A stainless steel or cast-in-place liner installed by chimney specialists.
What moves the price
- Chimney height above the roof and the roof pitch, which drive scaffolding and safety setup.
- Brick matching for rebuilds on older homes.
- Rotted decking or framing found around the chimney.
- Bundling: reflashing during a roof replacement costs far less than a separate trip.
Insurance
Sudden damage, like a falling limb or wind knocking bricks loose, may be covered depending on your policy. Gradual deterioration and long-term leaks usually are not. See chimney leaks and crickets and roof flashing explained.