Fireplaces are an economical way to keep your home warm during the winters a, and moreover, they look aesthetically pleasing too. If taken care of, the fireplace and chimneys can last for a long time. Chimneys need regular cleaning, or they can be very dangerous. If they are not in great condition, they can release toxic gasses inside the house and thus lower the quality of indoor air. Just have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually to make sure that it is working correctly. Having it checked on a regular basis will prevent any expensive repairs. It is best to hire a professional to do the job. Chimney might need repair from time to time, and the chimney repair cost and expenses might vary depending on the kind of repair and the company.
The Most Serious and Expensive Task
A complete chimney rebuild is a major job and the most expensive too. If the entire chimney is falling apart and the fireplace needs to be replaced, the costs can go up to around $10,000. Other repair tasks can be minor such as rebuilding the outside of the chimney or just the inside of the chimney or repairing one part of it. The rebuilding of the chimney is calculated based on a linear foot basis. One might need to replace the flashing or add a new metal cap. Generally speaking, the average chimney repair cost can cost up to $1,000 or more.
If you are looking for the alignment of a chimney, it can cost up to $3,000. If you want the chimney flashing to be installed the costs can range from $150 to $350. Chimney flashing repairs avoid any damage caused by water. Do not ignore any minor leaks as they can go unnoticed and cause substantial damage. There are sealants available in the market that can work as a waterproof membrane. Get a metal cap installed on the chimney to prevent water and animals getting into your house. The costs of metal cap installation can cost from $150 up to $300. One can expect to spend around $175.00 to have the cracks repaired.
Blockage occurs inside the chimney because of dirt, debris and animal nests. It is very essential to keep the chimney free of any obstruction or all that smoke and heat will get trapped inside the house and can pose a significant risk to your family’s health. Cleaning the creosote buildup is the most common repair required for a chimney, and a professional chimney sweep best does it. Creosote build-up can lead to deterioration and clog in the chimney. Cleaning logs can cost about $15.00 to $20.00. Sometimes, there is a need to insert mortar between the bricks of the chimney to give it strength and durability. This is known as tuck-pointing your chimney, and it takes care of any faulty mortar. The costs can go up to $175.
Always choose a professional when it comes to chimney repairs. Getting them inspected and cleaned on a regular basis will keep you away from any expensive repairs and lower the chimney repair costs.