As the nights are now slowly drawing in, it won’t be long before we bid summer farewell for another year, and look ahead to cozy seasons instead.
For many, fall and winter are amongst the most popular seasons of the year. There’s no sweltering heat to deal with, no endless bugs and insects, and it’s the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and settle down in front of the fire.
Of course, having a fireplace or stove is great for fall and winter, but they do require regular care and maintenance. Especially when it comes to the chimney. Chimney stacks are exposed to the elements, extreme temperature fluctuations, and general wear and tear. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for chimneys to become damaged and in need of repair.
Here’s a quick look at several common types of chimney repairs and roughly how much each one costs.
Chimney Mortar Repairs
Perhaps one of the most common issues affecting a chimney is going to involve cracked or broken mortar. This is why chimney mortar repairs are so common.
The mortar on your chimney helps hold your masonry together. If it becomes cracked, chipped, or broken, it could jeopardize the structural integrity of your entire chimney stack. Not only will the stack not be as supported, but it will also allow water to enter the chimney, as well as the bricks themselves, which could prove very costly indeed.
The good news is that minor chimney mortar issues are relatively easy to put right and won’t take very long, or cost too much money. For a quick DIY fix, you’re looking at anything from 100 bucks, up to around $500.
If the mortar damage is extensive, you may need to hire a contractor, which will cost more. In that instance, you’d be looking at around $750 – $2,000. If the damage is very bad, an entire rebuild may be required, which could be as much as $5,000 – $7,500.
Excess Creosote Buildup
Every time you burn your fire, smoke will escape up and out of the chimney. As it climbs the chimney, it leaves behind a black, tar-like deposit which coats the lining of your chimney.
Every single year, it is strongly recommended that you have your chimney swept to remove the creosote lining the chimney. This is because it can be flammable and can cause a chimney fire if it catches. Not only that, but it can also block the chimney, which poses a health and safety risk. Finally, it can also affect how your fire draws, which will make it less efficient.
If excess creosote builds up, it will need to be removed before you next light your fire. As it will require more work than a standard chimney sweep, it will likely cost you a little more money. Roughly speaking, for an extensive chimney sweep, you’d be looking at costs of around $380 – $400.
A standard chimney sweep will cost much less, as it requires less time and less work.
Chimney Lining Repairs
Within your chimney you will find a specially designed liner. This is created to reduce the risk of fire, to improve efficiency, and to protect the chimney, as well as your property.
Most chimney liners are made from metal, though different materials are sometimes used. No matter what your chimney liner is made of, overtime it may deteriorate and become damaged, meaning it will need to be repaired or replaced.
For a typical chimney lining repair, it will cost roughly between $1,000 – $2,000. For a chimney lining replacement, the costs will be higher, ranging roughly from $2,500 – $5,000 on average. For larger replacements, or when more expensive materials are used, this could be as much as $7,500.
Blocked Chimney
If you notice your chimney isn’t drawing properly, or if you can smell smoke in your home, or visibly see smoke, this could be a sign of a blocked or partially blocked chimney.
Anytime you smell or see smoke making its way into your home, safely extinguish the fire, open doors and windows, and allow the smoke to dissipate. This is very important because it could result in Carbon Monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
A chimney may become blocked due to several reasons. It could be down to creosote, it could be caused by an old bird’s nest, by wasp’s nests, by falling debris, or even a dead animal. In any event, if your chimney is blocked, the blockage will need to be removed before you can light your fire again.
Chimney obstructions can sometimes be taken care of yourself, or you may need to hire a professional chimney sweep to remove the blockage for you. Luckily, most blocked chimneys are easy to sort out, and are affordable.
Generally, to unblock your chimney, you’ll be looking at around $150 – $250. Usually, you’ll pay the same as you would to have your chimney swept. 99% of the time, the price will also include a chimney sweep too.
Chimney Crown and Cap Repairs
Finally, if your property has a fireplace or stove, chances are your chimney will have a cap and crown.
Chimney crowns and caps sit on the very top of your chimney and are essential for keeping the chimney in a good state of repair, as well as the fire below.
They are essentially there to prevent rain from making its way into the chimney, as well as for stopping birds, bugs, and other creatures, from making their way inside and perhaps building a nest. On top of that, they ensure that your fire burns as it should, as they help prevent blockages and promote optimal airflow and circulation.
Damaged crowns or caps are hard to spot, so routine chimney inspections are always a good idea. If they do need to be replaced, you are looking at anything from $150 – $700 on average. The price will vary and depend on factors such as what the crown or cap is made from.
It’s worth noting that the price listed above does not include a chimney inspection. Chimney inspections cost on average between $100 – $200, though for a basic inspection, you could spend as little as $70.