Most homeowners pay $250–$1,200 for a common chimney repair such as crack sealing, a new cap, a crown patch or flashing work; reported averages run about $455–$750. Bigger jobs cost more: tuckpointing $500–$2,500, a new liner $625–$7,000, a partial rebuild $1,000–$5,000 and a full rebuild $4,000–$15,000 (Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr and This Old House data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 5 more. National US estimates.
Chimneys take a beating from rain, freeze-thaw cycles and hot flue gases. Small problems, such as a cracked crown, crumbling mortar or a rusted cap, let water into the masonry, and if they're ignored the damage spreads to bricks, the flue liner, the roof and the ceiling below.
This guide covers prices for each type of chimney repair, a line-item breakdown of a typical job, what drives the cost up and how to compare quotes. For a quick estimate based on your repair and chimney height, try our chimney repair cost calculator.
Want a number for your project? Try our free chimney repair cost calculator — enter your size and options for an instant range.
Average cost
Typical chimney repair costs by scope, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repair: crack sealing, cap replacement, crown patch, flashing reseal | $150–$850 | Angi/HomeAdvisor average about $455 |
| Common repairs: flashing, crown repair, localized brick or mortar work | $250–$1,200 | Fixr and This Old House average about $750 |
| Moderate: tuckpointing, crown replacement, spalling brick | $500–$3,500 | Masonry work priced by area and access |
| Major: new liner, partial or full rebuild | $1,000–$15,000 | Liner $625–$7,000; full rebuild $4,000–$15,000 |
Chimney repair cost by type of repair
| Repair | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing small cracks / leak sealing | $150–$500 | Full waterproofing $800+ |
| Chimney cap replacement | $200–$850 | About $300 on average |
| Crown repair | $150–$700 | Sealing or patching cracks |
| Crown replacement | $1,000–$3,000 | Remove and pour or set a new crown |
| Flashing repair or replacement | $200–$1,800 | Most jobs $400–$1,600 |
| Tuckpointing / repointing | $500–$2,500 | Or $4–$25 per sq. ft.; labor is about 90% of the cost |
| Spalling brick repair | $1,000–$3,500 | Brick replacement from crown to roofline |
| Flue tile repair (a few tiles) | $200–$400 | $65–$100 per sq. ft. for larger areas |
| Flue liner installation or replacement | $625–$7,000 | Depends on material and height |
| Smoke chamber parging | $800–$2,000 | Interior masonry coating |
| Leaning chimney | $1,500–$4,000 | Usually a foundation or footing issue |
| Partial rebuild (above roofline) | $1,000–$5,000 | Stack rebuild about $150 per linear foot |
| Full rebuild or replacement | $4,000–$15,000 | Plus disposal and permits |
Chimney inspection cost by level
| Inspection | Typical cost | When it's used |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $100–$250 | Basic check, often bundled with a sweep |
| Level 2 | $250–$600 | More detailed check, typically including a camera scan of the flue |
| Level 3 | $900–$5,000 | Removing parts of the structure to reach hidden damage |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for sealing small cracks in the crown and resealing the flashing on a one-story brick chimney reachable by ladder. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $25–$150 | Crown sealant, flashing sealant or new counter-flashing, mortar |
| Labor | $150–$700 | Masons and sweeps charge about $50–$200 per hour; labor is the bulk of the bill |
| Inspection | $0–$250 | Level 1 inspection; often included or credited |
| Permits | $0–$0 | Not needed for small repairs in most areas |
| Contingency | $50–$200 | Loose bricks or a worn cap found on the roof |
| Estimated total | $220–$1,300 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor accounts for most of the price of almost every chimney repair, so access and height change the bill more than materials do.
What affects the price
- Which part needs repair. A new cap or crack sealing costs a few hundred dollars, flashing and crown repairs run $200–$1,800, and liner replacement or rebuilding costs thousands. Pinpointing exactly what's failing keeps the scope, and the price, down. Our guides to chimney crown repair and chimney flashing repair go deeper.
- Chimney height and access. Tall chimneys, steep roofs and two- or three-story homes take longer and need more safety equipment. HomeAdvisor notes some contractors charge more for brickwork above 10 feet, while chimneys reachable by ladder are cheaper.
- Tuckpointing versus rebuilding. Tuckpointing replaces deteriorated mortar joints for $500–$2,500. When bricks themselves are spalling or the stack is leaning, the fix becomes a partial rebuild ($1,000–$5,000) or full rebuild ($4,000–$15,000).
- Liner condition. Repairing a few cracked flue tiles costs about $200–$400, but a damaged liner usually means a new stainless steel or other liner at $625–$7,000, depending on material and chimney height.
- Scaffolding. When a ladder won't do, the crew may need scaffolding or roof staging; Fixr reports $50–$200 extra for simple setups, and large rebuilds cost more because setup time adds to labor.
- Safety inspection. A Level 1 inspection costs $100–$250 and is often bundled with a sweep, a Level 2 camera inspection $250–$600, and a Level 3 inspection $900–$5,000. Many repairs are found during these inspections, so the inspection fee sometimes becomes part of the project.
Ways to save
- Book an annual sweep and Level 1 inspection ($100–$250); catching a cracked crown or failed sealant early costs far less than repairing water-damaged masonry.
- Install or replace a chimney cap (about $300 on average). It keeps rain, animals and debris out of the flue and protects the crown.
- Ask for crown and flashing repairs at the same visit, so you pay setup and any minimum fee ($50–$100 at many companies) once.
- If you're getting a new roof, have the roofer replace the chimney flashing at the same time; the shingles are already off.
- Get at least three written quotes from CSIA-certified sweeps or experienced masons, and ask each to explain whether repair, tuckpointing or rebuilding is truly needed.
Related questions people ask
What is the cost of chimney repair?
The cost of chimney repair is usually $250–$1,200 for common fixes, with national averages of about $455 (Angi, HomeAdvisor) to $750 (Fixr, This Old House). Major work such as a liner or rebuild can cost $625–$15,000.
How much does it cost to rebuild a chimney?
Rebuilding the part above the roofline costs about $1,000–$5,000, while a full chimney rebuild or replacement runs $4,000–$15,000, plus permits and disposal.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured chimney professionals (CSIA-certified sweeps or masons) for written quotes after an inspection. Share:
- What you've noticed: water stains, crumbling mortar, loose bricks, white staining, rust, or debris in the firebox.
- The chimney material (brick, stone, stucco or prefab metal), its approximate height above the roof and how many stories the house has.
- What the chimney serves (wood fireplace, gas insert, furnace or water heater) and when it was last swept or inspected.
- Ask what is included: inspection, scaffolding, materials, cleanup, permits and the warranty on masonry and waterproofing.
FAQ
How often should a chimney be inspected?
The common recommendation is once a year. A Level 1 inspection costs about $100–$250 and is often combined with a sweep.
Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repair?
Usually only for sudden damage, such as a lightning strike, a fallen tree or a chimney fire. Deterioration from age and weather is typically considered maintenance and isn't covered.
Is a leaking chimney an emergency?
Not usually, but it shouldn't wait. Water entering the masonry can damage bricks, the liner, framing and ceilings. Sealing a leak typically costs $150–$500, far less than the repairs it prevents.
More Roof & Chimney costs
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Oct 6, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost? (2026) (Jan 22, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Do Chimney Repairs Cost in 2026? (updated Jun 20, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- This Old House — How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost? (updated Mar 12, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — Chimney Repair Cost (updated Jan 31, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Chimney Inspection Cost? (2026) (Feb 9, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.