How Much Does a Chimney Rebuild Cost?

Rebuild Chimney Stack Cost

It costs $150 per linear foot (in height) to rebuild the chimney stack, the part of the chimney that extends above the roof. Sometimes you only need to partially rebuild a stack. In other instances, a complete it needs to be completely removed before the pro can rebuild. The price to remove a chimney stack is an additional $1,000 to $1,600. Rebuilding the stack is more expensive because it often requires scaffolding. If your chimney stack is accessible via ladder, you might not have to pay as much.

Chimney Replacement Cost

Cost to Replace Fireplace

Expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 to replace a fireplace. Your new fireplace might need work on the gas line or ventilation. Installing or repairing gas pipes costs another $1,000 to $2,000 or more.

Cost to Rebuild Fireplace

Rebuilding or remodeling a fireplace costs $390 to $2,000. Costs are lower for smaller fireplaces or fireplaces that reuse materials (such as bricks or stones). Building a new gas, wood-burning, or stone fireplace from scratch is $1,900 to $5,600. A new electric fireplace costs anywhere from $100 to $2,200.

Cost to Replace Prefab Fireplace

Removing a prefab fireplace costs $600 to $2,500. From there, you have tons of possibilities for your new fireplace replacement.

DIY vs. Hiring a Chimney Professional

There are many inherent risks to DIY chimney projects. Falling off a roof or ladder happens much more frequently than you might believe — 500,000 accidents happen every year. Hire a mason to do the repair work and eliminate your risk of injury. But falling isn’t the only threat to your safety. An improperly built chimney poses massive risks for fire. While it might seem cheaper to build a chimney on your own, it’s not worth the safety risk.

FAQs

When should I replace my chimney?

A properly maintained chimney is not likely to need a full replacement in your lifetime. In fact, the world’s oldest chimneys were built in the 12th century! Hiring a good mason or bricklayer really pays off. However, parts of your chimney will need replacing over the years.

Keep in mind, annual inspections and maintenance are essential to your chimney’s lifespan. Hiring a professional to check your chimney each year helps ensure that each part lasts as long as possible.

How much does a new brick chimney cost?

A new brick chimney costs anywhere from $60 to $200 per linear foot. A 15-foot chimney would cost $900 to $3,000. Installing a brick fireplace adds another $2,000 to $5,000 to the project, totaling $2,900 to $8,000.

How much does it cost to repair a brick chimney?

Most homeowners spend between $175 and $1,000 on repairing a brick chimney. Repairing 10 or fewer bricks is $175 to $500; more than bricks will cost $750 to $1,500.

The most common repair needed for a chimney is cleaning the creosote buildup. Chimney sweeping averages $250. This is best done by a professional chimney sweep since they will often inspect other elements of your system at the same time.

What causes cracks in a chimney?

Chimney cracks come from a few main causes: the expansion of water, improper installation or low-quality materials. Water is acidic and when it combines with creosote, dampers can rust and fail. The water can destroy existing mortar and damage wood near the fireplace, such as ceilings and floors. If a chimney is improperly installed or made with cheap materials (mortar is the biggest culprit), water seeps in faster and cause quicker cracking.