Your chimney inspection cost will vary based on the type of inspection, how accessible the chimney is, the chimney size, and the number of flues.
How Much Does Chimney Damper Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $160 - $520
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $360 to replace a chimney damper. Depending on the damage involved and the damper type, most spend between $160 and $520.
How we get this data
Photo: YinYang / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: YinYang / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Top-mount dampers are the most costly type of damper.
The damper size (which corresponds to the size of your chimney) is one of the main cost factors.
You’ll pay $200 to $400 for labor on top of the cost of the damper itself.
The average chimney damper replacement costs $360, with prices varying between $120 and $700 depending on the damper type and the damage involved. Dampers open and close to allow airflow when a fire is burning and prevent heat loss when the fireplace isn't in use. Experienced homeowners might save with DIY replacement, but most should hire a pro for safety.
Chimney Damper Replacement Cost Factors
The cost to replace a chimney damper will vary depending on a number of factors, including damper type and size, labor cost, repair type, and permit fees.
Damper Type
There are several different types of dampers, and the price you pay for materials will vary depending on which type you need.
| Damper Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Chimney cap damper | $125–$225 |
| Cast-iron throat damper | $150–$250 |
| Top-mount damper | $250–$500 |
Damper Size
Chimneys vary in size, so damper sizes vary accordingly. Expect material costs to increase slightly as the damper size increases.
| Chimney Flue Size in Square Inches | Average Damper Cost |
|---|---|
| 64–117 | $270 |
| 128–153 | $290 |
| 144–169 | $300 |
| 221 and up | $330 |
Labor
If you hire a chimney technician to replace your fireplace damper, expect to pay $200 to $400 for professional labor on top of the material cost of a new damper. Costs may vary based on the availability of qualified professionals in your area.
Repair vs. Replacement
Chimney damper damage can vary in severity. When you're experiencing problems, get a thorough professional chimney inspection to diagnose the issue. Repair of your existing damper may cost just $100 to $225 compared to full replacement, which costs $160 to $520 on average.
Permits
A permit typically isn’t needed for damper repair or replacement. However, a larger chimney repair job that involves masonry work may require a permit depending on the regulations in your local area. Talk to your chimney technician or call your local building department to learn more. If a permit is needed, expect to pay $100 to $400 for the permit and any inspection fees.
DIY Chimney Damper Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
Photo: jarector / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
The materials for DIY chimney damper replacement cost between $170 to $575 depending on the tools you already own. However, any type of DIY chimney work is risky. You need to know how to remove a chimney damper, and mistakes during disassembly or installation can result in mortar damage. This, in turn, may create leaks and additional repair costs over time.
Safety Warning
Leave all chimney work to a pro. Chimney jobs involve working on a roof, potential exposure to creosote, and ensuring a safe repair or installation of chimney parts. Each of these can be seriously harmful or even deadly for anyone without expertise.
A local chimney repair company is best equipped to safely and thoroughly inspect, clean, and replace your damper.
Cost of Common Chimney Add-Ons
When you have your chimney damper inspected for potential replacement, your chimney technician may notice other problems that you can handle all at once. You may also wish to have other work done on your chimney.
Chimney cap installation cost: $75–$500
Chimney cleaning cost: $130–$380
New chimney liner cost: $1,500–$5,000
How You Can Save Money While Dealing With a Faulty Chimney Damper
Saving money on damper replacement itself isn’t always possible, but there are ways to keep your chimney and its parts in good condition to reduce the likelihood that you’ll need damper replacement in the future:
Hire a chimney sweep to clean your damper and chimney first. Chimney cleaning costs of $130 to $380.
Stay on top of annual inspections for your chimney.
Always open the damper before starting a fire.
Don’t forget to close your damper after the fire is completely out.
Angi Tip
Creosote is a flammable residue that builds up due to incomplete combustion and can cause chimney fires if not cleaned regularly. Hire a chimney sweep to remove creosote build up at least once per year—or more frequently if you use your fireplace often.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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