Sealing and capping your chimney could cost around $500 to $650, or possibly more
It’s not just blowing smoke to say that your chimney endures a lot—from dirt and debris to vagabond critters looking for shelter. A chimney cap is the best way to keep these stowaways out while still allowing ventilation for your cozy, crackling fireplace. In many cases, you might also need to seal the chimney to prevent any cracks or other damage from getting worse.
Getting everything done in one trip might cost anywhere between $250 and $1,350, depending on the price of the cap, as well as a number of other factors. We stack up your potential costs below.
What Does Your Chimney Sealing and Capping Cost Cover?
Getting your chimney capped and sealed in one trip helps cover all your bases and save money by avoiding multiple trip fees. Your bill will cover the application of a sealant on your chimney’s crown, as well as throughout the rest of the chimney—helping seal off cracks and prevent any existing wear from becoming worse.
For your capping cost, this charge includes the cost of the cap, any residual cleanup, and removing the old cap if necessary.
How Much Does It Cost to Seal a Chimney and Add a Cap Yourself?
If you know your way around a rooftop, it’s possible to take on your own chimney capping and sealing. However, this is only something you should do if you’re prepared to take the proper precautions, as walking on a roof is potentially dangerous business. Keep in mind that hiring a local chimney repair company is the only way to guarantee your results, as well as your safety. Plus, if you’re doing this to fulfill an insurance requirement, you might need a pro to do it regardless.
A chimney cap costs anywhere between $35 and $550, depending on the quality and materials used. Along with that, here are the other tools and materials you’ll need:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Roof harness safety kit | $120 |
| Extension ladder | $100 – $350 |
| 4-in-1 screwdriver | $15 |
| Canvas tarp | $30 |
| Caulking gun | $5 |
| Silicone caulk | $15 |
| Brushable crown repair | $60 |
| Paintbrush | $5 |
| Duct tape | $5 |
The total for this tools and supplies list is between $355 to $605.
If you’re starting with a bare tool shed, remember that labor will account for roughly $200 to $350 of your cost to seal and cap the chimney. In this case, the DIY method wouldn’t really save you much cash—and could actually end up costing you more, as well as requiring more of your time.
Still, you could consider these purchases as an investment you’ll use for future roofing projects, such as cleaning the gutters or making your neighbors jealous of your holiday display. As always, it’s really about doing what’s best for you and your home.
Chimney Cap and Sealing Cost Breakdown
Your costs for this project can fluctuate based on the type of chimney cap, as well as any other chimney repairs you need done. Here is a breakdown of what you could pay when sealing and capping a chimney.
Materials
Your biggest material expense is the chimney cap, which runs from $35 to $550 depending on the type you choose. The chimney sealant is a flat rate that gets included with your labor cost.
Labor
Labor makes up around $200 to $350 of your cost to seal a chimney and install a cap. If you have any other repairs or maintenance done during the same trip, you’ll save money on future labor costs.
Repairing Chimney Flashings and Other Structural Damage
If you’re dealing with leaks, especially during rain or melting snow, you may need to front the cost to replace the flashing around your chimney. Installing new flashing typically costs around $200 to $350, while repairs can range from $20 to $120. Other repairs, such as cracked bricks or flue issues, could add hundreds or possibly thousands depending on what you need done.
Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance
While you’re sealing and capping your chimney, consider investing in a chimney liner for protection against creosote buildup and decay. It’s also a good idea to get a chimney sweep to start things off with a clean slate. A chimney cap will help save money on future chimney sweep costs, but it’s still important to have this service performed periodically. A local chimney sweeping company can take care of this for you to keep your fireplace free of hazardous buildup.
How Much Does a New Chimney Cap Cost by Type?
Chimney caps come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and price tags. If the more expensive ones leave your wallet wanting to run for the hills, know that cutting costs might save you some cash for now, but you may need to replace the cap a lot sooner.
In any case, you’ve got options. Here are the main types of chimney caps and their average price ranges:
Stainless steel: $50–$500
Galvanized: $35–$200
Copper: $150–$550
What Factors Influence Your Chimney Sealing and Capping Cost?
The biggest cost variable for this project is the cost of the chimney cap. In addition to that, your repairs costs will depend on:
The size of your chimney
The accessibility of the chimney
Whether you’re having any other chimney repairs done
The chimney repair company your hire
The season (winters typically cost more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Your chimney will function without a chimney cap, but it’s still important to get one. Otherwise, dirt, debris, or small animals could end up stuck inside. Chimney caps also help control wind, reducing the likelihood of a backdraft.
Chimney caps will certainly minimize the accumulation of ice and rainwater inside your chimney, but they’re not completely watertight. Some water could still get in since they have to remain partially open for the exhaust to escape.
Chimney caps can last anywhere from three to 25 years or more, depending on the quality and material. Copper and stainless steel varieties tend to last longer than galvanized.
If your chimney has cracks or other structural damage, you shouldn’t wait to have these fixed. Moisture can seep in the crevices and wreak further havoc, leaving you with higher repair costs down the line. In some cases, the chimney could even collapse, damaging your roof and increasing the chances of a fire.
Homeowner’s insurance only covers sudden, unexpected damage, such as a tornado or a bolt of lightning. Maintenance-based repairs like chimney sealing or capping aren’t eligible for coverage.
