How Much Does Chimney Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Replacing a chimney costs an average of $9,300 including removal of the old chimney or between $3,100 and $15,400, depending on materials.
The average chimney rebuild cost is between $40 and $250 per linear foot.
How much a new chimney costs depends on the type of material, size, and project scope, with stone and brick chimneys costing the most.
Labor adds another $50 to $75 per hour to the job for masonry work.
Chimney replacements have an average ROI of 50% to 80%.
Nothing makes a home feel cozier than a fire on cool nights. But it’s important to make sure the fireplace and chimney are in good working order.
Whether your chimney is old and worn or it has cracks and damage, there are many reasons you may want to replace a chimney. Typically, the expense of chimney replacement begins at approximately $3,100 and can go up to about $15,400, resulting in an average cost of $9,300. The total cost for chimney replacement or installation is influenced by various factors, including the type of materials used, the chimney's dimensions, and the overall chimney type. These elements play a significant role in determining the overall cost for the project.
Chimney Replacement Cost by Project Scope
The size of the project can vary based on whether you are replacing part of the chimney or opting for a complete chimney rebuild. Keep in mind that the cost to replace a chimney can increase for taller chimneys of 10 feet or more.
Full Chimney Replacement
A full chimney removal and replacement costs more than $5,000, and extensive rebuilding projects can cost upward of $20,000. You’ll need a full replacement for extensive damage, such as a leaning or crumbling chimney.
Partial Chimney Rebuild
A partial chimney rebuild costs about $1,500 to $4,000. This type of reconstruction may include rebuilding the stack from the roofline upward.
Chimney Extension
You may need to extend your chimney for better ventilation or to meet building codes, which will cost about $500 to $3,000.
Chimney Replacement Cost by Material
Because materials play a very important role in chimney repair costs, let’s take a closer look at how much it costs to replace a chimney with popular materials.
Brick
Replacing bricks costs $60 to $200 per linear foot. Additionally, if you wish to add a brick fireplace, it may require an extra $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the specific design and size.
Stone
Stone chimneys generally incur higher replacement costs compared to brick. The cost of replacing a stone chimney can range from $80 to $250 per linear foot, with additional expenses for any stone fireplace additions.
Metal
Metal chimneys offer a more affordable option for replacement. The cost of replacing a metal chimney typically falls within the range of $40 to $120 per linear foot. However, it's essential to consider any additional costs for integrating a metal fireplace if required.
Chimney Replacement Cost by Size
The average cost of a chimney replacement is between $40 and $250 per linear foot. Larger chimneys require more materials and labor for the replacement process, leading to higher expenses. The bigger the chimney, the greater the amount of materials needed, such as bricks or stones, which adds to the overall cost.
With this in mind, here is a breakdown of average costs by chimney size in linear feet.
| Chimney Size in Linear Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 15 | $600–$3,800 |
| 20 | $800–$5,000 |
| 25 | $1,000–$6,300 |
| 30 | $1,200–$7,500 |
| 35 | $1,400–$8,800 |
| 40 | $1,600–$10,000 |
Additional Chimney Replacement Cost Factors
Whether you need to freshen up the mortar of your chimney or replace the chimney stack or crown, many factors can impact the cost of replacing a chimney.
Labor
Chimney replacements are dangerous jobs that often require a structural engineer and a masonry expert. Expect to spend between $350 and $800 on structural engineer costs, plus $50 to $75 an hour for masonry work. If you remove an old chimney, a demolition crew will cost around $50 per worker per hour.
Permits
You may need a permit to replace a chimney, especially to remove the old one. Depending on your location, permits will cost about $20 to $150.
Fireplace Replacement
There are several types of fireplace replacement options. For example, preserving elements like the hearth is possible when replacing only a chimney stack, reducing costs. Full replacement means dismantling the entire fireplace, increasing expenses. Adding a new fireplace or dealing with asbestos can also influence costs. Choices in materials and design play a role in determining the overall cost of the project.
Here are the costs for fireplace replacements, including the price of removing the old fireplace.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas Fireplace | $5,300–$7,200 |
| Electric Fireplace | $700–$4,700 |
| Wood Stove | $3,400–$5,300 |
| Stone Fireplace | $4,500–$6,400 |
Chimney Height
Larger chimneys may require more time and effort for labor, which further increases chimney replacement costs. The EPA states that a solid chimney should extend to a minimum of 15 feet, but chimney heights vary by ceiling height, number of floors, and where your chimney is located within your home. For example, if you have a two-story home, your chimney will cost significantly more than a one-story home.
DIY Chimney Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
Improperly built chimneys can cause fire risks, and there is a danger of the chimney collapsing during a removal or a rebuild. Even if you’ve had luck with some risky DIY projects in the past, this is one project you don’t want to take a chance on. Instead, hire a local mason to ensure the chimney is built safely.
Chimney installation costs are also something you’ll need to budget for. Installations and replacements are complex tasks that should be left to chimney repair professionals near you. As key structural components of a home, DIY attempts can be dangerous and compromise the safety of residents. Non-experts lack the expertise to ensure proper installation, risking structural integrity and potential hazards.
Additionally, working on the roof for masonry work requires specialized skills and safety measures that only professionals possess. Entrusting chimney projects to qualified experts ensures the job is done safely and efficiently, protecting both the home and its inhabitants.
Does Replacing a Chimney Add Value to Your Home?
Replacing a chimney can add value to your home—especially if your existing chimney is in poor condition or is nonoperational. Exactly how much value you’ll see depends on the type of replacement and how much replacing it improves the functionality of the chimney. Overall, expect to see a return on investment (ROI) of around 50% to 80%. If you update your fireplace alongside your chimney, you could see an ROI of up to 91%.
One study of home sales conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that adding a fireplace to your home increases the selling price by approximately 12%. However, check with a local property appraiser to determine how replacing a chimney will increase your home’s value in your market area.
Chimney Replacement vs. Repair
Whether or not you should repair or replace a damaged chimney depends on your budget and the chimney’s condition. Minor repairs, like chimney parging, may be more affordable than a complete replacement. However, when there is significant damage, replacing an old chimney is cheaper, safer, and easier. A chimney that is not structurally sound may collapse or catch fire.
You’ll also want to consider the lifespan of different parts of a chimney. Mortar on a chimney lasts 25 to 30 years, while chimney crowns may survive up to 75 years. To ensure your chimney is safe, have your chimney inspected and maintained by a chimney sweep once a year, which will cost around $250.
Signs your chimney may be at the end of its life include:
Leaning
Leaking
Crumbling or deteriorating bricks
Cracking in the chimney crown
Chipping or cracking in the mortar
Discoloring in the wall or ceiling around the chimney
Rust appearing in the firebox or damper
| Factor | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Repairs vs. Chimney Replacement | Repair cost is under 50% of replacement | Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement |
| Age of Mortar | Less than 25–30 years old | Over 30 years old |
| Age of Crown | Less than 75 years old | More than 75 years old |
| Leaking | Damaged flashing or chimney cap | Extensive water damage or major cracks |
| Structural Integrity | Chimney materials are solid | Leaning structure or chipping, crumbling, rusty, or cracked materials |
How You Can Save Money on Chimney Replacement Costs
Chimney replacements can quickly add up, making it essential to find ways to lower your costs and stick to your budget. Here are five tips on how to save money on replacing a chimney:
Go for a partial chimney rebuild.
Choose a budget-friendly chimney material, like metal or brick, instead of stone.
If possible, choose a shorter chimney height.
Replace your existing fireplace with an electric fireplace instead of a wood stove, gas, or stone fireplace.
For minor chimney damage, consider repairing rather than replacing your chimney.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chimney cracks can be caused by various factors. One primary reason is exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to the expansion and contraction of masonry materials. Other causes include the settling of the building's foundation, poor construction, inadequate chimney maintenance, and water infiltration. Over time, these factors weaken the chimney's structure, causing cracks to develop.
If left unaddressed, the cracks can worsen, leading to further deterioration and the need for chimney replacement. Regular chimney inspections and timely repairs can help prevent significant damage and prolong the chimney's lifespan.
Yes. Sealing a chimney is a crucial step to protect it from water damage. Applying a waterproof sealant or chimney water repellent can create a protective barrier, preventing water from seeping into the masonry. This is especially important for new chimneys, as the initial sealing helps to preserve the chimney's structural integrity and prevents potential cracks caused by water infiltration.
Regularly inspecting and reapplying the sealant as needed ensures that the chimney remains well-protected from water and extends its lifespan. Proper chimney maintenance, including sealing, is essential for keeping your chimney in good condition and preventing costly repairs in the future.
If your chimney has been damaged by tornadoes, lightning strikes, storms, or a fire, then homeowner’s insurance will likely cover a chimney replacement. However, damage caused by high winds or earthquakes may not be covered, and insurance doesn’t usually cover replacements for old or worn chimneys.
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