Who to Call to Replace Siding on Your Chimney

Damaged siding on your chimney can quickly lead to leaks, rot, or more severe water damage, like mold and mildew. Hiring an experienced siding professional to remove and replace the siding on your chimney as soon as you notice an issue can boost curb appeal and help you avoid bigger headaches.

Benefits of Hiring a Siding Contractor to Replace Your Chimney Siding

Chimney siding may not seem as important to get right as siding over wood framing and sheathing, but there are a few key reasons why you should hire an experienced siding contractor for the job.

Knowledge of Building Codes

Siding over a chimney can cause serious problems and even a risk of house fires if you don’t install it properly and according to local building codes. A knowledgeable siding repair professional will have an intimate understanding of the building code in your area.

They can ensure they use proper weather barriers, insulation, and siding material to avoid violations and unsafe conditions. They’ll also let you know if you need permits for siding replacement, as some municipalities will require them even for smaller jobs like siding over a chimney.

Proper Material Installation

Installing siding over a chimney is more complex than installing standard siding for a few reasons. First, you can’t nail siding into brick and instead need to drill into the masonry and screw the material on. Second, the heat from an active chimney can pose a fire hazard for some materials, like wood, and can warp others, like vinyl. A dedicated siding contractor will know what weather barriers and clearances to use to avoid these problems.

Comprehensive Inspection

A siding expert will be able to inspect the brick beneath your siding to ensure there are no other problems, like mold growth, moisture build-up, or crumbling masonry. Even minor issues can lead to major property damage, so having an experienced siding pro on your side is ideal when tackling this home improvement project.

Can I Hire a General Contractor to Replace My Chimney Siding?

Most general contractors will have knowledge of siding repair, removal, and replacement, and reputable ones will follow building codes, so you can hire a general contractor when you’re ready to replace chimney siding. 

However, dedicated siding pros often cost less because they don’t subcontract the work, and they’re more likely to be able to get you deals on siding materials and to be able to match your existing siding perfectly with stock they already have. If possible, it’s always best to hire a local siding contractor who has experience with chimney siding replacement.

How Do Siding Professionals Replace Chimney Siding? 

Here is an overview of what you should expect when you hire a professional siding contractor to replace your chimney siding.

1. Remove old or damaged siding.

2. Clean up any debris around the area.

3. Inspect the area for any water damage or rot that extends beyond the siding.

4. Measure the new siding to fit the chimney and cut them to size.

5. Wrap the chimney with a new moisture barrier.

6. Install furring strips for proper clearance between the chimney and the siding.

7. Install the starter strip.

8. Install the first piece of siding and continue with subsequent rows of siding.

9. Install the trim around the edges of the siding.

10. Caulk any gaps between the siding and the chimney to prevent water seepage.

11. Paint siding, if necessary.

How Much Does Siding Replacement Cost?

General siding replacement costs between $3 and $30 per square foot, depending on the siding material and style you choose, but siding over brick can easily double that cost due to the added labor. An average chimney is 16 to 20 inches wide, 16 to 20 inches deep, and 15 to 24 feet tall, but keep in mind that the side attached to your home doesn’t need siding.

For partial siding replacement over an average chimney, you’re looking at between 80 and 120 square feet of siding. At the average cost per square foot, that’s a total of between $480 and $7,200, with an average of $1,600.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Siding over your chimney yourself can save you an average of over $1,000. However, unless you are experienced working on roofs and understand the complex work of removing and installing siding over brick, we recommend you call in a professional.

Hiring a local siding contractor means getting the project done in a timely manner and finishing it correctly the first time with minimal risk of future issues, including water damage and house fires. Hiring a pro for new siding boosts home value and leaves you with a more professional-looking product. It also keeps you safe, as working on a ladder and roof are inherently dangerous.