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Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.

A gable roof with steep pitches covered in asphalt shingles or wood shakes is the most popular roof for Cape Cod homes. Asphalt shingles started gaining popularity in the early 1900s, so wood shake roofs, which were popular in the 1700s when Cape Cod homes were first built, are the traditional option. You can further modernize your Cape Cod home by raising the roof in the front, back, or both to add living space and change up the traditional single-gable roof with doghouse dormers.

A roof overlay will last an average of 15 years, compared to the 20 to 30 years or more that a full roof replacement for a shingle roof will last. An overlay’s lifespan may be shortened even further if there’s underlying damage to the existing roof or structural problems with the roof supports.

Depending on the condition of your roof, you may be able to add flashing to it. If you’re looking for a way to maintain its integrity while saving some money, you should ask a roofing pro if this is an option. Keep in mind that if your roof is in poor shape, a full replacement may be necessary before flashing is installed.