How much does a chimney cap cost?
How much does a chimney cap cost?
$50 – $500 average chimney cap cost (unit only)
$200 – $850 average chimney cap replacement cost (unit + installation)
Chimney cap cost
Chimney cap replacement costs $200 to $850 total. Chimney cap prices are $50 to $500 on average for the unit alone, depending on the size, shape, and material. Labor to install a chimney cap costs $150 to $350 and typically includes removing the old cap.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Remove old cap* | $25 – $75 |
| Chimney cap unit | $50 – $500 |
| Installation labor | $125 – $275 |
| Total cost to replace | $200 – $850 |
*May include cleaning/repair costs
Chimney caps prevent water, debris, and small animals from entering the chimney and block sparks and embers from escaping.
Replace a worn, rusted, or damaged chimney cap before it deteriorates further. A faulty cap can also damage other parts of the chimney and roof, causing the need for additional costly repairs.
Chimney cap replacement costs
Prefabricated caps cost $200 to $650 while custom caps cost $425 to $850 with installation. Custom caps are priced higher because they are made to fit a specific chimney, whereas prefab caps are universal.
| Type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Prefab metal chimney cap | $200 – $650 |
| Custom concrete or metal chimney cap | $425 – $850 |
Metal or stainless-steel chimney cap replacement costs
Chimney caps cost $25 to $800, depending on the material. Most caps are made from galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, or copper.
| Metal | Cost* | Lifespan | Advantages / Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | $25 – $300 | 5 – 8 years |
|
| Aluminum | $40 – $250 | 1 – 3 years |
|
| Stainless steel | $50 – $500 | Lifetime warranty |
|
| Copper | $200 – $800 | Lifetime warranty |
|
*Not including installation.
Choosing a durable material that lasts longer may help save money in the long run.
Concrete chimney cap replacement costs
Chimney caps made of concrete cost $350 to $450 on average. Concrete provides the cap with increased durability against physical debris and weather exposure. However, the material is more susceptible to issues involving extreme temperatures.
High temperatures can cause the concrete to expand, leading to cracks. If moisture enters the cracks and freezes due to low temperatures, the concrete expands further, causing additional damage.
Chimney chase cover replacement costs
A chimney chase cover costs $300 to $700 with installation. The chase cover is a piece of metal that fits on top of a prefabricated chimney and has an opening in the middle covered by the chimney cap. While not always required, the cover provides an extra barrier that complements the cap.
Chimney crown replacement
Repairing or replacing a chimney crown costs $1,000 to $3,000. Unlike a chase cover, chimney crowns are made of concrete and used on masonry chimneys. Masonry chimneys are built on-site, whereas prefabricated chimneys are pre-assembled off-site.
Chimney cap installation cost factors
The cost of installing a chimney cap depends on several variables:
Cap material – Luxury materials like copper cost significantly more than standard steel caps.
Cap size – Larger or multiple-flue caps typically cost more.
Cap shape – Pricing is similar for chimney caps in standard shapes, while custom-shaped caps typically cost 10% to 50% more.
Options / features – Options like wind-resistance, rust proofing, and weather sealing increase the final cost.
Labor – Chimney sweeps charge $75 to $125 per hour on average for labor alone. Labor costs increase for chimneys that are difficult to access due to shrubs, trees, or steep roofs.
Chimney cap prices by material
The type of material that makes up the chimney cap also influences its cost, as shown in the table below:
| Type | Prefabricated cap cost installed | Custom cap cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | $200 – $375 | $425 – $500 |
| Aluminum | $400 – $475 | $525 – $625 |
| Stainless steel | $475 – $600 | $650 – $800 |
| Copper | $575 – $650 | $750 – $850 |
Cost of chimney cap by size
Chimney cap pricing varies by size, as shown in the table below. Chimney caps are designed to fit most flues. However, if a custom size is needed, expect the price to increase by 20 to 40%.
| Size (inches) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 8 x 8 | $250 – $300 |
| 8 x 13 | $200 – $400 |
| 8 x 17 | $230 – $400 |
| 13 x 13 | $350 – $425 |
| 13 x 17 | $375 – $475 |
| 14 x 37 | $625 – $700 |
| 17 x 17 | $400 – $550 |
| 17 x 29 | $600 – $650 |
Chimney cap prices by shape
The shape of a chimney cap can also influence its price:
| Shape | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Round | $300 – $575 |
| Square | $350 – $600 |
| Oval | $360 – $625 |
| Rectangular | $390 – $650 |
| Custom | $425 – $850 |
Additional chimney cap features and prices
Additional options and features may increase the costs associated with a chimney cap by $40 to $2,000+.
| Feature | Average cost installed | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable | $40 – $700 | Fits various flue dimensions |
| Wind resistant | $70 – $400 | Made to withstand heavy winds |
| Damper | $140 – $420 | Stops cold air from blowing into older fireplaces |
| Weather sealed | $200 – $400 | Keeps moisture out of the chimney |
| Rust proof | $200 – $800 | Prevents metal from rusting and breaking down. |
| Chimney exhaust fan | $400 – $2,000+ | Pulls the smoke up through the chimney instead of letting it naturally rise. |
Chimney cap repair costs
If a cap has minor dents, cracks, or a small leak, a simple chimney repair costs $100 to $250, while chimney sealing or waterproofing costs $150 to $400. However, if the cap is rusted or deformed, it should be replaced.
While it may be cheaper to repair the cap, replacing the unit can be more cost-effective. Simple repairs may slightly extend its life, but a new unit will function more efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
Does my chimney need a cap?
Yes, your chimney needs a cap. Without one, water and debris could enter the chimney, damaging the interior shaft and blocking the flue. If smoke cannot leave the chimney because of a blockage, carbon dioxide can backdraft into the home.
A missing or faulty cap can also allow sparks and embers to exit through the top of the chimney, which could cause the roof and/or surrounding areas to catch fire.
Who installs and replaces chimney caps?
Chimney cap installers include chimney sweeps, independent contractors, and pest controllers. The labor for professional installation costs $125 to $275.
You can also install the chimney cap yourself. While the installation process is not overly complicated, hire a professional who can assess the surrounding area to see if any additional repairs are needed.
How long does it take to replace a chimney cap?
It takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes for a professional to install a chimney cap over a single flue. Installing a unit that covers multiple flues can take up to an hour.
How long does a chimney cap last?
The lifespan of a chimney cap depends on its material:
| Material | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | 5 years |
| Aluminum | 5 years |
| Stainless steel | 10 years; may come with a lifetime guarantee |
| Copper | Most come with a lifetime guarantee |
Do chimney caps keep rain out?
Chimney cap sides are perforated — usually with a mesh screen — to allow smoke to exit. The perforations allow small amounts of rain or snow to enter the chimney when the wind blows it sideways. Because the top of the cap is closed, rain or snow that falls directly downward does not enter.
How tall should a chimney cap be?
A chimney cap should be at least 5 to 8 inches above the top of the flue to avoid impacting the chimney’s draft.
Getting quotes from chimney cap installers
Consider the following recommendations when searching for quotes from chimney cap installers:
Search for at least 3 to 4 in-person quotes.
Read reviews from HomeGuide and Google.
Request a detailed estimate and warranty in writing.
Ask for references and photographs of recent jobs.
Schedule the repair during warmer times of the year to avoid added costs.
Beware of the lowest quote; lower quotes may reflect a lower quality of work.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best chimney cap installer:
Are you licensed or certified?
Do you carry liability insurance?
How long have you been in business?
What type of experience do you have repairing/replacing chimney caps?
Have you worked on a chimney similar to my own?
Can you give me an estimate of the cost?
How likely is the estimated cost to increase by the end of the project?
How long will it take you to complete the work?
How long do you guarantee repairs/replacement will last?
Does your guarantee include fixing issues that arise after the work is completed?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.