How much does it cost to repair or replace a chimney crown?
How much does it cost to repair or replace a chimney crown?
$150 – $700 average cost for minor repairs
$600 – $1500+ average cost for major repairs
$1,000 – $3,000 average cost to replace chimney crown
Chimney crown repair or replacement costs
The average cost to repair a chimney crown is $150 to $1,500+, depending on the material, extent of the damage, and repair type. Chimney crown replacement costs $1,000 to $3,000 total including labor and old crown removal or $350 to $1,750 on average for the new crown alone.
| Repair type | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs | $150 – $700 | Debris removal, moss removal and prevention, repairing small cracks, or sealing |
| Major repairs | $600 – $1,500+ | Repairing large cracks, removing and resetting bricks, or resurfacing the crown |
| Full replacement | $1,000 – $3,000 | Removing the old crown, prepping the site, and installing a new crown |
Chimney crown replacement costs
Replacing a chimney crown costs $1,000 to $3,000, including removing the old crown, materials for the new crown, and labor.
If the faulty crown goes without repairs for too long, the entire chimney may need to be rebuilt. A chimney rebuild costs $1,000 to $3,500 to reconstruct the stack above the roofline or $4,000 to $15,000 for the entire chimney, not including the cost of a new crown.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Remove old crown, debris, and moss | $500 – $800 |
| New crown unit | $350 – $1,750 |
| Labor (3 hours) | $150 – $450 |
| Total cost to replace | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Other factors can increase the cost of replacing the crown by $20 to $850+:
Site prep – Removing debris or moss and cleaning the area before repairing or replacing the crown may increase labor costs.
Chimney sealing – Chimney sealing or waterproofing costs $150 to $420.
Chimney cap – Chimney cap replacement costs $200 to $850 for labor and the new cap.
Chimney size and accessibility – Labor costs increase for chimney crowns that are larger, difficult to access, or above a steeply sloped roof.
Other repairs – Minor chimney repairs cost $200 to $700 to fix cracks, flashing, cracked flue tiles, or mortar. More extensive repairs include replacing the flue liner for $900 to $7,000. Consider combining these repairs with crown repair or replacement in the same visit to reduce labor costs.
Permits – Chimney crown repair typically does not require a permit. However, some cities may require a permit for replacing the crown, with costs ranging from $20 to $50.
Cost of a new chimney crown
New chimney crown prices are $350 to $1,750 on average for the unit alone, depending on the material and size. Material options include concrete, brick, metal, and stainless steel.
Because the removal of concrete and brick crowns is more difficult than metal and stainless steel, the cost of labor is typically higher even though the materials themselves are cheaper.
| Material | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Brick | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Metal | $1,050 – $1,900 |
| Stainless steel | $1,050 – $2,200 |
Chimney crown repair costs
Repairing a chimney crown costs $150 to $2,300, depending on the problem. Common problems and repair costs include the following:
| Repair type | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Removing debris | $150 – $400 | Debris such as leaves, nests, and any other material that has collected near the chimney must be removed. |
| Sealing the crown | $150 – $550 | The sealing around the crown prevents water from entering the chimney. |
| Removing moss | $250 – $700 | Moss and fungus must be removed and the area cleaned to prevent future growth. |
| Repairing cracks | $350 – $2,300 | Cracks in the crown can lead to water damage and the spread of harmful gases while increasing the chances of fire outside the chimney/fireplace. |
| Removing and resetting bricks | $600 – $1,200 | Removing and replacing cracked bricks can provide a long-term solution that simply repairing the cracks cannot. |
| Resurfacing the crown | $750 – $1,100 | Fills thicker cracks and creates a smooth finish |
Labor cost to repair a chimney crown
Labor costs for repairing or replacing a chimney range from $50 to $150 per hour. Prices vary based on the work done and the type of pro you hire:
Mason – Masons charge $50 to $75 per hour, with many requiring a minimum number of hours. Masons are experts in working with brick, stone, and concrete, and are typically the best pro to hire to repair or replace a chimney crown.
Chimney sweep – Chimney sweeps charge $75 to $125 per hour and are mainly responsible for cleaning the chimney. However, some offer repair, installation, and inspection services.
Chimney inspector – A level 1 chimney inspection costs $100 to $250, with most inspectors charging a flat fee rather than an hourly rate. Hire a chimney inspector before replacing the crown to determine if the chimney needs other repairs at the same time.
DIY – While not recommended for major structural issues, using brushable paint to seal small cracks yourself can eliminate the need to pay a professional. Brushable repair paint costs $75 to $125 per gallon.
Chimney crown repair FAQs
What are signs a chimney crown needs repairing?
Look for these signs indicating your chimney crown needs repairing:
Large or small visible cracks in the crown
Broken tiles falling into the firebox
Rust on or around the damper or firebox due to moisture entering the chimney
Moisture damage to the interior walls around the fireplace and chimney
Mortar between bricks or concrete is moist or crumbling
Loose or falling bricks or stones on the chimney's exterior
Repair or replace a damaged chimney crown immediately. If left unchecked, the damage can spread and cause the need for much more costly repairs, including full chimney and fireplace replacement.
What is the difference between a chimney crown and a chimney cap? {is}
The crown is the chimney’s main line of defense against weather exposure. Its purpose is to prevent moisture from entering the chimney. The cap rests on the top of the crown and helps prevent water, debris, small animals, and other items from entering the chimney.
Who repairs and replaces chimney crowns?
Chimney maintenance or repair companies and chimney sweeps specialize in all things chimney-related, including repairing or replacing a crown. Some minor repairs—like sealing small cracks--may be simple enough to handle on your own. However, replacing the crown may require a specialist in chimney maintenance and masonry.
How long does it take to replace a chimney crown?
A professional can replace a chimney crown in 1 to 3 hours.
How long does a chimney crown last?
Well-built chimney crowns last 50 to 75 years.
Does a cracked chimney crown need to be replaced?
The chimney crown should be replaced if it has larger cracks that impact the chimney's structural integrity. If there are a few small cracks, simply sealing them is a viable option instead.
Getting quotes for chimney crown repairs and replacement
When receiving quotes from contractors for chimney crown repairs, it is important to research all options:
Get at least 3 to 4 in-person quotes.
Read reviews from reputable websites such as HomeGuide and Google.
Request a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing.
Ask for references and photographs of recent jobs.
Consider their payment schedule.
Avoid hiring someone who quotes a price without assessing the chimney first.
Beware of accepting the lowest quote as it may reflect a lower quality of work.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to help you choose the best chimney contractor for your needs:
Are you licensed or certified?
Do you carry liability insurance?
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have repairing or replacing chimney crowns?
Have you worked on a chimney similar to my own?
Can you give me an estimate of the cost?
What extra costs should I expect?
What is your payment schedule?
How long will it take you to complete the work?
Do you guarantee your repairs or replacement work?
What does the guarantee cover and for how long?
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.