How Much Does Chimney Repair and Removal Cost?

By Melanie Dawn

February 12, 2026

Your chimney is the structural element that supplies vital combustion airflow so you can enjoy the cozy warmth of your fireplace on chilly evenings. It also provides a path for combustion byproducts like smoke, soot and carbon monoxide gas to escape. Problems with your chimney can become safety hazards if they're not investigated and repaired promptly. The average cost of chimney repairs can differ greatly depending on what's wrong, so it's a good idea to learn the potential costs for common issues.

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This article explains the cost factors and prices for a range of issues, from fixing a minor leak or replacing a damaged flue liner to removing a chimney entirely. It also covers chimney inspections and regular maintenance to help you keep your chimney in good condition.

Average Cost of Chimney Repairs for Common Problems

If your chimney needs repairs, don't procrastinate. Crumbling bricks or leaks around a chimney can increase the risk of roof damage or serious structural issues. Even a buildup of creosote, the flammable residue left behind when you burn logs, can pose a potential safety hazard.

Here's a look at common issues and the costs for related chimney repairs:

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Cracked Chimney?

A well-constructed brick chimney can last 100 years or longer. However, issues can develop as years go by, and one of the most common is cracks in the mortar. Even small cracks can allow water to enter, which can then freeze and expand. Over time, larger cracks can form, causing the chimney to lean and even collapse. Smoke and carbon monoxide can also enter the home through these cracks, posing a serious health and safety risk.

If you catch the problem early, you can expect to pay between $200 and $700 (CAD 275 and CAD 962) for chimney repairs. Once larger cracks develop, you may need to have bricks removed and reset, which can cost between $600 and $1,200 (CAD 825 and CAD 1,650).

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Damaged Crown?

The crown is the concrete slab that sits at the top of the chimney stack, covering the bricks and the flue opening. Its primary job is to prevent water from soaking into the bricks and entering the flue.

Because the crown is at the top of the chimney, it's exposed to the brunt of the elements, including heat from the sun and layers of ice and snow in winter. This constant exposure can put it at risk of cracking and other damage. Once cracks develop, water can easily enter the chimney, causing more harm. Address cracks in the crown as soon as possible so a waterproof seal can be applied.

Minor repairs to the crown can cost between $150 and $400 (CAD 206 and CAD 550). If the concrete is crumbling or missing chunks, the crown may need to be rebuilt, which can cost between $600 and $1,200 (CAD 825 and CAD 1650). To fix extensive damage or replace the crown, expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 (CAD 1375 to CAD 4,124).

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Broken Flue Liner?

The flue liner covers the inside of the chimney to help direct smoke and gas safely out of the house. In older homes, the flue liner is typically made from clay tiles. In newer homes, stainless steel liners are often used.

If the liner inside your chimney is cracked, heat can reach the wood framing of your home, increasing the risk of fire. Cracks in the liner can allow carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes into the living space. Because the liner is hidden, an inspection is the only way to check for damage and learn if a replacement is needed.

Replacing a clay liner can cost between $6 and $15 (CAD 8 and CAD 21) per linear foot. If you opt for a stainless steel liner, expect to pay between $20 and $90 (CAD 28 and CAD 124) per foot. If you choose a thermocrete ceramic liner as a replacement, it can cost between $50 and $200 (CAD 69 and CAD 275) per foot.

Masonry Repair: How Much Does It Cost to Repoint or Tuck-Point?

If the mortar between your chimney's bricks has started to crumble and flake or has visible cracks or missing chunks, you'll need to have the masonry repaired. This can be done by repointing or tuck-pointing.

Repointing involves covering the existing mortar with a similar-colored material and sealing it.
Tuck-pointing requires scraping out all the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with a similar color.

For either chimney repair method, you can expect to pay between $8 and $30 (CAD 11 and CAD 41) per square foot.

How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild a Chimney?

Without preventive maintenance, your chimney may develop serious structural issues. If the chimney has started to lean or you regularly find debris in your fireplace that's not wood ash, it could be a sign of significant damage. At this stage, you may need to have the chimney rebuilt.

Rebuilding the chimney from your roofline to the top of the stack can cost between $1,000 and $3,500 (CAD 1,375 and CAD 4,811). This addresses the portion of the structure most exposed to the elements. Rebuilding the entire chimney carries a price that often falls between $4,000 and $15,000 (CAD 5,499 and CAD 20,620).

How Much Does Chimney Cap Repair Cost?

A chimney cap is a metal cover with a mesh screen that sits over the chimney opening. It prevents water from getting inside, keeps animals out and stops sparks from landing on your roof. Just like the crown, chimney caps are exposed to the elements, which can lead to cracks, corrosion and other damage. Installing or replacing a chimney cap can cost between $200 and $850 (CAD 275 and CAD 1,169), depending on the chimney's dimensions and number of flues. These figures include the cost of the cap and installation.

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How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Chimney Entirely?

If you rarely use your fireplace, it may not be worthwhile to pay to repair a damaged chimney, especially if you've received a high chimney repair estimate. Removing the chimney is another option and it can be done in two ways:

A partial removal involves taking down the chimney above the roofline, then patching the hole left behind. You’ll still have the fireplace inside your home, but you won’t be able to use it. The
cost of a partial removal is $500 to $2,500
(CAD 688 to CAD 3,442).
A complete removal of the chimney and fireplace is a more complex project. It involves demolishing the entire chimney structure and removing the fireplace, then completing carpentry, drywall and flooring work to fix the roof and interior. The cost of a complete removal can range from $3,000 to $10,000 (CAD 4,124 to CAD 13,747).

How Much Does It Cost to Inspect a Chimney?

Chimneys are designed to be sturdy, but constant exposure to heat and the elements can cause wear and tear. And if you burn wood in a fireplace or stove, built-up creosote needs to be removed to minimize the risk of a chimney fire. Ideally, you should schedule a maintenance appointment for an inspection and a cleaning at least once a year.

The cost of a chimney inspection can range from $100 to $5,000 (CAD 138 to CAD 6,874) and usually includes basic cleaning. The price increases based on the number of flues coming off the chimney and the level of inspection being performed.

Level one: This is a visual inspection of a well-maintained, frequently used chimney.
Level two: At this level, the chimney and up to two fireplaces are checked using video, as well as the roof, basement and any hard-to-reach areas.
Level three:If concerning issues are noted previously, such as structural damage, a level three inspection may be recommended. With this in-depth inspection, sources of damage are sought and minor chimney repairs may be completed. A level three inspection can include up to three flues.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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