How Much Does a Chimney Spark Arrestor Cost to Install?

You're outside enjoying the night air when you see a stream of red sparks flying out of your home's chimney. You realize this potential fire risk could ignite your home's roof or the nearby trees, especially if there's a strong wind. This gets you thinking about ways to improve safety and how much a chimney spark arrestor costs.

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What Is a Chimney Spark Arrestor?

A chimney spark arrestor is a flue screen installed at the top of a chimney to prevent sparks and burning embers from escaping. The screen is made of metal and has small holes to let smoke and flue gases escape, but stop hot embers from getting through. Although a simple concept, these vital protection devices are designed to catch sparks and reduce the risk of fires without getting blocked by soot that could keep dangerous flue gases in the home.

What Are the Building Code Requirements for Spark Arrestors?

The 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), establishes requirements for chimney spark arrestors.

• The screen openings should provide a total free area at least 4 times the area of the chimney outlet.

• The openings must be small enough to block spheres larger than 1/2 inch in diameter but allow the passage of spheres smaller than 3/8 of an inch.

• The screen must provide corrosion and heat resistance equal to 12-gauge wire, 19-gauge galvanized steel or 24-gauge stainless steel.

• The arrestor must be accessible to allow for cleaning, and the screen or cap must be removable so the flue can be cleaned.

The IRC has been accepted by nearly all states, either as it stands or with amendments. In some states, such as California, the amended code requires all chimneys attached to solid fuel-burning devices to have an approved spark arrestor.

What’s the Difference Between a Chimney Cap and a Spark Arresting Screen?

A chimney cap is a cover designed to prevent the entry of rain, snow, debris and rodents. Some chimney caps are purely decorative and don't function as a spark arrestor. However, many chimney caps have a spark arrestor integrated into their design. If you decide on an integrated model, be sure verify it complies with local building codes.

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How Much Does a Chimney Spark Arrestor Cost?

The cost of a spark arrestor can vary based on the design and appearance. It's possible to buy a spark arrester on its own or as part of a chimney cap.

Cost for a Spark Arrestor Only

Spark arrestors made from painted galvanized or stainless steel are available in different sizes. Costs range from around $51 (CAD 70) for a 9-inch by 9-inch galvanized steel model to $220 (CAD 303) for a 13-inch by 13-inch stainless steel version.

Cost for a Chimney Cap With Integrated Spark Arrestor

More commonly, a spark arrestor comes as part of a chimney cap. The chimney cap price, including the arrestor, can vary from a low of $41 (CAD 56) for a 9-inch by 9-inch basic model up to $2,442 (CAD 3,365) for a 29-inch by 61-inch decorative copper version.

Common Spark Arrestor Materials

Chimney spark arrestor costs are largely influenced by the materials they're made from. Common spark arrestor materials include galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel and copper.

• Galvanized steel. Painted galvanized steel spark arrestors are low-cost and functional but may corrode over time from exposure to acidic flue gases and moisture.

• Aluminum. These chimney caps are lightweight, making them easy to install. Aluminum won't corrode but may suffer damage from hail or high winds.

• Stainless steel. Spark arrestors and chimney caps made from stainless steel are moderately priced and very durable.

• Copper. Cap and arrestor combinations made from copper are highly decorative but tend to be quite expensive because of the material cost. Copper doesn't corrode, but because it's a soft metal, it may incur damage from harsh weather.

How Much Does Installation Cost?

DIY spark arrestor installation is possible if you're comfortable working up high and have the necessary safety equipment and tools to complete the task. If in doubt, it's best to have a professional handle the installation. According to This Old House, chimney cap and spark arrestor installation costs about $75 (CAD 103) for straightforward jobs. The price can range up to $500 (CAD 689) for more complex and difficult-to-reach installations or even more if masonry or chimney repair is needed.