How Much Does Chimney Damper Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $160 - $520
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $360 to replace a chimney damper. Depending on the damage involved and the damper type, most spend between $160 and $520.
The average chimney damper replacement costs $360, with prices varying between $120 and $700 depending on the damper type and the damage involved. Dampers open and close to allow airflow when a fire is burning and prevent heat loss when the fireplace isn't in use. Experienced homeowners might save with DIY replacement, but most should hire a pro for safety.
- Average
- $360
- Low end
- $120
- high end
- $700
Chimney Damper Replacement Cost Factors
The cost to replace a chimney damper will vary depending on a number of factors, including damper type and size, labor cost, repair type, and permit fees.
Damper Type
There are several different types of dampers, and the price you pay for materials will vary depending on which type you need.
| Damper Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Chimney cap damper | $125–$225 |
| Cast-iron throat damper | $150–$250 |
| Top-mount damper | $250–$500 |
Damper Size
Chimneys vary in size, so damper sizes vary accordingly. Expect material costs to increase slightly as the damper size increases.
| Chimney Flue Size (in square inches) | Average Damper Cost |
|---|---|
| 64–117 | $270 |
| 128–153 | $290 |
| 144–169 | $300 |
| 221 and up | $330 |
Labor
If you hire a chimney technician to replace your fireplace damper, expect to pay $200 to $400 for professional labor on top of the material cost of a new damper. Costs may vary based on the availability of qualified professionals in your area.
Repair vs. Replacement
Chimney damper damage can vary in severity. When you're experiencing problems, get a thorough professional chimney inspection to diagnose the issue. Repair of your existing damper may cost just $100 to $225 compared to full replacement, which costs $160 to $520 on average.
Permits
A permit typically isn’t needed for damper repair or replacement. However, a larger chimney repair job that involves masonry work may require a permit depending on the regulations in your local area. Talk to your chimney technician or call your local building department to learn more. If a permit is needed, expect to pay $100 to $400 for the permit and any inspection fees.
DIY Chimney Damper Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
The materials for DIY chimney damper replacement cost between $170 to $575 depending on the tools you already own. However, any type of DIY chimney is risky. You need to know how to remove a chimney damper, and mistakes during disassembly or installation can result in mortar damage. This, in turn, may create leaks and additional repair costs over time.
A local chimney repair company is best equipped to safely and thoroughly inspect, clean, and replace your damper.
Cost of Common Chimney Add-Ons
When you have your chimney damper inspected for potential replacement, your chimney technician may notice other problems that you can handle all at once. You may also wish to have other work done on your chimney.
Chimney cap installation cost: $75–$500
Chimney cleaning cost: $130–$380
New chimney liner cost: $1,500–$5,000
How You Can Save Money While Dealing With a Faulty Chimney Damper
If you're experiencing chimney damper issues, replacement may not be necessary. Sometimes dampers fail due to a buildup of creosote, which is a byproduct that comes from burning in a fireplace. Creosote can cause dampers to stick and prevent them from properly opening and sealing, resulting in drafts and difficult operation.
Your chimney technician likely won't repair a dirty damper, and will instead suggest chimney cleaning for an average cost of $130 to $380. This lower cost will improve your chimney damper function without replacement, thus saving you money.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use a fireplace with a broken damper, but only if the damper is in the open position. If not, your fireplace will not properly vent smoke outdoors. Never operate your fireplace if the damper is sealed shut and you cannot open it, as deadly smoke will quickly fill your home. If your fireplace damper is broken, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
No, not all chimneys need a damper. However, most chimneys do, especially in newer homes. Most gas-burning fireplaces cannot function safely without a damper. Only some older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without one. A chimney without a damper is essentially just an open hole in the roof of your home.
How long a damper lasts depends on the specific damper and the conditions under which it’s used over time. The average damper should last about 20 years as long as it’s maintained properly. This usually involves hiring a chimney sweep to inspect and clean it once every two years on average.
You can test if the chimney damper is open or closed. Use the damper handle to move the damper into position. If your damper is open, your room's temperature will match the outdoor temperature or your HVAC system will work harder than usual. Test the airflow in your chimney by lighting a small piece of paper on fire and seeing whether the smoke is drawn outside.
A new chimney damper takes roughly a half a day or less, meaning you can hire a professional chimney technician for just a few hours. This means that the cost of labor for chimney damper replacement is relatively low, and that DIY damper replacement won't save you a significant amount of money.