How to Tackle the 7 Most Common Chimney Problems

Your chimney is the gateway to a relaxing evening by a crackling fireplace—but chimneys aren’t all they’re cracked up to be if they’re not functioning correctly. To keep your chimney functioning as a cozy addition to your home, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with some common chimney problems that can pop up during home inspections. 

In this guide, we’ll list the top chimney issues and their solutions so your chimney can remain the safe statement piece it’s always been.

1. Creosote Buildup

Burning wood in a fireplace creates creosote, a mixture of harsh chemicals the CDC recommends we avoid ingesting. As fireplace smoke condenses, creosote builds up in the chimney liner—first as a soot-like powder, then as a dark brown tar-like substance. Deposits from one or two burns won’t cause much trouble, but excessive buildup over time can become flammable if not appropriately addressed.

Basically, the more buildup, the greater your risk of chimney fire (and not the relaxing, pretty kind, either).  

Solution

Schedule an appointment with a local chimney sweep once a year to inspect, clean, and maintain your fireplace. The cost of a chimney sweep to perform a level one or two inspection and cleaning—which is usually enough to address creosote buildup—averages $80 to $500.

2. Chimney Blockage

In addition to creosote blockages, leaves, debris, small animals, and nests can make it hard for smoke to leave the house. When smoke can’t exit properly, it can force carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes back into your home. This can also happen if your chimney is not the right height or size. 

Solution

Your friendly neighborhood chimney sweep can remove whatever is obstructing the draft. They might also suggest installing a chimney cap to protect your chimney from future blockages. On average, the cost to install a chimney cap is $300.

3. Brickwork Issues

Brick chimneys are certainly durable, but they’re not indestructible. As your chimney combats moisture, the moisture can crack and crumble after the bricks freeze and expand. Weakened mortar compromises the chimney's stability, which can lean and collapse if you don’t attempt to reinforce it. 

Solution

First, have a chimney repair pro or mason assess your masonry damage. They can address minor damage with a process called tuckpointing, which replaces old mortar between your bricks with fresh, stronger material. The average cost of tuckpointing is $500 or about $10 per square foot.

However, if your brickwork needs help, your pro might recommend a complete or partial rebuild. A partial chimney rebuild costs $1,000 to $3,000, while a complete one can cost well over $10,000. If you just need to rebuild the chimney stack, budget $150 per linear foot. 

4. Cracked Chimney Crown

Your chimney crown's sole purpose is to protect your chimney from weather exposure. The crown is a metal, concrete, or stone slab that covers the top of your chimney—but it can crack under constant pressure from rain, sleet, snow, and even tree limbs. A damaged crown exposes your chimney parts to moisture and mold, which will weaken the overall structure.

Solution

Depending on how early you catch a cracked chimney crown, you might be able to save a few bucks and have it resealed. But you’ll need to replace the crown if it’s missing a few chunks, getting up in age, or sporting some deep cracks.

The cost to repair a chimney crown is:

• Repair: $300–$2,200

• Reseal: $175–$600

• Resurface: $800–$1,200

• Replace: $1,800–$3,000

5. Cracked Flashing

A chimney’s flashing prevents weather like ice and rain from entering your attic. Another home inspection chimney issue is cracked flashing. Older and improperly installed flashing can crack, impairing structural integrity and encouraging mold growth. 

Solution

When your flashing starts to fail, you might need to repair or replace it. Flashing that has pulled away from the chimney can be repaired, but you’ll need to replace it if the flashing is rusted or eroding. The cost to repair your chimney flashing is $200 to $500. Replacing it can cost up to $2,000. 

6. Damaged Chimney Flue Liner

Perhaps one of the most important chimney components, your flue liner allows smoke to escape safely. If your flue liner is damaged, it can force the smoke and heat to reach your home’s wooden support structures and framing, which is a fire risk. 

Solution

If you believe your flue liner is damaged, stop using your fireplace and contact a nearby chimney pro. To safely use your fireplace, you’ll need to replace your flue liner, possibly with more durable material—chimney liners cost $2,500 on average. And of course, keeping up with the flue is another great reason to schedule annual chimney inspections. 

7. Chimney Cap Damage

Your chimney’s cap helps keep it safe from moisture, animals, and debris. If it’s damaged, it can’t protect your chimney as intended, leading to the blockages and breakdowns discussed above. 

Solution 

The best solution for chimney cap damage is to replace it, which typically costs $300.

How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost?

The cost of chimney repair, like that of many household repairs, varies greatly depending on the extent of the damage. On average, chimney repairs will cost about $160 to $750, though they may go up to several thousand dollars. Cosmetic chimney repairs and those that involve routine masonry maintenance on the exterior of the chimney will be on the lower end of the range. But expect to pay higher costs for large structural issues that impact the integrity of the surrounding areas. Labor costs will also depend on the area you live in.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Chimney repair is not a job for a DIYer. Doing repairs incorrectly could end up causing further damage to the bricks or liner, accidental obstructions, or damage to the surrounding areas. You could also make a problem worse that then affects the efficiency of the chimney, risking the health and safety of yourself and your family.

Additionally, working on a roof is dangerous. Chimney professionals have extensive training and experience on how to work on a roof safely. Lastly, you’ll be exposed to ash, creosote, and masonry dust, which is toxic. When it comes to chimney repairs, leave them to a local chimney repair professional.