How Much Does Chimney Crown Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $400 - $2,200
The average cost to repair or replace a chimney crown ranges from $400 to $2,200, with a national average of $1,550. Labor makes up most of the project cost.
There’s nothing like the toasty warmth of a fireplace, and the statuesque beauty of a chimney. Of course, you want to keep your chimney and its crown in tip-top shape. For most homeowners, the average cost for chimney crown work is $1,550. If your chimney crown needs a simple repair, you could pay as little as $100. If it needs extensive repairs, or full replacement, costs could reach $3,000, depending on damage, material, and labor. Let’s take a closer look at all the costs of chimney crown repair and replacement.
- Average
- $1,550
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $3,000
What Is a Chimney Crown?
A chimney crown is a three- or four-inch-thick slab of stone, concrete, or metal that protects the chimney from water damage and other hazards. It sits above the flue and can be cast-in-place, floating, or precast. Most crowns feature a membrane directly underneath, which allows the components to expand and contract naturally. This helps the chimney survive those many freeze/thaw cycles. A chimney crown is different from a chimney cap, which only covers the flue.
Chimney Crown Repair or Replacement Cost by Material
Chimney replacement or repair costs vary based on the material you use. Here's a look at replacement prices for common chimney crown materials:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Brick | $75–$1,200 |
| Concrete | $80–$2,200 |
| Metal | $200–$1,100 |
| Stainless Steel | $500–$1,000 |
When comparing prices on the lower end for repairs to prices on the higher end for replacement, it's important to note that leaving on a crown that needs replacement can allow damage to linger until a full fireplace replacement is necessary.
Chimney Crown Repair or Replacement Installation Cost
Labor accounts for 75% to 80% of the cost of a chimney crown repair or replacement. Local chimney repair contractors typically charge between $50 and $140 per hour for labor for repair and replacement services. Chimney crown replacements are sometimes charged at flat rates. A replacement project can take one to three hours.
The Cost of Common Chimney Crown Repairs
The severity and depth of chimney crown damage determines how much it will cost to get your chimney crown smoothed out.
Clearing Debris
Fixing an issue with your chimney crown could be as simple as getting a chimney cleaning. If you're bringing in a pro to clear debris from your chimney crown as part of routine chimney maintenance, costs range from $100 to $300 for this specific task.
Moss Clearing
If your chimney crown has moss growth, the cost to have it cleared away using eco-friendly, human-safe cleaning methods that help to prevent future growth ranges from $250 to $700.
Repairing a Cracked Chimney Crown
If your chimney crown is cracking, the price to fix the problem ranges from $300 to $2,200. The job becomes more expensive with multiple cracks. Expect your contractor to suggest a crown replacement if your estimate for repairing cracks exceeds $2,500.
Resurfacing a Chimney Crown
A resurfacing project that fills thicker cracks to create a smooth finish is an alternative to a full replacement that can cost between $800 and $1,200. Once damaged areas are filled, the entire surface of the crown is coated in a protective paint membrane.
Sealing a Chimney Crown
Chimney crown sealing is typically performed as part of a larger repair project instead of a standalone treatment once all cracks have been addressed. During the process, a waterproof sealant is applied to the crown to provide protection against the elements. Chimney crown sealing services typically cost between $175 and $600.
Replacing a Chimney Crown
If your chimney crown isn't salvageable, the cost for a full replacement is between $1,800 and $3,000.
Signs Your Chimney Crown Needs a Repair or Replacement
There are several tell-tale signs that your chimney crown is in dire need of repairs or even a full replacement. Here’s what to be on the lookout for:
Cracks: Cracks in the cement crown of a chimney allow water to seep in. Over time, those cracks will expand and cause damage to the brickwork and mortar joints.
Water damage: Look for water damage in the attic or walls near the chimney. White discoloration on the chimney itself also indicates a moisture problem.
Rust: Rust leads to corrosion, which lets rainwater in and damages the wooden components. Check the crown even if you only see rust in the fireplace.
Damaged walls: Damaged interior walls can be a sign that the crown requires replacement, especially if the issue was caused by moisture.
Loose bricks or stones: If the stones are coming loose, there’s likely a moisture issue, and you should call a pro.
Cost to Repair or Replace a Chimney Crown Yourself
Some people opt to purchase something called brushable chimney crown repair paint that forms a flexible waterproof membrane over a crown. Typically, this is a cement-based coating intended for repairing cracks and gaps in chimney crowns that sells for between $70 and $100 per gallon.
The cost of a new stainless steel chimney crown ranges from $400 to $600. While forming kits can be purchased for specialty crowns, this is not a common DIY project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Chimney Crown Pro
Homeowners can use a store-bought chimney crown repair paint for minor cracks—using safe ladder practices, of course. However, a DIY chimney crown repair may cause a homeowner to overlook serious crown damage that needs a more thorough solution to preserve the chimney and fireplace.
Installing a new chimney crown is a complicated process that involves forming a crown from scratch. It's not considered a DIY job for someone without masonry and concrete experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chimney crowns may be stone, concrete, or metal but most crowns are made of concrete. It’s not recommended to build chimney crowns with mortar (which is different from concrete) due to it’s weaker composition (especially when exposed to the outside elements). Most chimney crowns are custom made to fit your home’s specific chimney.
Chimney crowns are located above the final brick layer at the top of a chimney. It’s important to get regular chimney maintenance and inspection, because it is near impossible to spot chimney crown damage without getting on your roof.
No, chimney crowns and chimney caps aren't the same. While chimney crowns protect the area at the top of the chimney flue, an additional cap is still needed.
If properly constructed with the right materials, a chimney crown can last 50 to 70 years. If done poorly, your chimney cap could need replacing in 20 years or less.
Most chimney crowns cannot be seen from the street or yard. As a result, most homeowners are completely unaware that their damaged or deteriorating chimney crowns need repairs or replacements. Chimney inspections offered by contractors can verify any damage.
Cracked chimney crowns can cause leaks, which lead to more costly chimney repairs. Some small cracks in a chimney crown are normal and can be repaired with a sealant, but even small cracks that go ignored can lead to bigger issues. The purpose of a chimney crown is to protect the rest of the chimney from water, but also any other outdoor elements like debris and animals. Failure to fix a crack early could result in larger debris entering your chimney.