How Much Does Chimney Flashing Repair or Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]

Chimney Flashing Repair Cost Factors

Most of the time, you can only repair flashing if there’s a minor leak. If your flashing is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. This can dramatically change your budget. Here’s a look at some common factors that will impact your chimney flashing repair costs.

Chimney Size

The larger your chimney, the more chimney flashing costs. On the low end, you could pay as little as $20 to repair a small section of flashing on your chimney DIY. On the very high end, you could spend $1,600 hiring a roofer to replace the flashing on a very large chimney.

Flashing Material

If you need to replace roof flashing, costs vary based on the material. Chimney flashing is always made from some sort of metal (as opposed to soffit and fascia materials, which are either wood, plastic, metal, or fiber cement). Here’s what you can expect.

Galvanized Steel 

Steel is the most popular material for roof flashing. At around $0.50 per linear foot, it’s the most affordable, but also highly durable. That said, galvanized steel flashing can corrode as the coating wears away. You should paint your flashing to protect it from the elements.

Aluminum

Aluminum chimney flashing costs an average of $0.75 per linear foot. This metal is affordable and easy to install. Because of its flexibility, it’s commonly used in custom applications, especially on metal roofing. Unfortunately, durability can be an issue. You’ll need to paint it to avoid pitting and oxidation.

Copper

At $2 to $3 per linear foot, copper flashing is the least affordable option—it makes up for it in durability. You won’t need to paint copper flashing. In fact, oxidation only protects copper. This material is malleable enough to easily install, but can stand up to the corrosive properties of mortar. 

Chimney Material

In order to replace your flashing, a contractor will need to cut into your chimney’s masonry. Certain types of masonry are more difficult to work with than others. Expect to spend more if your chimney is natural stone versus a soft, manufactured veneer. 

Extent of Damage

If you have minimal leaks, you might be able to reseal your flashing. This involves removing the old caulking and re-caulking the area. It can cost as little as $200 for a pro job, though costs rise for larger chimneys.

Unfortunately, if your flashing is damaged or corroded, a repair may not be possible. In that case, you’ll need to replace your flashing. This can cost anywhere from $400 to more than $1,600 if you hire a professional.

Labor 

Labor is one of the largest costs when repairing or replacing flashing. Expect to spend an average of $75 per hour on a professional mason or chimney sweep. For smaller jobs, your contractor may charge a flat rate.

Accessibility 

Homeowners with inaccessible chimneys can expect to spend more. This is particularly true for chimneys on high pitch roofs and large, multi-story homes. You’ll also spend more if your chimney is an unusual shape or configuration, and the flashing requires more labor to install. 

Chimney Flashing Replacement Costs by Type 

There are two main types of flashing: step flashing or continuous flashing. Step-flashing is lower-cost because it comes in a kit with pre-formed pieces. Continuous flashing is part of a more complicated flashing system that requires more labor. Each has their pros and cons.

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Step Flashing 

Step flashing costs between $400 to $600. It’s the lowest cost type of chimney flashing largely because of its simplicity. These L-shaped pieces of flashing come in a pre-cut kit and slide right under your shingles. Most roofing contractors are familiar with this type of flashing and know how to install it.

Continuous Flashing 

Continuous flashing costs between $800 and $1,000. This type of flashing is created from a single strip of metal that’s bent to conform to the shape of your chimney and roof. It’s more difficult to install (hence the price) but has higher durability and leak protection than step flashing.

Additional Costs to Consider 

You might need to repair your flashing, but there may be a few additional expenses. This job doesn’t exist in a vacuum. In fact, many homeowners replace their flashing at the same time they replace a roof. 

Chimney Inspection

Typically, a basic chimney inspection costs $80 to $200—but a comprehensive inspection to diagnose serious structural damage could cost up to $5,000. On average, homeowners spend $255. This price typically includes a chimney cleaning. To mitigate fire hazards, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual inspections, at minimum. 

Chimney Cleaning 

As stated above, chimney cleanings are usually bundled in with an inspection. Most homeowners spend between $130 and $380 on a chimney sweep. At minimum, clean your chimney once a year at the start of the season. Between cleanings, creosote logs (which cost about $15 per log) can help loosen dangerous residue as it starts to build up.

Chimney Repairs 

If you’re repairing flashing, you may need other chimney repairs. These come at an additional cost. Here are some of the most common:

• Repairing cracks in masonry: $300–$1,000

• Repairing cracked bricks: $175–$1,500

• Repairing crumbling brick: $350–$3,000

• Repairing wood rot: $100–$4,000

• Crown repair: $150–$300

• Crown replacement: $220–$2,000

• Flue repair: $65–$100 per sq. ft.

Roof Inspection

If you notice leaks, you may need a roof inspection. Sometimes this is included in the cost of chimney repairs. After all, your contractor needs to find the issue before they can fix it. If not, expect to spend $75 to $800. At minimum, you should schedule an annual roof inspection to prevent minor problems from spiraling into a full-on roof replacement.

Roof Cleaning 

While your contractor is repairing your flashing, you may also want them to clean your roof. This essential maintenance task can help prevent the kind of decay that eventually requires a roof replacement. Roof cleaning costs anywhere from $300 to $650.

Roof Flashing Replacement

Odds are if your chimney flashing needs work, you may also have to repair other flashing on your roof. Repairing roof flashing costs $200 to $500. It can cost up to $2,000 to repair all of the flashing on your roof, including your chimney flashing. 

Roof Replacement

Some homeowners replace their flashing at the same time they replace their roofs. The typical roof replacement costs $5,000 to $12,600, though it depends on the type of roof. For example, a metal roof costs slightly more on average than asphalt shingles.

Signs Your Chimney Flashing Needs a Repair or Replacement

Damaged flashing will likely allow water to seep into your walls and ceilings, so look for these signs that your chimney flashing needs to be repaired or replaced:

• Audible or visible dripping inside your fireplace or indoors, near your chimney

• Puddles near the base of your chimney or in your fireplace

• Discolored bricks

• Damp mortar, especially where the chimney meets the wall

• Moisture on the walls near the chimney

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney

• Rust stains on the exterior of your home near your chimney

• Gaps in the caulking around the chimney or peeling caulk

Cost to Repair or Replace Chimney Flashing Yourself

If you replace your chimney flashing yourself, you’ll save on labor fees. Based on the national average rate of $75 per hour and an estimated four hours to complete the job, you’ll save $300 or more from your total cost. 

However, if you DIY, you will be responsible for buying or renting the necessary equipment, in addition to the flashing material itself. A tube of caulk costs around $10, but you could spend as much as $200 per roll of copper flashing. You’ll also need to buy safety gear to keep yourself secure on the roof. If you don’t already own these items, or have access to them through a friend or family member, you may find it’s more cost-effective to leave this job to the pros.

DIY vs. Hiring a Roofer 

Most homeowners spend $20 to $200 on DIY flashing repairs or replacements (provided they have the necessary tools and safety equipment). The same job could cost anywhere from $200 to $1,600 if you hire a professional roofer. This means you could save hundreds on a DIY job—but the key word is could.

If you don’t install flashing correctly, it’s a one-way ticket to water damage. This could lead to thousands of dollars worth of repairs. While some handy homeowners can install step flashing, it’s never a good idea to try to install continuous flashing on your own because it has a difficult installation process that requires in-depth knowledge. Regardless, all roof repairs come with a risk of injury. It’s usually a better idea to just hire a roof repair company near you and avoid working on your roof.

Tips to Reduce Cost While Replacing Your Chimney Flashing

The best way to reduce the cost of replacing your chimney flashing is to get an annual chimney inspection, which can spot problems before they require expensive repairs. Hiring a chimney professional to perform a visual chimney inspection will cost anywhere from $100 to $600. If you have a single chimney with no visible damage, you can expect to pay $100 to $300, while a more complex chimney structure with visible damage that obscures the inspector’s line of sight will cost substantially more.

Beyond keeping up with maintenance, you can save money by shopping smart. Here are some other tips to reduce flashing costs:

• Choose a lower-cost type of flashing: Copper tends to be the most expensive, while steel is more affordable.

• Replace flashing during the off-season: Contractors may offer discounts to homeowners who schedule work during their off-season. Typically, chimney contractors are busiest in late summer and fall (right ahead of when people want to start using their fireplaces). Try booking right ahead of the rush.

• Bundle smaller jobs together: You can typically save money on smaller jobs (like minor flashing repair) if you bundle it with other roof repairs.