Everything You Need to Know About Rebuilding a Chimney

A crackling fire in a fireplace on a frigid winter day is not only comforting for your soul but also important for surviving the coldest months of the year. But if you’ve noticed signs that your chimney needs some TLC, it’s important to fix it sooner rather than later. From figuring out if you need a rebuild to knowing what kind of rebuild you need, we’ve got you covered.

Types of Chimney Rebuilds

The most common types of chimneys are masonry or factory-built, prefab chimneys. The partial and roofline rebuild usually only applies to brick chimneys. Techs should replace or repair prefab chimneys only according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Partial Rebuild

The most common type of rebuild is the partial chimney rebuild. A pro will remove all of the damaged bricks and other chimney components, but will leave what’s structurally sound. Then, they will rebuild the new portion. Often, this might be a new chimney crown rebuild, as they can take the brunt of any damage from harsh weather.

Rebuilding From the Roofline Up

A roofline chimney rebuild requires everything to be rebuilt from the roof flashing upwards, including a new crown and cap. This is the part of the chimney that’s exposed to the weather and natural elements, so it’s not unusual for bricks to deteriorate unnoticed without a proper maintenance schedule.

Complete Rebuild

If the chimney is leaning, falling apart, or not built to code, it’s likely that you’ll need a complete rebuild.

A complete chimney rebuild means everything is broken down and hauled off. This includes both the exterior parts of a chimney as well as the interior (like the chimney flue).

Once the pro clears off the area, they’ll build a new chimney from scratch. They may be able to salvage some components of the fireplace. The general steps for a complete rebuild are:

1. Initial assessment of the chimney’s condition

2. Preparing the surrounding area and ensuring proper safety measures are in place

3. Careful demolition by section

4. Foundation inspection and any necessary repairs

5. Rebuilding the chimney based on new design and specifications

6. Flue and liner installation

7. Chimney cap and crown installation

8. Final inspection and clean-up

What Causes Damage to Chimneys?

Photo: arak7 / Adobe Stock

Chimneys face the harshest weather, from rain, sleet, and snow. Due to this, it’s important to have a properly installed chimney from the start to withstand these conditions. But even the most well-built chimneys will start to show wear and tear after 30 or more years. Some common damages a chimney will face include:

• Moisture and freezing

• Creosote buildup

• Cracks in masonry

• Chimney settlement

• Chimney lining issues

• Chimney crown damage

Most of these issues are resolved with regular chimney maintenance and inspections, which should be done at least annually.

Signs You Need to Rebuild Your Chimney

Checking your chimney regularly for signs of damage is crucial to reduce risks for fires, CO2 buildup, water damage to your home, and more.

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to spot all serious problems with a DIY visual inspection. For example, there could be a crack in the chimney in the attic that only a service tech might notice during a professional chimney inspection. A crack like this can leak exhaust, leading to poor air quality and an increased risk of house fires. For these reasons, it’s important to conduct regular maintenance.

Here are some signs you need a rebuild:

• Crack in the chimney

• Chimney is tilting

• Bricks are cracked, chipped, broken, or crumbling

• White bricks

• Damaged crown

• Flue tiles falling into your fireplace

• Water damage in the home

Many of these problems arise because the chimney takes the brunt of the harsh weather. For example, if you live in a cold climate, the constant cycle of freezing and thawing can damage bricks over time. This type of damage is called spalling, which causes bricks to peel or flake. Additionally, when rain, snow, or ice seep into the bricks, the moisture can weaken the bricks and cause them to crack.

Benefits of Rebuilding a Chimney

There are many pros to having your chimney rebuilt, and arguably, the only con is the cost of getting it done. So although you might not be thrilled about the hit to your wallet, here are the positives to consider:

• Prevents leakage: New mortar, caps, flashing, and cricket systems all help prevent moisture leaks.

• Improved safety: You can be confident that you’ve done all you can to reduce the risk of house fires.

• Better performance: Your chimney will do a better job of removing gases and circulating air.

• Increase resale value: Potential buyers will be pleased with an updated chimney.

• Prevent pests: A new chimney is well-sealed to keep the critters at bay.

• New design: This is a great opportunity to incorporate a new design or style to reflect your personal tastes

When to Repair vs. Rebuild a Chimney

A professional chimney inspector will tell you if rebuilding a chimney is necessary, or if they can repair your chimney.

Generally speaking, pros can repair your chimney if there are no structural issues and the only problem is with the mortar. You might notice problems like spaces between joints or cracked mortar joints. As long as your bricks are still good and the chimney was built to code, techs can do a repointing job. This means that they will remove the old mortar and replace it with brand new mortar.

On the other hand, if your chimney has structural issues, you’ll need to consider the chimney replacement options. You’ll either need a partial or a complete rebuild. The signs of structural problems are broken bricks, large cracks, or water leaks. Usually, rebuilds are necessary after years of neglect or after natural events like lightning strikes.

How to Properly Maintain a Chimney

The best way to prevent costly chimney rebuilds is by conducting maintenance on a regular schedule. Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Ongoing chimney maintenance is best handled by a pro as they will have the proper tools and equipment to reach far up into your chimney. Additionally, improper maintenance can actually lead to issues and expensive repairs down the line, like structural damage or moisture buildup.

During chimney maintenance, your pro will:

• Remove soot, debris, and creosote from chimney flue, liner, and other components

• Inspect the flue liner and chimney crown for damage

• Address any additional damage found (or provide a repair quote if damage requires follow up attention)

Still, there are some simple tasks you should do year-round to maintain your chimney. Follow this checklist:

• Clean the inside of your fireplace with regular dusting

• Only burn hardwoods to avoid excessive buildup

• Visually inspect it for creosote buildup (and call a pro when noticed)

• Listen for any animal activity inside the chimney

Is It Possible to Rebuild a Chimney Yourself?

Chimney rebuilding is one of the jobs that require a fully trained and experienced tech. Because of the dangerous nature of the work, it is not for DIYers to take on. You should hire a certified chimney tech with high reviews and years of experience. The right tech will review their inspection documentation with you to help you understand whether you need a repair, a partial rebuild, or a complete rebuild.

How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild a Chimney?

The cost of replacing a chimney ranges between $3,100 and $15,500. Partial rebuilds cost $1,000 to $3,000 or $5,000 and more for complex jobs. Complete rebuilds cost an average of $10,000, though actual costs vary widely depending on your project needs. If your only need a repair, the average chimney repair cost falls around $500 depending on the severity of the damage.