Everything you need to know to build a smokin’ hot chimney
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Sitting by the fireplace on a cold evening is a timeless comfort. That’s one of the reasons that fireplaces and, consequently, chimneys remain popular today, even though there are modern heating alternatives. Whether you’re building or buying a house, it’s worth knowing the ins and outs of fireplace and chimney design; the two go hand in hand and affect the interior and exterior of the home. Most chimneys are sorted into two categories: masonry chimneys and prefabricated chimneys. We’ll explain both types in our detailed chimney guide below.
| Type of Chimney | Life Span (in Years) |
|---|---|
| Masonry | 50–100 |
| Prefabricated | 10–30 |
If asked to picture a chimney, the first image that likely pops into your mind is a masonry chimney. They have been around for centuries and are widely considered the traditional style. The name stems from the masonry materials used to build them, specifically brick, stone, or concrete. They are typically paired with wood-burning fireplaces but can work with gas-powered fireplaces too. Another key characteristic is that masonry chimneys are built at the site of the home—literally brick by brick—rather than prefabricated at a separate location.
Masonry chimneys are more expensive to build and repair than prefabricated ones. While figures vary based on the materials used (brick tends to be cheaper than stone) and the size of the project, installing a masonry chimney costs around $6,500 on average. Rebuilding a masonry chimney ranges anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. However, there are benefits to spending more for a masonry chimney, including aesthetic appeal and an increase in home value.
Masonry chimneys also come in endless shapes and designs. Perhaps the most common style is a square brick chimney, and there’s an array of crowns and caps that can make every chimney feel unique.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting | More expensive than prefabricated |
| Aesthetic beauty and diversity of designs | Prone to cracking, especially the mortar |
| Increase home value | Require more maintenance |
| Superior heat reflection | More susceptible to water damage |
Best for:
Home buyers who prefer an ageless, natural look
Maximizing the heat from your fireplace
The other primary type of chimney, and one that’s gained popularity in recent decades, is a prefabricated chimney. The term relates to how these chimneys are pre-built in factories, either in pieces or in their entirety, and then transported to home construction sites. As a result, they are also referred to as “factory-built chimneys.”
The vast majority of prefabricated chimneys are made of metal. Sometimes prefabricated chimneys and metal chimneys are considered two different categories, but for simplicity’s sake, most contractors and chimney inspectors consider them the same thing. It’s rare to find a metal chimney that hasn’t been prefabricated or, inversely, a prefabricated chimney that isn’t made of metal.
Prefabricated chimneys are easy to spot on rooftops because of their cylindrical metal pipes and caps. While they are less eye-catching than a stately brick chimney, they offer several advantages, one of which is cost. Prefabricated chimneys typically cost $100 to $150 per linear foot, making for an overall average price of $3,750. They can also be installed quickly and require little maintenance. Bear in mind that prefabricated chimneys have shorter lifespans than masonry ones, so they may need to be replaced if you stay in the house long enough. If so, you’ll have to contact a local chimney repair expert.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable to install and repair | Shorter lifespan than a masonry chimney |
| Less likely to leak or have animals enter | Not as visually appealing |
| Suit most house styles | Less heat-efficient than brick and stone |
| Require less upkeep | More susceptible to storm and fire damage |
Best for:
Homeowners on a budget
Those who don’t want to fret about consistent maintenance
With modern advances in indoor heating, not every house needs a chimney. So, how do you know if the house you’re building needs one? Here’s how to tell based on the type of fireplace you own or are planning to install:
It’s necessary to have a chimney for heating sources that emit smoke. That means fireplaces that burn wood, coal, or pellets as fuel always require a chimney.
When it comes to gas-burning fireplaces, chimneys are not always necessary. Most gas fireplaces require a ventilation system to safely diffuse emissions like carbon monoxide; however, it doesn’t have to be a traditional chimney flue that ventilates through the roof. Instead, all that might be required is a pipe that ventilates through the wall behind the fireplace. Some gas fireplaces are even designed to be vent-free and can be set up anywhere in the house.
The last option is an electric fireplace. One of their biggest benefits is that they don’t require a chimney or vent to work.
Whether you have a masonry chimney or a metal one, it’s best to hire an expert for installation or repairs rather than attempt the job yourself. The DIY route is appealing because it would eliminate the cost of labor, but chimneys are dangerous work. Not only are they high up and require precarious tip-toeing on rooftops, but there are health and safety risks if the job is done improperly. Those risks include exposure to toxic fumes like carbon monoxide, structural collapse, and house fires.
