Here’s What You Should Know About Chimney Repair Costs
The problem with chimney damage is that they are progressive. So, the longer you wait, the more costly it will be to repair the chimney damage. Also, it is essential to remember that the chimney is attached to your home. It connects to the roofline with metal flashing that creates a watertight seal to prevent moisture intrusion.
As the chimney damage worsens, it weakens the structure’s integrity which could ultimately lead to a partial or complete collapse resulting in severe property damage. Also, your homeowner’s insurance likely requires ensuring the chimney and attached heating appliances are appropriately maintained, like having annual inspections and periodic cleaning. As a result, you could be responsible for some or all the damage it may cause to your home.
Average Chimney Repairs Cost
The actual cost for chimney repair will vary by region, condition, and extent of the repair. However, you can expect that the chimney repairs cost will average somewhere between $300 to $4,000 in the Western New York area. It is best to consult with a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep like Felgemacher Masonry and Chimney to receive an accurate estimate of repairs for your chimney. If you reside in the Greater Rochester or Buffalo areas, call us at (716) 907-4914 or (585) 308-4914 to schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection and repair estimate.
Chimney Crown Repair
The chimney crown is the concrete surface that tops the entire masonry structure. It has a slope that deflects rain, snow, and wind away from the chimney. Over time, it is common for cracks to develop on the surface. If you keep up with your annual chimney inspections and cracks in the crown are found in its early stages, the average repair cost is about $400 to $500. However, if the crown is severely damaged, it can cost up to $2,000 to $3,000 for a crown rebuild.
Flue Liner Repair
Many homeowners in the Buffalo and Western New York areas still have older clay tile liners. The flue liner protects the masonry from the flames and intense heat while you’re enjoying your gas or wood-burning fireplace. These clay tiles will eventually crack, burst, or peel due to wear and tear chimney fire or other damage requiring repair. Depending on the extent of the damage, it can cost anywhere from $500 to repair a few clay tiles, up to $7,000 if you need a flue liner replacement. Failing to repair or replace a damaged flue liner increases the risk of fire and exposure to carbon monoxide in your home.
Chimney Tuckpointing
Most masonry chimneys in our region need chimney tuckpointing to repair damaged brick and mortar. Our winter weather with continuous periods of freezing rain, snow, and ice followed by warmer afternoons can cause brick and mortar to crack, chip, and spall, exposing gaps in the mortar joints. It reduces the heating efficiency of your fireplace or heating stove, so you will need to use more fuel to keep warm, but it also increases fire and carbon monoxide risk. Again, the earlier you repair the damage, the less costly it will be. The average tuckpointing repair is around $1,000, but the cost can be exceedingly higher if several sections of the chimney need repair. Neglecting masonry damage can lead to a partial or complete chimney collapse, which could cost up to $15,000 or more to rebuild the chimney, not to mention any additional property damage a structural failure may cause.
CSIA-Certified Chimney Repairs in Western New York
Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney provides CSIA-Certified chimney repairs in Gardenville, Pittsford, and Greater Rochester and Buffalo communities. We also work with homeowners’ insurance claims. Call (716) 907-4914 or (585) 308-4914 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!
