How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost?

A Guide to Chimney Repair Costs

If your chimney is showing signs of wear like crumbling mortar or loose bricks, understanding the cost to fix it is key. Whether it’s repairing chimney flashing or repointing the chimney, this guide covers everything you need to know about chimney repair costs and what to expect.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Chimney repair average costs
2. Chimney repointing cost
3. Chimney flashing repair cost
4. Chimney stack repair costs
5. Hidden chimney repair costs to avoid
6. How to keep your chimney in top condition
7. Connect with verified chimney repair professionals on MyBuilder
8. FAQ: Common questions about chimney repair costs

Chimney Repair Average Costs

Keeping your chimney well cared for helps you avoid costly repairs and keeps everything running smoothly. Regular check-ups and fixing problems early help your chimney last longer and keep your home safe. It’s a simple way to protect your property and enjoy peace of mind.

The average chimney repair cost can vary based on the type and extent of the damage. Typically, repair costs range from £500 to £2,000, depending on several factors.

Repair task	Cost
Chimney repointing	£500–£2,000
Chimney flashing repair	£250–£1,200
Chimney flue repair or relining	£800–£1,500
Chimney stack rebuild	£2,000–£10,000+
Minor repairs (cracks, bricks)	£150–£250 per day
Scaffolding	£300 per tower or £20 per m²

Note: Regular chimney sweeping is a key part of preventive maintenance that can help you avoid costly repairs. For more details, see our chimney sweep cost guide.

Chimney Repointing Cost

Repointing your chimney is an important task that involves removing old, damaged mortar and applying fresh mortar between the bricks. This helps to prevent water from seeping in, protecting your chimney and home from costly damage.

The cost of repointing a chimney can vary significantly. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around £750, with a typical range of £500 to £2,000.

Scenario	Cost
Bungalow	£200–£700
Semi-detached (side chimney)	£600–£900
Semi-detached (central chimney)	£900–£1,500
Detached house	£700–£900

Don’t forget: The choice of materials and the complexity of the job are key factors that influence the overall cost of repointing a chimney.

Before you commit to repairing your chimney, it’s important to find a couple of chimney repair professionals in your area and get quotes from different companies. Just post your job on MyBuilder today, then chimney repair professionals ready to take on your job will get in touch.

Find chimney repair

Chimney Flashing Repair Cost

Chimney flashing seals the space between your chimney and roof to stop water leaks. Over time, it can wear out or get damaged, which might lead to costly water damage if not fixed.

Repair costs usually range from £250 to £1,200, depending on the job and whether scaffolding is needed. For example, a simple patch without scaffolding costs about £250, while jobs requiring scaffolding can cost between £550 and £650.

Key factors affecting costs include:

• Severity of the damage: The more damage there is, the higher the cost.
• Scaffolding: This is often needed for multi-storey homes and adds to the expense. For a full breakdown, see our scaffolding cost guide.
• Local labour prices: These tend to be higher in places like London.

Getting a roofer to inspect and quote ensures the right repair and protects your home in the long term.

If you’re unsure what type of chimney repair you need, just post your job on MyBuilder today and interested chimney repair specialists in your area can get back to you with their tips and advice.

Post my job

Chimney Stack Repair Costs

Chimney stacks safely channel smoke and gases away from your home but can wear down over time due to weather exposure. Repair costs vary widely, typically from around £2,000 to £10,000 or more for major repairs or full rebuilds, depending on the damage, location and materials used.

Here’s a quick cost guide for common chimney stack repairs:

• Fixing minor cracks: Usually about £150–£250 per day, plus materials.
• Replacing damaged bricks or stones: Similarly priced at around £150–£250 per day, excluding materials.
• Full chimney stack rebuild: If the damage is severe, this can cost between £2,000 and £10,000+, depending on complexity and size.

These estimates cover labour and materials but may vary based on your home’s specifics and local labour rates.

MyBuilder Tip: Installing a chimney cap can help protect your stack from rain, debris and animals. For all chimney cap installation cost details, visit our price guide.

Hidden Chimney Repair Costs to Avoid

While the main repair costs may seem manageable, unexpected expenses can quickly increase your budget. Knowing about them in advance helps you prepare financially and avoid unpleasant surprises.

• Delivery or disposal fees: Some repairs need special materials that come with extra delivery fees, or old materials that need disposing of.
• Permit costs: In some cases, permits or consent may be needed for extensive work, for example on listed buildings, in conservation areas, or when scaffolding sits on a public pavement. Make sure you account for these in your budget.
• Weather delays: Unfavourable weather can delay work, leading to higher labour costs and a longer project timeline.
• Structural damage repair: Once work begins, hidden structural damage may be discovered, which needs additional repairs beyond the original scope.

MyBuilder Tip: Always add 10–20% to your initial budget for unforeseen expenses. This cushion can help you manage the financial impact of unexpected repairs.

How to Keep Your Chimney in Top Condition

Regularly checking and caring for your chimney helps it last longer and work better. Dealing with problems early saves you money and keeps your home safer.

• Schedule an annual chimney inspection to detect potential issues early.
• Keep your chimney clean with regular sweeps to prevent soot build-up and blockages.
• Check for visible cracks or deterioration in the mortar to address minor damage before it worsens.
• Install a chimney cap to keep debris, animals and weather out.
• Ensure proper ventilation in your home to avoid moisture building up around the chimney.

A local chimney sweep can help maintain and repair your chimney, which will keep it in good condition for longer.

Connect With Verified Chimney Professionals on MyBuilder

Every tradesperson on MyBuilder goes through relevant ID and skills checks, so you can hire with more confidence than before. It only takes a couple of minutes to post your job today, then interested chimney repair professionals can register their interest in the job. You can also browse our directory, check reviews and see images of their past repairs.

Start my chimney repair

FAQ: Common Questions About Chimney Repairs

What are the common signs that indicate the need for chimney repair or repointing?

Common signs that your chimney needs repair or repointing include crumbling mortar, which can lead to loose bricks, and visible cracks on the exterior of the chimney. Also look for white staining, known as efflorescence, caused by moisture penetration, or rust on the damper or firebox, as these indicate water damage.

How often should I consider repointing my chimney to maintain its condition?

The frequency of chimney repointing depends on factors including the local climate, the materials used, and how exposed the chimney is to the elements. Generally, you should expect to repoint a chimney every 20 to 30 years.

How do I know if my chimney needs repairing?

Look for signs like cracked or missing bricks, crumbling mortar, rust on metal parts, water stains on interior walls or ceilings, a leaning chimney, or smoke backing up into the house. If you notice any of these, it’s time to get a professional inspection.

Are chimney repairs covered by home insurance?

It depends on your policy and the cause of damage. Many policies cover sudden damage like storm or fire, but not wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Always check your specific policy and talk to your insurer to understand what’s included.