Highlights
The cost to repair or replace a chimney crown ranges from $100 to $3,000, depending on material and damage.
Most homeowners pay an average of $1,550 for chimney crown work.
Labor makes up most of the cost for chimney crown projects.
Sometimes fixing a problem can be as easy as cleaning your chimney crown.
You should call a chimney pro to handle any crown work.
There’s nothing like the toasty warmth of a fireplace, and the statuesque beauty of a chimney. Of course, you want to keep your chimney and its crown in tip-top shape. For most homeowners, the average cost for chimney crown work is $1,550. If your chimney crown needs a simple repair, you could pay as little as $100. If it needs extensive repairs, or full replacement, costs could reach $3,000, depending on damage, material, and labor. Let’s take a closer look at all the costs of chimney crown repair and replacement.
Average Cost to Repair or Replace a Chimney Crown:
| High | Average | Low |
|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $1,550 | $100 |
Chimney Crown Repair or Replacement Prices by Material
Chimney replacement or repair costs vary based on the material you use. Here's a look at replacement prices for common chimney crown materials:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Brick | $75–$1,200 |
| Concrete | $80–$2,200 |
| Metal | $200–$1,100 |
| Stainless Steel | $500–$1,000 |
When comparing prices on the lower end for repairs to prices on the higher end for replacement, it's important to note that leaving on a crown that needs replacement can allow damage to linger until a full fireplace replacement is necessary.
Chimney Crown Repair or Replacement Installation Cost
Labor accounts for 75% to 80% of the cost of a chimney crown repair or replacement. Local chimney repair contractors typically charge between $50 and $140 per hour for labor for repair and replacement services. Chimney crown replacements are sometimes charged at flat rates. A replacement project can take one to three hours.
Chimney Crown Repair or Replacement Cost by Type
The severity and depth of chimney crown damage determines how much it will cost to get your chimney crown smoothed out.
Clearing Debris
Fixing an issue with your chimney crown could be as simple as getting a chimney cleaning. If you're bringing in a pro to clear debris from your chimney crown as part of routine chimney maintenance, costs range from $100 to $300 for this specific task.
Moss Clearing
If your chimney crown has moss growth, the cost to have it cleared away using eco-friendly, human-safe cleaning methods that help to prevent future growth ranges from $250 to $700.
Repairing a Cracking Chimney Crown
If your chimney crown is cracking, the price to fix the problem ranges from $300 to $2,200. The job becomes more expensive with multiple cracks. Expect your contractor to suggest a crown replacement if your estimate for repairing cracks exceeds $2,500.
Resurfacing a Chimney Crown
A resurfacing project that fills thicker cracks to create a smooth finish is an alternative to a full replacement that can cost between $800 and $1,200. Once damaged areas are filled, the entire surface of the crown is coated in a protective paint membrane.
Sealing a Chimney Crown
Chimney crown sealing is typically performed as part of a larger repair project instead of a standalone treatment once all cracks have been addressed. During the process, a waterproof sealant is applied to the crown to provide protection against the elements. Chimney crown sealing services typically cost between $175 and $600.
Replacing a Chimney Crown
If your chimney crown isn't salvageable, the cost for a full replacement is between $1,800 and $3,000.
Chimney Repair and Replacement Cost Factors
The depth of your chimney crown's damage ultimately determines the cost to fix the problem. Larger cracks will need comprehensive resurfacing instead of individualized crack fillings. If your crown is severely damaged, your chimney pro is likely to recommend a replacement to help you preserve the structural integrity of your chimney.
Cost to Repair or Replace a Chimney Crown Yourself
Some people opt to purchase something called brushable chimney crown repair paint that forms a flexible waterproof membrane over a crown. Typically, this is a cement-based coating intended for repairing cracks and gaps in chimney crowns that sells for between $70 and $100 per gallon.
The cost of a new stainless steel chimney crown ranges from $400 to $600. While forming kits can be purchased for specialty crowns, this is not a common DIY project.
DIY vs. Hire a Chimney Crown Pro
Homeowners can use a store-bought chimney crown repair paint for minor cracks—using safe ladder practices, of course. However, a DIY chimney crown repair may cause a homeowner to overlook serious crown damage that needs a more thorough solution to preserve the chimney and fireplace.
Installing a new chimney crown is a complicated process that involves forming a crown from scratch. It's not considered a DIY job for someone without masonry and concrete experience.
FAQs
What are chimney crowns made from?
Chimney crowns are typically made from stone, concrete, and metal. Most crowns are formed from concrete.
Does a cracked chimney crown need to be replaced?
Some cracked chimney crowns should be replaced to preserve the structural integrity of the chimney and fireplace. However, most cracked chimney crowns can be fixed using a filling or resurfacing process.
Where is the chimney crown located?
Chimney crowns are located above the final brick layer at the top of a chimney.
Is a chimney crown the same as a chimney cap?
No, chimney crowns and chimney caps aren't the same. While chimney caps protect the area at the top of the chimney flue, an additional cap is still needed.
Why is it necessary to have your chimney crown inspected?
Most chimney crowns cannot be seen from the street or yard. As a result, most homeowners are completely unaware that their damaged or deteriorating chimney crowns need repairs or replacements. Chimney inspection videos offered by contractors can allow you to see the damage.
What problem can a cracked chimney crown cause?
Cracked chimney crowns that aren't repaired properly can cause leaks.
